Practicing Patience

Listen to the audio version.

0:00

Welcome back. Thanks for taking a moment to visit The Noticing Stone and capture a moment of calmness.

Patience isn’t something we have.

It’s something we practice.

And sometimes, it’s practiced just waiting in a line somewhere.

Evelyn had errands to run. Just one stop left — return a package, then home for lunch.

But there were eight people in front of her. One customer was arguing about a receipt. The clerk looked exhausted. Evelyn’s hand reached into her coat pocket and found the small, smooth stone she’d placed there that morning.

She didn’t sigh. She didn’t roll her eyes.

She just paused.

She took a  breath. No rush.

She noticed the cool, curved shape of the stone.

She heard the sound of her breath. She listened to the shuffle of coats and shoes.

She returned to a moment of calmness. Not to the clock.

When it was her turn, she smiled at the clerk—and meant it.

This is an example of what we practice at The Noticing Stone.

Patience isn’t passive. It’s an active presence.

We pause, not to wait, but to be.

We notice, not to distract, but to connect.

We return, again and again, to what is, not what should be.

Each moment we choose to slow down, we soften the grip of impatience and hold space for grace.

Studies in mindfulness and self-regulation show that even brief grounding practices (like holding an object or focusing on the breath) increase activity in the brain’s prefrontal cortex — the part that helps us regulate frustration and cultivate compassion.

Patience becomes not just possible, but natural, when we’re present.

Thank you for being here.

If a long line finds you this week, may your stone be in reach — and may your breath be close behind.

Stillness is never far away.

Remember: Mindfulness is in the palm of your hand.

Until next time,

— The Noticing Stone