We wait all the time – in lines, on the phone, during our daily commute. This can be a problem because most of us don’t like to wait. Our aversion to waiting means we often choose the shortest line at the store or the quickest delivery option. But life has a tendency to make us wait, so how we choose to wait, not just the simple act of waiting, is a skill to develop. Waiting with patience means that we are actively waiting. We are living in the present moment and tolerating the feelings associated with waiting. We can learn to wait with patience by cultivating a spirit of self-regulation, enabling ourselves to better manage impulses and reactions. This is particularly important during stressful times when we are naturally more impatient. When we self-regulate, we can override certain thoughts, feelings and impulses by remembering to pause, take a breath, and find a way to endure the wait.
Try this:
As a class, group or family watch this video where Cookie Monster shows us a lesson in Waiting:
Sesame Street: The Waiting Game with Guy Smiley! (4:44) https://youtu.be/XsC2W587_Fc
What strategies did Cookie Monster use that helped him wait?
What were one or two things that helped him reduce his stress and stay focused on his goal?
Since watching the video, what other strategies do you think you will try next that will help you wait even when you are stressed?
Ask yourself, there is no wrong answer:
What is an example of a time that you can wait with patience in your life?
What are some times when you see your family members, friends and classmates waiting with patience?
What is one thing you can try this week to reduce your stress and improve your self-regulation?
Connecting to our faith:
Lent is a season of waiting. It is an opportunity to practise waiting with patience, attentively anticipating the resurrection of our Lord. Lent reminds us that we wait with the comfort of knowing that God is waiting with us.
I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. – Psalm 62:1
Further learning:
Parent/teacher book:
Self Reg: How to Help Your Child (And You) Break the Stress Cycle and Successfully Engage with Life by Dr. Stuart Shanker
Kid’s Book:
Hunter and his Amazing Remote Control by Lori Ann Copeland
Employees of LDCSB checkout WorkLifeHealth from EAP Provider Morneau Sheppell
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