Tolerance includes the ability to accept or allow situations, observations, opinions, beliefs, etc. and even other people whom you may or may not agree with. The word also refers to an ability of the mind or body to tolerate outside influences such as negative people, disease, abuse and even mental disorders. For example, the person practiced meditation that helped them to tolerate the results of their PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Other examples are simplistic: We tolerate bitter cold, spicy food, a bug bite, etc., even sounds we identify as annoying can be tolerable. Much of humanity is learning and applying the knowledge of acceptance and tolerance in their dealings with their fellow humans. As we awaken, as humans, we may find tolerance to be an essential key in the unification of humanity.
For some students of meditation, there is little need for tolerance. The present conscious mind finds little or no conflict with others, therefore a need for tolerance is unnecessary. This does not mean they allow and accept negativity that harms creation; it means they don’t conflict with people’s beliefs, ideology, theology, etc.
The student sat with the teacher and said, “I find myself in a situation. Despite my meditating and love for my fellow humans and creation, I cannot mentally or emotionally tolerate some behaviors and what goes on; mainly, people’s behaviors toward each other and our environment. I do my part when the opportunity arises, I teach the benefits of meditation and its resulting state of present consciousness. Sometimes, it falls on receptive ears and brings understanding. Other times, I focus on myself as the negativity in me arises, knowing the negative reaction belongs to me and there must be something to learn. Finally, I find moments when I mentally or physically remove myself, especially when the consciousness of others is out of my reach. I tolerate what I can. Remove and protect myself and well-being when necessary.”
The teacher said, “Yes, many a teacher has taught us we have options in most situations. If you can tolerate the behaviors or happenings and not lose your peace, so be it. If you are compelled to bring some consciousness to the situation by speaking from presence or enhancing the moment with positive behaviors, do so. If your presence and example of behavior has no impact on the negativity, you can choose to remove yourself. Not surrender, rather remove yourself from that which you can no longer tolerate or educate. Remove yourself from situations that interfere with the quality of your life, using the situation to improve your level of understanding and conscious existence. For some, through meditation, they will eventually come to a state of conscious presence where there is only understanding, peace and love, and the need for tolerance no longer exists.”
By continuing meditation practices, throughout your day, through diverse situations, presence comes to the forefront of your life and you no longer find people or things intolerable and you handle things perfectly.
A meditation, try it out here and there, when it comes to mind, or not. When a seemingly intolerable situation arises, when you remember to, focus on something and observe your current reaction, then choose. You may choose to tolerate the moment while handling its negative effects, if any. If the intolerable situation involves another person and if you are so compelled, you may choose to bring conscious thinking to the person and teach them meditation. Observe if the teaching alleviates the negativity in the moment. Finally, you may choose to remove yourself, whether it be from a situation, a person or even an intolerable sound. In many dealings with your mind, you have no choice; in some situations, you do. Choose or not.
It’s a new day. ••
