The root of the word *patient* means “to endure.”
Patience is normally seen as a kind of self-sacrifice
in which one tolerates unpleasant conditions for
prolonged periods.

When you understand that self-sacrifice ultimately
hurts both the self and the intended beneficiary, you
have to wonder if patience is really “a virtue.”

But what about parents who are truly calm, centered,
and creative even when their children “misbehave” –
aren’t they being patient?

While bystanders may look at them and see patience,
the parents themselves aren’t experiencing
unpleasantness, much less “enduring” it. More likely
they’re *enjoying* the creative process.

Today, try replacing patience with *presence*.
Be willing to be present with What Is, no matter what
arises. Return frequently to your heart’s desire and
let it inspire your actions.

Others will call you patient, but you’ll just call
it… happy.

http://dailygroove.net/patience

Feel free to forward this message to your friends! (Please include this paragraph and everything above.) Copyright (c) 2010 by Scott Noelle

Our program at Riviera PlaySchool is facilitated by experienced teachers who have the knack of staying present!  We offer a humanistic, constructivist, and mindful preschool program for the “whole child,” inspired by the best of Attachment Parenting, Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Waldorf, and Compassionate or Non-violent Communication (NVC). 

Lots of Love,

Linda