Practicing the Six Paramitas of Mahayana Buddhism involves opening your heart to experience the wholesome things of life that can be enjoyed right now, like the beautiful sunrise, the smiles on children’s faces, the warm breeze on a spring day or the sound of your favourite song playing. This experience of being open to joy is a choice but it does take the practice of patience. When we use patience it is like giving way for space between musical notes, without the pauses the notes cannot make a pleasant sound. Patience is the pause, it is the moment you decide you want to give space in a situation so you may choose to open your heart to love and understanding.  Patience is an aura, it is the energy that surrounds you and allows people in, it is the openness of welcoming people into your energetic space.  The Sanskrit word for the 3rd Paramita is Kshanti Paramita meaning inclusiveness and patience, it is the capacity to receive, embrace and transform. It is having understanding so you may transform your suffering in to joy. It is having a big heart so you can be open to receive love.  When we practice inclusiveness we don’t have to suffer, even when we embrace suffering and injustice. Even if someone makes us angry because they inflicted some kind of pains or injustice on us, if your heart is big enough we do not suffer.  Imagine this, if you had a handful of salt and poured it into a small bowl of water, the water would be too salty to drink. Yet what would happen if you poured the same amount of salt into a big river?  People could still drink water from the river. Because of the size of the river, the river has the capacity to receive and transform. It was only a handful of salt so the river does not suffer at all.  If your heart is small and closed one unjust word or act will make you suffer. But if your heart is large and open, if you have understanding and compassion, that word or deed will not have the power to make you suffer.  Living with an open heart will allow you to be more resilient and understanding of circumstances, others and yourself, so you may not be rattled by every upset or pain that happens. Instead choose to embrace and transform any challenges that may arise, and acknowledge them as experiences of growth, understanding and love. With an open heart and mindset, more joy and happiness can and will fill your life. By Kohai Dianne Hadad 3rd Degree Black Belt, Renge Dojo Mindset Coach, CPC, Warrior Spirit Circle 647-203-4882 |  dianne.hadad@gmail.com The WARRIOR SPIRIT CIRCLE creates conversations for kids, parents and martial artists to discover their true self and embody their warrior spirit. Our mission is to share the practical wisdom from the classical martial arts virtues and philosophies to inspirit resiliency, confidence and vibrancy.