Patience is a virtue, its not something inherent that we are born with - something that develops along with us in the womb - but rather something we come to learn and understand.
Centuries old and told in different parables and allegories, it involves more than just waiting; it is the calm, composed acceptance of delays, difficulties, or suffering without frustration or agitation, often requiring restraint, perseverance, and wisdom.
Different religions and beliefs around the world incorporate patience as a pillar - in the Islamic faith patience usually referred to as Sabr (صبر) portrayed as endurance, perseverance, and steadfastness in the face of difficulties and adversity, is considered one of the two essential parts of faith (the other being gratitude, shukr) and is mentioned in the Quran over ninety times, highlighting its importance - in Taoism it is deeply connected with to the philosophy of wu wei (effortless action) and living in harmony with the natural order. It emphasizes waiting calmly and allowing situations to unfold naturally without force or manipulation - in Christianity it is a virtue often linked to faith and trust in God’s timing and plan it is closely tied to humility and acceptance, reflecting the idea of “Thy will be done,” where believers stop resisting their circumstances and let God’s will unfold.
There is no one path to acquiring patience everyone goes on their own journey be it through their faith or be it through personal experience. With patience one learns to live through live wholly appreciating every last second of the high and low.
“I can think. I can wait. I can fast.”
- Herman Hesse, Siddhartha