Patience with ourselves
It is often easier to be patient with others than with our own self. Some people are so impatient with themselves that they lose control over their thoughts and emotions. Patience with oneself does not mean self-satisfaction or laziness. It means to have the humility to bring oneself to do better.
Patience is also related to other spiritual and moral qualities. For instance, wisdom directs us to the perfect time to act or speak so that we are not considered hasty or stubborn. It enables us to measure the exact time for which patience should be exercised.
Patience also displays the quality of hope, faith and trust. It gives us the moral support we need in order to face all challenges in life.
Patience also affects our physical well-being. A person, who is forever impatient or perpetually in a hurry will have many health problems, he will not be able to eat his meals peacefully. His attitude will put extra pressure on his heart. Not only this, his performance at office or at home will also suffer.
Patience with other living creatures
Patience should not only be exercised with human beings. It is also important while dealing with other living creatures on this earth. When we sow a seed, we patiently wait for it to grow into a big plant. Is it possible for the plant to give beautiful flowers as soon as the seed is shown in the pot? Certainly not! We patiently wait for the flowers and fruits by watering it everyday and taking great care of it.
Animals also need our patience. If you try teaching tricks to an animal he will only respond if you are patient and loving with him. Sometimes children treat their pet animals impatiently. This is not a good trait. Animals are dependent on us for love, affection and care. An injured puppy or a bird also requires a great amount of patience. It is our love for animals that makes us patient towards them.
This it is not at all inappropriate to say that `patience is the mother of all virtues.’