Someone led me to your blog because I have been struggling with chronic illness for over eight years and am also a practicing Buddhist. I feel fortunate that my interest in Buddhism preceded my illness because the teachings I learned through my years of Buddhist practice have helped me cope with this unexpected turn in my life.

I have to practice patience constantly: patience with myself and patience with the medical world which seems to have become my second home. I often have to be my own patient advocate. At those times I try to remember the Buddhist practice of “khanti” which I like to translate as “patient endurance.” Your post reinforces for me the importance of the “endurance” part, so that patience doesn’t drift into passivity. I often have to patiently endure by gently asserting myself or by just hanging in there, a step at a time (whether it be with an overworked doctor or with the health insurance maze).

I look forward to reading more of your posts.

Toni

Natalie: Absolutely!

Alex

I find that when I take the position of non-attachment with people’s actions no matter the situation, my tolerance and patience grows exponentially. And, when I find myself being judgmental I take several deep breaths before reacting. “Upsets” are internal and therefore the only person being upset, impatient, or angry is me. Moreover, because I have control of my emotions I can choose to let go of those negative emotions when they arise. Particularly, because they serve no one, especially me.