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Grace Cheng (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

The world we live in today is characterized by rapid change, instant gratification and immediate results. While we know that patience is important, it can be difficult to slow down. The concept of patience is crucial to a variety of aspects of life, but why are we so quick to try to speed up? Healing takes time, just as many other things do. We owe it to ourselves to be patient during periods of transition.

Today, we live in the fast lane, which means we want things to happen immediately. Patience is becoming a lost art. To capitalize on this fast-lane mentality, industries will sell you products, trends, fads and gimmicks, trying to convince you that things are possible instantly.

Although it may be difficult to wait patiently for true correction and healing to take place, it is well worth the effort.  With the traditional medical model, instant fixes only delay the inevitable by covering up symptoms. You may enjoy having that headache go away quickly with a pill, or not having knee pain because of a shot, but that will not serve you well long-term. Band-Aids are not going to address the root causes of your problems in any meaningful way.

Healing takes time, regardless of the type. There is no magic wand that can suddenly improve everything. To heal our wounds, whether they are physical, mental or spiritual, we must accept the fact that time is our most valuable ally, and we must come to terms with however long it may take.

Why is patience important in the healing process?

To begin with, the human body is a complex and intricate bio-machine. We have a mechanical frame upon which we rely, as well as soft tissues and organs that are equally important. Recovery and healing of injuries are dependent upon several factors, such as the passage of time, the severity of the injury and the tissues involved. 

It is important to learn how to be patient to maintain your mental, emotional and physical well-being. A person’s ability to be patient cannot be overstated, and being patient can have beneficial effects on all areas of their life. 

The more time and energy you devote to nurturing yourself, the deeper the healing within. We can learn to trust in patience and time. As we invest in healing ourselves, we can offer and serve others in greater ways.

The Benefits of Patience in Healing

1. Regain Strength and Confidence

When we are patient and slow down, we can take time to regain strength and confidence. Hug yourself, be kind to yourself and take things one day at a time. Be grateful for your healing process.

      2. Reduce Stress

When you practice patience, you will be able to dissipate stress and determine how you respond to disappointment and frustration. All areas of your life will improve if you remain calm, and centered, and do not act rashly out of frustration. The ability to cultivate patience allows you to let go of things that are beyond your control and live with less stress and anxiety.

      3. Bring Peace to Your Mind

Practicing patience has the benefit of cultivating a peaceful mind that can lead you out of difficult situations. Simply taking the time to look within at a time when you are feeling impatient can be healing. Be aware of your surroundings to maintain a sense of calm.  Keep your stillness in mind and preserve it.  Take advantage of these moments of self-reflection to strengthen your self-control and grace.

      4. Improve Your Quality of Life

Patience can have a profound effect on the quality of your life by allowing you to notice subtle things and learn from them. In so many ways, life is about awareness and growth, from things that are always happening behind the scenes.

The concept of patience may seem to be something we either have or do not have, like a personality trait, but that is not entirely accurate. We can learn patience. Especially as we age, it becomes more critical to cultivate our willingness to be patient when dealing with recovery from an injury or illness.

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Grace has an accounting and finance background. She enjoys reading, writing, listening to music, watching movies and playing sports.