Unfortunately, we do not just visit with a psychotherapist or spiritualcounselor, professionals who often emphasize that supreme beings only exist in fantastic movies, of which we have more than ever before. All too many times we actually turn to the fantasy world for guidance and get advice from advertisements with photoshopped models. And God forbid our child deviates from the norm, is wild, too creative or displays any differences. The overwhelming majority relies on organizations, such as our schools, that are pressured to deliver perfect products: our children. None can be left behind, at least not without facing financial retributions.

I believe that our “fix me” culture is in part responsible for the many addictions we currently find in the United States. Our often beneficial, relentless can-do attitude has a dark side. Nobody likes pain, so the problem of trying to drink, smoke, eat and hide away psychological wounds does not belong to one country. But in no other country do we find such an intense cultivation of the idea of the easy and pain free life. Also, happinessin America is not necessarily tied to a quality of life, but to “making it” and “being on top.” “Being there” seems in reach, but can never be experienced on this day, in this moment. Our ideals are so removed from reality that ordinary life seems entirely inadequate and we entirely and hopelessly flawed.

Other than looking through the pressures of our culture to be a fantastic creature – to be thin; to have six pack abs (my kids tell me they exist); to have smooth skin; young skin; cool comebacks; perfect grades, outfits and hair; abundance; gadgets; to be never sad; never mad; never insecure; always confident and in charge – try this one amazing trick: patience.

With this long-forgotten virtue, almost all problems disappear. When your kid does not hit a developmental goal, support him or her with the right know-how and care. And then be patient. Teachers and other parents might give you an inevitable “OMG” response, but you, knowing that you have done all you could, will smile patiently. I will never forget when a second-grade teacher approached me with a horrified face, telling me that there was something wrong with my son. She found some bugs in the pockets of his jeans….

When you feel sad, let yourself feel sad. When you feel mad, feel mad. Actions, not feelings hurt people. As we focus kindly and patiently on our feelings, we can see them pass through our minds like clouds pass the sky.

When you are in the habit of drinking alcohol or abusing food and want to stop it, stop it with patience. Expect difficulties and cravings and feel them with patience. No experience is permanent. They come and go in waves. Observe these waves with patience. This patience is also called mindfulness.

When you think of yourself as a loser, acknowledge your thoughts and look upon them with patience. Instead of waiting for an external change, which might or might not happen, do what you can and then be a calm witness to your negative experience. This too shall pass.

Be patient with your imperfections and idiosyncrasies. They are likely the reason for why others find you lovable. Much of our suffering is based on the misunderstanding that we grow by willing ourselves from one developmental stage to another until we are finally there. We grow more like plants. They are perfect as in “complete” every stage of the way, never alone and disconnected. Instead, they grow in connection, with the soil, sun and water. Be patient with yourself as you are embedded in a garden that is not all under your control. Whenever you can, see to it that you are being nurtured, but do not forget to enjoy your present moment. If you cannot do this, please familiarize yourself with mindfulness and the art of meditation. Leaning onto our all interconnected Being can be learned by unlearning impatience with receptivity, tranquility, reliance and lightheartedness (see Part 3 of A Unified Theory of Happiness(link is external)). As you patiently cultivate the virtue of patience, you begin to love life the way life is.

fonte:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/unified-theory-happiness/201804/how-be-happy-in-fix-me-culture