my childhood hero

Growing up in the significantly isolated, WAY-off-the-beaten-track Roatan of the 1970s, one comic book that was intermittently available was "Kalimán - El Hombre Increíble." While I was in primary school, there was even a daily, after-school, half-hour radio show series that I didn't miss! Kalimán's signature spoken wisdom was, "Serenidad y paciencia, Solín, mucha paciencia..." (Serenity and patience, Solín, MUCH patience...) Kalimán would always say this to Solín (his young sidekick) in his calm, deep, resonant, masculine voice whenever they were in some difficult situation with an apparently tragic outcome. For example, they (and the girl) are all tied up and being slowly lowered into a pit of hungry crocodiles. Invariably, Kalimán would tap into his deep reservoir of wisdom, use his mystical powers and mind control, and execute some amazing sequence of actions that would rescue them from the life-threatening crisis a split second before the crocodiles took their first chomp. The next day at school, during recess, all us kids would ardently discuss the exciting adventures of our superhero the day before. Unfailingly, at least one of us would quote him, deepening our voice and slowing the cadence of our speech, "Serenidad y paciencia, Solín, mucha paciencia..." 

From Wikipedia:

Kalimán is also famous for the wise phrases he uses to teach his child companion Solín. Among these are the following: "There is no force on Earth greater than the human mind; he who masters the mind, masters everything." "Serenity and patience, much patience," and "There is always a way when we use our intelligence." "Fear is a bad advisor;" "Revenge is a poor consolation;" "There are no bad people in the world, but there are good people who let others do bad things." "Who risks not wins not." "Not even a leaf of a tree moves without the will of the Almighty." "The mind's eye sees farther." "Even the longest road starts with a single step." "Man is not born to be the slave of another; I am free and always will be." "Only the coward dies twice." "Freedom is the essence of life." "Love is the most powerful force in the universe." "Who brings peace opens any door." "Do not seek false paths, the truth is within you." "Life ends and begins with a vision of hope."

Kalimán was awesome, man!

practice patience and compassion

One of the important lessons of Yoga Sutra I.17 is that you are not supposed to be able to master everything immediately - and no one else is either! Shift a pattern of being critical of yourself or others by noticing when that judgmental voice starts to pop up and immediately countering it with a true and positive thought. If you find yourself getting impatient at the checkout line because the cashier is slow, focus on the fact that she is thorough and careful. If you are feeling critical of your child's teacher for not responding to emails in a timely manner, think how great she is in the classroom. And if you are frustrated with yourself because you are having a difficulty with something, remind yourself of your valuable skills.

You can also try this more formal practice: Sit comfortably and take a few relaxed breaths. As you continue breathing comfortably, allow the mind to settle on one person or area where you are feeling impatience, criticism, or judgement.

Over the course of the next few breaths, acknowledge this situation or person "as is" and try to look at the seeming deficiency from a more positive angle. If it is a quality in yourself that you are unhappy with, examine your choices. Instead of feeling down about yourself, do you want to put in the effort to change? (Take a class to improve your computer skills? Spend time practicing your Spanish?) Or can you be content with the skill level you have and be free of self-criticism?

If you are frustrated by the lack of progress in your yoga practice or in any other endeavor, cultivate patience and self-compassion by reminding yourself that insights and change will come in their own time with continued diligence.

This practice, whether you do it formally or simply reflect on it periodically as you go about your day, can help counteract the perfectionism, impatience, and high expectations that keep you from being patient and compassionate with yourself and others. Ultimately if can lead you to greater peace of mind in the midst of all your pursuits.

- Yoga Journal

Learn more about yoga at Paya Bay Resort in Roatan, Honduras.

quote of the day

Inner peace is impossible without patience. Wisdom requires patience. Spiritual growth implies the mastery of patience. Patience allows the unfolding of destiny to proceed at its own unhurried pace.

- Brian Weiss