Highlights of Humanity: Relearning the Lost Art of Patience
written by JERMAINE FOWLER I HIGHLIGHTS OF HUMANITY I May 18, 2023
Here are a few ideas, quotes, and a question to consider this week.
I.
The Main Idea
Patience is a virtue that we often forget in our fast-paced, instant-gratification society. It's a skill that we at the Humanity Archive see as integral to our mission of building an inclusive, supportive community. In the process of creating connections and fostering understanding, patience proves to be a critical component. It allows us to hold space for each other's perspectives, learn from one another, and grow collectively. As we navigate the ebb and flow of life, patience keeps us grounded, reminding us that change and growth take time.
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II.
The Patience of a Farmer
Consider for a moment the life of a farmer. The farmer meticulously prepares the soil, ensuring it's rich and conducive for the seeds. Each seed is then sowed with care, a silent prayer whispered with every one of them. Then, the wait begins. There's no rushing the process, no shortcuts. The farmer understands that growth takes time, that the sun, rain, and soil must perform their slow, beautiful dance to bring forth life.
In our relationships and businesses, we, too, are like farmers. We plant seeds of understanding, empathy, and connection. These seeds, however small, hold within them the potential for incredible growth and change. It's a process that requires dedication, care, and above all, patience. I've experienced this in my own life, yearning for outcomes that seem just out of reach. Desiring change, growth, results, but realizing that these things, like crops, need time to grow. I've had to learn to be patient, to nurture these seeds, and to understand that good things take time.
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III.
Two Quotes
This week, let's meditate on the power of patience, gleaning wisdom from the words of Samuel Beckett and Gwendolyn Brooks:
Samuel Beckett, a playwright known for his explorations of the human condition, highlights the tenacity inherent in patience:
"Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett
Gwendolyn Brooks, an African-American poet, invites us to fully appreciate each moment, a practice that inherently requires patience:
"Exhaust the little moment. Soon it dies. And be it gash or gold it will not come again in this identical guise." - Gwendolyn Brooks
Both quotes remind us that patience is not passive waiting, but an active acceptance of the process required to attain our goals. Patience encourages us to fully live in and appreciate each moment and to persist even in the face of failure.
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IV.
A Question to Ponder
How can you cultivate more patience in your personal, professional, and community life this week?
Patience is our silent guide, teaching us to value the process just as much as the outcome. In our quest for building supportive, understanding communities, let's remember to take a leaf from the farmer's book and allow time, care, and patience to work their magic.
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V.
A Question to Ponder
How can we use the wisdom of the past to shape a more just and equitable future for all, one that considers the impact of our actions on future generations?
As we contemplate what lies ahead, let's remember that we have the power to shape the future. It's up to us to come together, embrace empathy and understanding, and work towards creating a more just and equitable world for all.
V.
Cultivating Patience: An Action Plan
With the farmer's wisdom and our insightful quotes in mind, here are a few actionable steps to cultivate more patience in our lives:
1. Plant with Care: Just as a farmer plants each seed meticulously, pay attention to your actions and interactions. Each one is a seed that has the potential for growth.
2. Nurture Consistently: Provide regular care and attention to your personal and professional commitments. Remember, growth is a process that requires consistent effort and nurturing.
3. Accept the Wait: Learn to embrace the waiting period. Understand that growth and change are not instantaneous but require time.
4. Harvest with Grace: Recognize and appreciate the outcomes when they arrive, even if they're different from your expectations. Like a farmer who accepts the yield, we too must learn to accept and appreciate the fruits of our patience.
In closing, let's remember that patience isn't simply about waiting; it's about how we wait and the lessons we learn in the process. As we continue on our journey, embracing patience allows us to grow, not just as individuals, but as a community. Just like the farmer watching over their field, let's cultivate patience with the understanding that it leads to a bountiful harvest.
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