RAMESH RAJARAMAN urges us to embark on the path of patience ― a great companion and an ambassador of peace
Many times in life we encounter situations when actions of an individual have created havoc. The action may be intentional or unintentional but the outcome is rather unpleasant. When the person responsible for the action does some introspection with an open mind and without ego, analysing the motive or reason for the action, it is possible to arrive at a solution to avoid repeating such actions in future.
If the offender tries to justify or defend his action, there is no hope of any solution. The offending action may not be physical in nature; it could be uttering unwanted or unnecessary words during an interaction or using an unfriendly tone of communication.
A cool, detached analysis would help in figuring out what sparked such behaviour ― anger, frustration, ego, prejudices, preconceived notions, jealousy … the list of possible reasons is endless, given the complex nature of a human being, his unpredictability and complicated thought processes.
However, when one sifts through the maze of possible reasons, one important factor that stands out is the absence of patience and openness within the self.
In order to arrive at a solution, the first reality we should understand is that in any interaction or action we do not have control over external situations, events or the environment, be it the family, community or society or the work place. Even in a one-on-one interaction, we cannot exercise any control.
People fail to understand this important truth and expect situations everywhere to be as per their wish list or preferences.
We shouldn’t expect incidents or events to unfold according to our wish or liking. Obviously, we don’t control or influence the universe, collectively or individually. The truth is as simple as that. By going into the mode of questioning, we are doing nothing but upsetting our equanimity and creating unpleasantness for ourselves.
However, if people are patient about situations or events, the most important reward is peace. We will soon learn to think peacefully and work on practical options and solutions.
But virtues like patience don’t come overnight or automatically. We need to practise patience over a period of time and make it an intrinsic part of our nature. Most importantly, we need to get rid of all our prejudices and negativity and always have an open mind, which analyses situations and events rather than merely reacts .to them.
When we develop patience, it becomes our constant companion, which audits any situation, including the hostile one. A patient person is a good listener, approachable and very dependable, who can be counted upon for support and guidance. Such a person develops a strong network of people, who together believe that every experience is a learning experience.
Patience is an important aspect of practical spirituality. So from today, let’s start on the path of patience ― a great and important companion, and an ambassador of peace.
Ramesh Rajaraman with 40 years’ experience in Information Technology worked in leadership roles in top IT companies, and as CIO in a multi-speciality hospital in Chennai. A blogger and trainer, he loves music, trekking, travel and reading.
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Very compassionately you have discussed some very important human behaviors RAMESH jee!
Even in personal interactions patience and respect too do not arrest unnecessary reaction and un called for observations.
The world is becoming more and more divisive, filled with anger and hatred.
Even wise people are so much obsessed with their own choices and hate campaign that they see hate and anger in each expression.
May this post bring in understanding and love in the hearts of your readers.
Thank you for a timely post.
Thank You Manas Das jee for your feedback
A profound analysis about people, situations, different opinions and how patience plays a major role to succeed in every walk of life. It’s heartfelt and very true that patience in self can’t be achieved overnight it needs to be cultivated to benefit relationships with self, family, society and workplace. Those in leadership roles need to be master of this virtue which makes the person humble and approachable, then planning works/initiatives and execution becomes much easier.
Thank you so much for this great blog sir.
Regards