How to Develop Patience - Candy?

Patience is something most us us long for.  Too often we find ourselves upset because something does not happen how and when we want it to. But how can we develop greater patience?


Elder Paisios gave some good advice about how to develop patience to one of his followers.  When he was asked about how to acquire patience, he went into his cell and brought out a bag of candy.  


He gave to him and said: 
"Take two a day.  However, do not chew them. Be patient and wait until they melt in your mouth."


Do you see the wisdom he uses here?  He takes something so simple, eating candy, something that is an everyday thing, and turns it into a spiritual exercise. He makes the exercise simple and doable.  You too can find many of these opportunities in your daily life to help develop virtues such as patience.




Reference: Elder Paisios of the Holy Mountain, p 144