Welcome back to a journey within. As we continue our new year of discovery, we are honored to continue Mahen’s Alphabet of Emotional Intelligence.
First launched last January, this series remains a vital part of Mahen’s enduring legacy, exploring the inner landscapes that shape how we experience the world. Join us as we continue our trek through the alphabet, uncovering the emotional tools that continue to enrich our travels and our lives.
P – Patience: Trust the timing of our journey.
Patience means facing life’s challenges with the strength and courage we have. It’s continuing to love and laugh no matter what, because we all know that circumstances will change. Love and laughter give life deeper meaning and help us stay determined to have Patience. Patience teaches us to sow the seed in the form of right actions and to allow the fruits of those actions to ripen in their own time. We don’t need to think about the future benefits of what we do now, because we know we will receive what we need when the time is right. Patience is essential to daily life—and might be key to a happy one. Having Patience means being able to wait calmly in the face of frustration or adversity.
Patience is not about giving up or feeling tired. It’s a positive trait, the ability to wait for the right moment. There are many examples that show Patience: The lioness waiting in the grass for her prey, moving only her tail for hours. The old monk waiting for God, with wise and calm eyes. The slow growth of a strong oak tree, starting as a tiny acorn and growing bit by bit. We live in a fast-paced world with fast trains, cars, walking, and fast-food restaurants. Even our view of growth is sped up with special cameras. Speed isn’t bad, but we need to ask: Does speed make us stop thinking? If it does, we may rush through life without reflecting. This can be dangerous. Maybe we need to make room for Patience.
Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and we’ll encounter all sorts of drivers along the way. Some will speed past us, while others will crawl along. Some will be courteous and let us merge, while others will honk and gesture. But don’t let their behavior dictate our journey. Stay focused on our own path, and keep moving forward. And when someone does inevitably switch lanes without a signal, just take a deep breath, smile, and keep on driving. Don’t let their recklessness ruin our trip. Instead, use it as an opportunity to practice empathy, understanding and Patience. After all, life is a journey, not a destination. The road may be long and winding, but with the right attitude, we’ll arrive at our destination feeling fulfilled, grateful, and ready for whatever comes next. So drive carefully, drive kindly, and enjoy the ride and BE PATIENCE.
“Learning Patience can be a difficult experience, but once conquered, we will find life is easier.”
Stay tuned for Letter Q
