Is Patience a Skill That Can Be Taught or Learned?

Elizabeth noticed her teacher’s recent remark about patience and brought up an interesting quote:

“Patience is indeed learned and not granted, but we cannot learn patience directly. We learn patience from our lives. Over time we simply change and become more patient.”

Elizabeth herself used to be quite fiery but has become increasingly patient over the years, something she attributes to accumulated life experience and the growth that comes with it. This insight is based on a discussion on KabTV's “News with Dr. Michael Laitman,” featuring Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman, on July 1, 2024. The content was written and edited by students of Dr. Michael Laitman.

Patience: An Intangible Quality

Patience is often described as an intangible quality rather than a tangible skill. It is not something you can possess or lose in the conventional sense. Patience is more about being present and making a conscious decision to be patient. You can choose to be patient at any time, in any place, for any duration. Here’s how it works:

Recognize when you are not being patient and choose to be patient. This choice can be made anytime, anywhere, and it always works.

Willpower, discipline, and commitment are necessary for maintaining consistency. Willpower means being your word. When you are in integrity with your word, you are automatically demonstrating disciplined self-control and commitment.

Patience as a Skill

Is being patient a skill that requires honing? Yes, but it is a skill that can be learned. It is akin to learning any other valuable trait. You can observe and emulate the behavior of patient individuals and incorporate those qualities into your own life. The process is challenging but not impossible. Here are a few steps to help you on your journey:

Observe others who exhibit patience. Pay attention to their behaviors and attitudes. Learn from them how to manage your own impatience.

Add control and discipline to your own behavior. This involves setting clear goals and consistently working towards them, even when it’s not convenient.

Apply self-discipline. You don’t need anyone else to tell you when you are being impatient. You already know when you are acting impatiently, so take steps to correct that behavior.

Patience: A Virtue Worth Developing

Patient people tend to lead more fruitful and harmonious lives. Patience is a valuable virtue that brings benefits not only to the individual but also to those around them. Here are some reasons why developing patience is worthwhile:

Improved relationships: Being patient can lead to better communication and understanding in personal and professional relationships.

Reduced stress: Patience helps in managing stress and anxiety, leading to a more relaxed and stress-free life.

Increased empathy: By being patient, you become more attentive and caring towards others, promoting empathy and kindness.

Mental growth: Patience can foster mental resilience and help you overcome obstacles and challenges more effectively.

Conclusion

Patience may not be a tangible skill in the traditional sense, but it is a learned quality that can be developed over time. By observing others, applying self-discipline, and consistently making the choice to be patient, you can integrate patience into your daily life. As Elizabeth’s teacher noted, patience is a virtue that rewards everyone who cultivates it. Start today and keep working towards becoming a more patient and compassionate individual.