Let him that hath no power of patience retire within himself, though even there he will have to put up with himself.

— Baltasar Gracián

STILLNESS

WHAT THIS MEANS

Impatience feels like it is caused by other people, so the obvious cure is fewer of them. Step away and you find the same restlessness waiting, because the thing that could not tolerate delay traveled with you. Solitude gives you quiet, not a different temperament. Whatever you find hard to tolerate in company, you will meet again alone, only with nobody else to blame for it.

When you next feel the urge to get away from everyone, go, but pay attention to what happens in the first quiet hour. If the irritation persists, it was never about the room. Treat it as something to sit with gently rather than solve.

A QUESTION TO SIT WITH

Which part of your own company do you find hardest?

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