The Right Attitude: Patience

Patience is a form of wisdom. The story is told of the scientists in the last century who were studying a butterfly in South America that has a brief but spectacular life soaring above the jungle canopy. Its colors were magnificent. Impatiently, they decided to help by cutting the chrysalis so that it could emerge earlier and fly longer. It did emerge earlier but then fell to the ground where it flapped about pathetically in the dust. The struggle prepared it for flight by giving it exceptional strength. In learning deep relaxation, impatience is impairment. Relaxation can't be rushed. Early steps form the foundation for future skills. According to Dr. Kabat-Zinn, "To be patient is simply to be completely open to each moment, accepting it in its' fullness, knowing that, like the butterfly, things can only unfold in their own time."

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