Vandana Sehgal
Author, Founder – A New You
In this fast-paced world, patience and tolerance have become increasingly difficult to follow virtues. Patience, the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of challenges, and tolerance, the willingness to accept and understand differences, are crucial for maintaining healthy relationships, fostering personal growth, and creating harmonious societies.
Patience and tolerance are not merely passive qualities but are active choices that shape our interactions and perceptions.
Erica, a smart and proactive nurse was talking to her colleague, Anurag about long working nights and lack of skilled resources when her line manager – Sooraj joined the conversation. They both went quite for a moment and then switched the topic.
Sooraj sensed the discomfort and mentioned about the open and fair work culture, “I appreciate when my team talks to me directly. It helps me to support them better.”
Erica knew Anurag was an introvert who always came up with remarkable reasoning but will initiate the discussion till supported, so she added, “we are concerned about our health. For seven months, we have been working on low resources which is leading to additional burden on us. We are unable to relax or exercise. Above all with increased working hours we are spending less time with family.”
Sooraj heard Erica and looked at Anurag, “does everyone feels the same?”
“I can say for my department. We feel our patience is being tested,” said Erica instantly
To which Anurag added, “Sooraj there is a thin line between patience and tolerance.”
This summarised everything they were going through for months. It forced Sooraj to immediately approach management to hire good nurses and develop a schedule where everyone feels supported. He knew hiring take a while, so he worked on new break schedule and holidays which created spare time to spend with family. He also offered free counselling sessions with hospital’s psychologist to look after their wellbeing.
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Patience is a virtue that allows individuals to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience. It involves controlling impulsive reactions, managing frustration, and maintaining a long-term perspective. Patience is not about passive waiting, but an active choice to respond thoughtfully and positively in various situations. By practicing patience, individuals can avoid unnecessary conflicts, improve decision-making, and enhance emotional well-being.
Tolerance, on the other hand, is the capacity to accept and respect diverse viewpoints, cultures, and lifestyles. It is the foundation of harmonious coexistence in multicultural societies. Tolerance promotes empathy and understanding, reducing prejudice and discrimination. When people practice tolerance, they contribute to a more inclusive and peaceful world, where differences are celebrated rather than feared.
Challenges to Developing Patience and Tolerance: In a world accustomed to instant gratification, cultivating patience and tolerance can be challenging. Technological advancements have developed the habit of gaining immediate results, making it difficult to embrace the slowness and pause. Additionally, the prevalence of multiple contradicting narratives in media and politics are reducing our capacity for tolerance. As individuals, we are resisting different perspectives but asking for acceptance for our viewpoint.
Strategies for Cultivating Patience and Tolerance:
Mindfulness Practice: Engaging in mindfulness meditation can help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and emotions. This heightened self-awareness allows for better control over impulsive reactions and the development of patience.
Empathy Building: Actively seeking to understand the experiences and perspectives of others can enhance tolerance. Reading literature from different cultures, engaging in intercultural conversations, and volunteering in diverse communities can broaden one’s outlook.
Practicing Delayed Gratification: Setting goals that require time and effort to achieve can train individuals to embrace patience. This could involve pursuing hobbies, academic achievements, or professional milestones that demand perseverance.
Effective Communication: Learning to communicate constructively during disagreements or conflicts is a crucial aspect of both patience and tolerance. By actively listening and expressing thoughts calmly, individuals can maintain respectful interactions.
Stress Management: Developing stress-coping mechanisms, such as deep breathing, exercise, and time management, can prevent frustration from undermining patience and tolerance.
Impact on Individuals and Communities: When patience and tolerance are nurtured, individuals experience reduced stress levels, improved relationships, and enhanced emotional intelligence. On a larger scale, communities benefit from increased mental an emotional wellness, reduced conflicts, and the creation of inclusive environments that celebrate diversity.
About A New You:
We all deserve to have everything in our life exactly the way we want it.The first step begins with believing that every moment is bringing an opportunity to be a new you. As a founder, I provide tools to elevate all dimensions of your life and I teach you the art of writing to reach to your true potential.
Vandana Sehgal | Founder – A New You
