By Practicing we will get better

As I type this morning, with the remnants of my strong black coffee beside me, I sit in a shaft of bright, beautiful sunlight that's just reached the tree line in the valley and bathed the room I am sitting in a warm glow. 

Its Sunday, and usually we are all up and out at various activities, commitments or sports, but today we are all home, my daughters are still fast asleep, the cats are breakfasted and enjoying the morning sniffs outside, and I am encouraging myself to have a slower morning. 

It was a very full and busy week, but I still managed to fit in several long walks, on which I often listen to Podcasts. A phrase that kept weaving through my conscious and unconscious thoughts from one of these podcasts was " By practising, we will get better." I made a note on my phone as I walked with no reference to the show I was listening to, so I actually cannot credit the quote; however, it's such a broad statement; it can be applied to so much. 

In our busy lives, it's easy to get overwhelmed or feel a little defeated if things don't quite go to plan, to give up when the results we had envisioned don't happen quickly enough, in our opinion and impatience. I myself am very much included! But small change frequently adds up to a big difference. We mustn't allow ourselves to become disheartened so quickly- In our modern society, we have become so very impatient; we have become used to things being at our fingertips or available instantaneously- looking something up online rather than tracking to the library or asking someone who might know the answer. Googling a recipe, medical condition, pet behaviour, CV template- all within easy reach with little effort. This way of gaining information and performing tasks is only going to get more automated with the phenomenal developments in AI happening daily! 

So, have we lost the art of patience and practice?

As children, we were taught to practice our penmanship, our times tables, our table manners, and our fine motor skills. These skills took years of daily effort. 

I catch myself being impatient sometimes (Often!) over many incidentals- and I have to remind myself to take a step back, and let the process work, put in the investment of time - and effort- and then we see the improvement. 

Perhaps knocked by a seasonal cold, I am so impatient to get back to my health and fitness level, wanting to literally run before I can walk. Or embarking on a healthier chapter after a lapse, and wanting to feel results straight away. 

Or getting through the editing process of my book draft- even though I have a clear vision of the published version and I am so excited and impatient to get to that point, even though I am all too aware of the many steps before that point. exercising patience! And keeping focus. 

Savouring simple daily pleasures- Curating a life of contentment also involves slowing down, daily practice, and small improvements, over time. 

Instant gratification doesn't usually serve us in the long run. We feel a sense of reward and accomplishment when we see the fruits of our labour. Even an arduous task can leave a satisfied sense of achievement once completed, but something really meaningful to us can truly fill our cups. Renewing a sense of self-worth and validation, and a glowing gift of attainment. 

PRACTICE. A lost art in patience and time. 

Good things take time, and we need to gently honour that- give yourself a little grace. Progress, not perfection. And occasionally, its necessary to move backwards- just a little- in order to fine-tune the direction, focus more clearly or just give ourselves pause to be fully grateful for what we have ALREADY. 

Then, when we are ready, we move purposely forward again.