Dear Anita,

Ironically, the room I am in, with 3 ladies, a topic about rushing was brought up. They were talking about different parenting styles, culturally.

I thought about this for a moment.  I have a dog, not a real human child.  But regardless.  The idea of walking from point A to point B.  With the destination in mind, point B.  The idea of quickly walking to point B, dog in hand quick strides. Child in stroller quickly walking.

Or, leisurely strolling.  Letting the dog explore along the way, stopping to sniff the different smells. Stopping as a child pets a dog a block away.  Etc.  This route of course takes longer, it is in fact the “leisurely route.”

The conversation is about having patience for your children, allowing them to explore.  Not scolding – in this article they read -but taking the time to explain.  Quite interesting the conversation.

To me, I bring this up to you because of the above.  It takes more time to go leisurely from point A to point B.  But often, we can make that time.  By removing other activities and the frenzied state.  This benefits us, the dog, and the child – whatever scenario.  Exploring, living.

The conversation then went on to the different teaching patterns these women had with their children.  The “innate” way seemed to be quickly scolding. “don’t do this.” “stop doing that.”

However, the article these women had read said not to do this. But instead, explain.  It stated that anger is a wasted emotion.

And that instead explain and let others – children- understand why what they do is hurtful or wrong.

Interesting.

It reminds me of how much patience is required to be our best selves, to explain, totake the time.

How I could have chosen to not attack that day after yoga, and how that would have taken time, patience, harnessing kind energy – not simply reacting and snapping.

This is not unlike the parenting conversation, what parents have to do to be patient parents, what adults have to do to be patient adults, what humans have to do to be patient humans.

How taking the leisurely route from A to B isn’t just about leisure at all, it is about allowing patience.