Yoga Poses To Cultivate Patience

What better time to try cultivate patience than now?

A couple years back, a friend of mine came to visit to Jakarta, Indonesia. It was just so happened that the day he landed from Seoul, Korea was one of the busiest traffic in the city. It was a rainy night on a peak season. Everyone was just trying to get to where ever they needed soon without really caring of anyone else's agenda. We ended up spending more than an hour just to get out of the parking lot of the airport.

I guess it was a staggering first-hour experience for him. I remember he asked how come he lived almost 30 years of life, and suddenly he didn't know how to cross the road in Jakarta? He felt like nobody REAALLLY stop to give him the way to cross. That statement gave me a pause and thought about it. I was born here in the city, so maybe I just acquired the skill without much thinking. But to his question I answered "You know what, I think the people here... they WANT to give you the way. It's just that they don't want to COMPLETELY stop to give you the way" --- (note: you have to start crossing as soon as they slowly hit the break 🤣). That was an eye opener for me.

I felt like it showcased just how impatient a lot of us are and I think it might be because of the pace we have here in Jakarta. Growing up, I had the opportunity to live in places like Papua, Bali, Netherlands, and all these other places where you feel like you have time for a lot of things. I was really stunt when I first learned that people in Den Haag close their shops around 5-6pm, and they didn't open super early either. When I got back to Jakarta, it didn't take long for me to re-adopt that need to ALWAYS have something to do, ALWAYS needing to check a check list, ALWAYS needing some kind of stimulation to keep me going.

From a firsthand experience, I confidently say that Yoga offers a beautiful practice to foster more patience. Allowing us to slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace the present moment. Here are some of the poses I keep coming back to to cultivate more patience into my life:

Easy Pose (Sukhasana)

This simple seated posture encourages mindfulness and patience by allowing you to sit comfortably and focus on your breath. It helps cultivate inner stillness and acceptance.

Sukhasana, also known as the "Easy Pose" in yoga

How to Practice:

• Sit cross-legged with a straight spine and relaxed shoulders.

• Rest your hands on your knees, palms up or down.

• Close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths, staying present in the moment.

  
  

Child’s Pose (Balasana)

This gentle resting pose invites stillness and surrender. By folding forward and focusing on the breath, you cultivate the ability to pause, reflect, and let go of urgency. Try staying in Child’s Pose for at least a minute, allowing yourself to soften into patience.

Child’s Pose (Balasana)

How to Practice:

• Start in a kneeling position, bringing your big toes together and knees apart.

• Extend your arms forward and lower your forehead & elbows to the mat.

• Take slow, deep breaths, releasing any tension with each exhale.

Corpse Pose (Savasana)

Savasana teaches ultimate surrender and patience by allowing the body and mind to completely relax. It is a moment of stillness, reflection, and deep rest.

Corpse Pose (Savasana)

How to Practice:

• Lie flat on your back with arms relaxed at your sides.

• Let your legs fall naturally apart and close your eyes.

• Focus on your breath and allow yourself to fully relax for several minutes.

  
  

Cultivating Patience Beyond the Mat

Yoga is a practice that extends far beyond the physical postures. By incorporating mindfulness, deep breathing, and self-compassion, we can cultivate patience in all aspects of life. The next time you feel rushed or frustrated, take a deep breath, remember your practice, and trust that everything unfolds in its own perfect time.

Which of these poses resonate with you? Share your experiences in the comments below!