As I continue to add to my collection of oracle decks, more than once, I’ve found that the message on a single card made the entire purchase worth it.

More that once, this process reminds me of my teacher’s well-remembered reminder: “Expense is no object to get a point across.”

Yesterday’s experience was a repeat of that process.

In befriending the latest deck to grab my attention, Messages from the Guides Transformation Cards, one simply-worded message embedded in suggestive geometric patterns and watery blue colors stood out from the rest. “Patience is a virtue.”

The concept is familiar enough. (Serious understatement!) What stood out, however, was the corresponding message in the Guidebook.

To my mind, the textbook definition of patience is limited.

Definition of patience. noun[ U ] us /ˈpeɪ.ʃəns/uk /ˈpeɪ.ʃəns/. The ability to wait, or to continue doing something despite difficulties, or to suffer without complaining or becoming annoyed: “Patience – they’ll be here soon!”

During prolonged periods of apparent stagnation, my personal definition begins to take on connotations of boredom and frustration — even a sense of futility. Quite the opposite of the children’s story, The Hare & the Tortoise | Patience and Perseverance:

“The Tortoise and the Hare: Fable of Patience and Perseverance” is a timeless tale set in the serene meadows of Steadfast Valley. Harper, the boastful hare, challenges Theo, the slow and steady tortoise, to a race. As the characters embark on their journey, the narrative unfolds with moments of overconfidence, unexpected challenges, and a surprising twist at the finish line. This animated fable imparts a profound lesson on the virtues of patience and perseverance, showcasing how determination and resilience can lead to triumph in the race of life. The story encourages viewers to reflect on the importance of character over speed, making it a captivating and motivational narrative for all ages.

In such inspirational tales, patience is adorned with the virtues of steadfastly adhering, slow and steady, to a single course of action, fortified by determination and unwavering focus.

This compliments the Book of Change approach to Patience:

But . . . there are times when human patience — purposeful, long-suffering perseverance — wears thin. It feels hollow. It isn’t satisfying. It’s not enough.

That’s where this new perspective provided a welcome breath of fresh air. It reads:

Allowing yourself to experience life as it ebbs and flows — without having any connection to the timing — is indeed a gift.

How so?

It continues:

Remember, time is an illusion, and you are eternal. The clock ticks in this physical dimension, but it is just a device we use for measuring. Your higher self has always been and always will be.

It advises:

Slow down and enjoy your journey. If you race through it, you will miss the pearls on the path. Slow down, soul-traveler; there are no rewards for finishing first. The rewards are the experiences you are passing by. Be present and acknowledge the wonders of this dimension. Free yourself from expectations and let your path unfold.