Patience is a Virtue
Patience is a virtue . . . In this article, I discuss the origins of the word patience. Discussing thoughts, feelings and behaviours Ways of coping with fear. My fear of using public transport during the increasing number of individuals in Ireland acquiring #COVID19 a virus.
My husband has a perfect sense of humour, and it was this humour that was part of my initial attraction to him. A quote that he would often say
"Patience is a virtue, have it if you can . . . ."
If patience is a virtue where does it originate, and what is its meaning? The word Virtue is French from the word "Verty" meaning moral strength, qualities and abilities.
In Latin, it translates as "Virtus" meaning goodness, valour, bravery and courage.
Patience is, therefore, a virtue, a personal trait that we can learn.
Every day our feelings impact our thoughts and both of these impact on our behaviour and vice-versa. Patience is both a behavioural and psychological concept.
Last week as the #COVID19 Virus got closer to Ireland. I was aware of feeling fearful and irritated by this virus. I wasn't feeling patient about the situation.
"Better to stay safe" Change my routine.
I realised that I could avail of free parking and walk from there to work. In changing my behaviour, I was significantly reducing my fear.
My behaviour changed from using public transport to either driving my car or parking my car and walking to work.
In this time of uncertainty, of not knowing when this time will end can be irritating.
- Be honest.
- I am feeling . . .
- Can I change my behaviour
Be Honest
At the moment we are spending more time than expected with our loved ones. They can perhaps not do something you have asked them to do. The result you are irritated with their behaviour. Or are you feeling annoyed about COVID19 restricting your plans?
Anxiety and fear are commonplace throughout the world. Covid19 has resulted in a change of routine. Routine results in feelings of security, day to day life appear not to change.
In a week, the world has changed; however, it does change every day. Let me explain:
- Each day the amount of daylight is increasing.
- The sun does not shine every day.
- Listening to or watching films or programmes changes.
- We do not see our friends every day.
-
Our communication on social media changes daily.
If we all repeated the same routine - wrote the same words, seen the same people . . . .
I am feeling . . .
Feelings are messengers that give us information about what is going on for us. For example, when we are feeling fear. It is the oldest part of our brain telling us that our lives are in danger . . .
The result of fear:
- Thinking becomes faster
- Breathing increases
- Safety disappears
Can we change our behaviour?
In changing our behaviour when, for example, we are feeling fear, we can use our senses to tell the oldest part of our brain. There is no danger here.
- Look with your eyes
- Listen with your ears
-
Walk around the space you are
In using our senses, we can then change our thinking, feeling and find a solution or be able to ask for support.
The above is a skill that will take practice, and like patience gets easier over time.
How can we get better at being patient with ourselves? Mindfulness, gratitude and journaling are three tools that are powerful at increasing our patience.
Mindfulness has been a buzz word for the last ten years or so.
Mindfulness is being in the present moment, not thinking about the past or the future...
More to follow soon.
For further information, please check out my Youtube Channel Grainne Clancy.
Important:
TherapyRoute does not provide medical advice. All content is for informational purposes and cannot replace consulting a healthcare professional. If you face an emergency, please contact a local emergency service. For immediate emotional support, consider contacting a local helpline.
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