Consider
this equation that popped into my head today: Awareness + Adversity =
Breakthrough.
I’ve
talked several times of late about my desire to and practice in becoming a much
more patient person. It is working so well that I get these ‘ah-ha’ moments
realizing that I am actually exercising considerable, if not extreme patience in
a normally stressful or irritating situation. Tonight there were more than one
and it is so interesting to become aware that I am aware, or to see myself
being patient.
It
also struck me tonight that it adversity plays a major role in the process.
Without adversity, there would be no need to learn, no thing to change,
overcome, or make peace with. So, based on that, once we become aware, or desire
to change and know we can by being aware of our reactions, then making changes
in the thought process that creates the reactions changing them to responses
instead is the work. Without the awareness, we would just keep repeating
the same old reactionary patterns from the past.
Consequently,
I began to actually get excited about the idea of adversity being in the mix and
playing a part in my growth to the point of having gratitude for it being there.
Again, without the adverse situation, it would not be possible to change,
nor would there be a need to.
Breakthrough
of course is that “ah-ha” moment. It is the realization that we have come
through and are actually doing that which we hoped to achieve, which is to
purposely and consciously be patient with as natural a response as can
be.
So,
to put it together, as I become more aware and meet adverse or irritating
situations, or things, I have the opportunity to practice my patience, and in so
doing achieve breakthroughs that strengthen, encourage and excite me to continue
to grow into more patience. Because I really do believe that he who is a master
of patience is a master of everything else.
