Lost in the Noise? How Rediscovering Patience Can Silence Our Era of Fear

Patience emerges as a quiet yet effective ally in a time of instant gratification and frenetic momentum. Yet, many are left pondering its elusive nature, asking, “What, precisely, are we waiting for?”

Perhaps it is not about waiting, but rather about understanding. The seeming void of patience is often rooted in a lack of clarity about one's goals or aspirations. When you wade through life without a clear vision or purpose, you become adrift in an ocean of distractions and noise. It's like floundering in the waves, eyes darting to catch a glimpse of a life raft. But here’s the irony: those floating securely on their life rafts may not be as content as they seem. After all, the same anxieties and fears that keep others underwater may be what fills theirs.

| The algorithm of fear and despair

Contrarily, a fearful undercurrent permeates today's world, which is full of technological marvels and limitless opportunities. It's palpable in the political rhetoric, corporate manoeuvres, and even our daily interactions. News cycles and social media feeds perpetuate this collective anxiety, creating a narrative where pessimism and trepidation become default emotions. It's as if we've been programmed into a never-ending cycle of angst, leaving little room for hope or ambition.

However, surrendering to this ‘algorithm’ of fear and despair is a choice – and not one we are bound to make. Is it easy? No. Is it simple? Yes.

We are pulled from pillar to post, even in our home lives. Not being able to directly compare, I have absolutely no idea how my Grandmother brought up four children, yet the difficulties with My Wife and I bringing up two and both working are difficult, yet we persevere beyond any doubt; this is what we wanted. I will refer to only a handful of obvious comparables, however, and they are that there was less media, no phones, and much less choice. Equally, there was a constant: my Grandfather worked and my Grandmother did not. Therefore, we are unable to compare directly to someone having an easier time, but perhaps what we do notice about this is that there are fewer distractions and perhaps less awareness of the speed of humanity.?

Progress, I hope you agree, is essential. However, I beg the question: if the world were to change from day to night too quickly, we would soon be unable to determine what is day and what is night. It would begin to merge into one. Thus, our ability to rest and our ability to function become impossible.

Imagine for a moment, we were walking to the arctic circle, each day our tracks are covered by the snow, making it impossible to identify exactly where we have walked from. To our front, the snow dune that was there yesterday is now somewhere entirely else. The only way we would be able to ensure we are on track, is with the use of simple instruments. In today's world, we need exactly that, although these instruments are intangible, but visible enough to those externally and from within. We must have patience, and persistence, built upon vision and ambition.?

Patience: A Tool for Clarity

Patience is not merely waiting, but waiting with purpose. It offers a space for reflection, allowing one to step back from the whirlwind of daily life and gain clarity on what truly matters. When we practise patience, we grant ourselves the permission to pause, to breathe, and to re-evaluate our trajectory. Are we truly heading where we want, or are we merely drifting along the current of societal expectations?

Persistence: The Antidote to Fear

Where patience offers clarity, persistence provides direction. It is the embodiment of quiet determination, the unwavering drive to keep going even when the going gets tough. In a world that constantly tells us to conform, to fear failure, and to play it safe, persistence reminds us that challenges are but stepping stones to growth.

True perseverance is not a matter of blind tenacity; rather, it is based on the clarity that patience offers. It's about staying the course when you believe in the journey, even when naysayers or hurdles challenge your resolve.

Combining the Power

Together, patience and persistence are formidable. They equip us with the tools to break free from the fear algorithm and chart our own course. When faced with obstacles, patience enables us to take a moment to reflect and learn the lesson, while persistence drives us forward using our newly acquired knowledge as fuel.

Consider the luminaries of our times – visionaries like Elon Musk or Malala Yousafzai. Their journeys were not devoid of challenges, and yet, a blend of patience and persistence enabled them to push boundaries and challenge the status quo.

As we navigate the complexities of today's world, we must consciously practice and embrace patience and persistence. Rather than getting caught in the relentless churn of fear, let's seek clarity and purpose, armed with the unwavering determination to make a positive change. The journey might be long, and the path might be strewn with obstacles, but with patience as our compass and persistence as our guide, we are bound to reach our destined shores.

Why did I choose to write about this?

This week I met with a relatively new friend. We spoke at length about the status quo in society and humanity. How and why is it possible that people are doing such things to one another in what we would consider a ‘civilised’ era. If there is an effect, then there must always be a cause. This prompted me to think deeply about what qualities we need to show, and be shown in order to stand steadfast against the challenges and negativity we face.?

We spoke about the sloppiness of language, the era of survival over group survivability, the loss of transferring our skills to our younger generation, and perhaps the general failings of parenting. Allowing things to just happen, without taking a stand.? All of this and some additional work on myself, led to this article.?

Thank you once again for reading.?

Yours faithfully?

Antony