Resources For Grief Blog

Practice Patience

During a recent walk on the beach next to an estuary, I spotted a Great Blue Heron. I sat down close by, surprised that my presence didn’t cause it to stir or fly away as it patiently surveyed the water containing dinner. Later, in my brief computer search, I learned that in some Native American cultures, Great Blue Herons symbolize patience, a virtue I find difficult to master. Admittedly, I didn’t even have the patience to wait until the heron had decided to dive in after his meal before I got up and walked on!

I’m sure you would agree, patience is a virtue required of caregivers, but not always easy to put into practice. After all, it’s not uncommon for the ones in our care to get frustrated and irritable. They might be suffering from pain or grieving the loss of their independence. Being patient means not taking their moodiness personally. It means stepping back emotionally to try to understand their unique situation by asking questions and listening attentively to their response. It means slowing down, even if feeling rushed. And last, but not least, being patient means demonstrating empathy and imagining what it must be like to be in the other person’s shoes. 

Another quote about the importance of patience comes from novelist Paul Coelho: "Why is patience so important? Because it makes us pay attention!"

Until next time...Rebecca Hauder BSN, M.Ed.

 https://www.allheartcare.com/how-to-have-patience-with-your-patient-7-tips-for-caregivers/