Patience—a simple word, yet upon reflection, it reveals profound depth.
Since Easter, we’ve heard much about love: as the source of all good, as a new commandment—perhaps the greatest of all. As we ponder these teachings, we recall familiar sayings that resonate deeply, especially during moments of frustration or despair when our world feels inverted. In such times, we mustn’t forget:
All good things come to those who wait.
Indeed, all good things may be founded on love, but without its virtuous partner—patience—we risk stumbling from one misfortune to another.
To be or not to be?
We needn’t be princes from Denmark to question life’s meaning. Yet, it is important to remember, embracing life solely from Hamlet’s binary perspective isn’t the solution. For, come what may, it gets better.
A more constructive interpretation of Shakespeare’s famous soliloquy might be: less is more. Often, we rush headlong from one catastrophe to another, leaving confusion and frustration in our wake. The remedy?
Stop doing and start being!
Less action, more contemplation—or meditation or prayer, if that’s your thing.
As Oscar Wilde aptly observed:
How securely one thinks one lives—out of reach of temptation, sin, folly. And then suddenly—Oh! Life is terrible. It rules us; we do not rule it. (Lady Windermere’s Fan)
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What about the age old thought of living in the moment? Stop doing—Start being…Will life not pass us by? Will we miss opportunities that come our way if we stop doing? Sometimes taking leaps makes life worth living…
You’re absolutely right—living in the moment is essential. Advocating for “less doing and more being,” it’s not about passivity or missing out on life’s opportunities. Rather, it’s an invitation to engage mindfully, to act with intention rather than react impulsively.
“Being” involves purposeful action grounded in reflection. It’s about discerning when to act and when to pause, ensuring our efforts align with our values and goals. This approach prevents the scatter of energy that comes from reacting impulsively to every opportunity or challenge.
In essence, it’s not about halting progress but about harmonising action with contemplation. By doing so, we navigate life with both passion and purpose, seizing opportunities without losing ourselves in the frenzy.