Patience through Pea Snapping.
Growing up in the inner city of New Jersey during the early 1990s meant relying more on neighbors due to the close proximity, making it easier to access essential resources. There was also a significant emphasis on being involved in the lives of those living nearby. Unlike today, where social media tools facilitate connections, back then, it required genuine motivation to engage with people in person. This created more time for meaningful interactions with peers, friends, and family, allowing for patience and quality conversations with minimal distractions.
Learning patience is a valuable trait that comes from within and from our interactions with others. Yet, it is all too easy to feel annoyed with someone based on their actions, behaviors, or their inability to quickly understand information. In today's fast-paced world, we are accustomed to seeking immediate satisfaction, leaving little time for waiting for answers or solutions. While there are advantages to solving problems swiftly, it is crucial to take the time to interact with others. I have observed that people are often too preoccupied to truly listen when others are trying to express themselves; whether they are staring at their phones or appearing disinterested, their attention drifts elsewhere. Our conversations seem rushed, but this hurried pace is not conducive to fostering empathy and understanding.
It's important to train our minds to slow down and concentrate on one task at a time, so that we can fully immerse ourselves in the present moment. This entails being aware of our energy levels, taking in our surroundings, and savoring the depth of engaging conversations. Demonstrating genuine interest in a conversation can have a profound impact on the other person, making them feel valued and easing any tension they may have been carrying.
I have a cherished memory about learning patience from my grandma. When I was younger, she taught me how to snap peas. Despite her exceptional culinary skills, I needed guidance with food preparation. Even the simplest tasks took me time to master. However, my grandma was always patient with me, creating a space filled with patience and understanding. I remember asking her numerous questions, slowly gaining a better understanding of how to snap the peas. I can still recall the sound of the fan whirring as we worked in the summer heat, our brows dotted with sweat, yet still smiling. I knew my grandma was serious when she brought out the large silver tin for us to collect the pea tips. She patiently demonstrated the process multiple times, and we remained in the same space until we finished the task. These moments will forever be etched in my mind.
"Every moment spent in the kitchen with my grandma, carefully snapping peas together, holds a special place in my heart and memory. The seemingly effortless yet delightful tasks like this are priceless, requiring focus, exactness, and an ultimate objective of fortifying connections with those we hold dear. Each moment invested and every bit of patience displayed resonates with enduring value."
