I’ve been thinking quite a bit about impatience. I see it all around me (as well as within me at times). For me, impatience is not a feel-good place. When I’m impatient, I’m also anxious. I feel my pulse quicken and my breath becomes more shallow. When I look deeper, I may find another emotion like frustration, worry, anger, or fear.
When are you most impatient?
For many people, impatience happens when they are focused on some future event. For example, you want to get somewhere in your car, and you are slowed down by heavy traffic. You curse other drivers for being in your way.
It occurs to me that impatience cannot co-exist with presence. When we are truly present, we aren’t rehashing the past or contemplating the future. When we are present, we accept what is happening. We don’t judge it; we don’t try to escape it or rush through it. Try this: the next time you are feeling impatient, slow down, and observe yourself. Shift your attention to your breath. Take several slow, deep breaths in and out. Feel the effect of gravity on your body, grounding you. Feel into the present moment and appreciate all that is present for you right now.
If you can do these things, I suspect you will feel less impatient.