A critique of Euphemia Igbosofulu's Embracing Stillness: The Power and Wisdom of Patience Patience is considered a phenomenon since it ...
A critique of Euphemia Igbosofulu's Embracing Stillness: The Power and Wisdom of Patience
Patience is considered a phenomenon since it fulfills the fundamental criteria for such a classification. Psychologically, it represents a detectable change in emotional control and decision-making that occurs consistently across different cultures and age groups. Neuroscientifically, specific patterns of brain activity are observed when individuals "remain calm while waiting." Socio-culturally, practices, sayings, and teachings related to patience are found globally, indicating a widespread cultural pattern. Philosophically, patience is viewed as a state of inner stability. Religiously, the two major religious texts—the Bible and the Qur'an—emphasize the importance of patience for their followers. For example, Proverbs 14:29 states, "Whoever is patient has great understanding, but a hasty temper shows folly." Surah Al-Baqarah 2:153 mentions, "O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer; indeed, Allah is with the patient."
The book, 'Embracing Stillness: The Power and Wisdom of Patience' authored by Euphemia Oluchi Igbosofulu and released in 2025 by Dreg Global Publisher, explores how various religions, beyond Christianity and Islam, highly value this concept. The 174-page engaging book is structured into eight distinct chapters that seamlessly transition into one another. Chapter one offers a thorough understanding of patience and its significance in people's lives, defining it as a complex ability that helps individuals manage life's challenges with composure, strength, and emotional awareness. The chapter also portrays patience as both a virtue and an essential element for personal development, meaningful connections, and societal advancement.
Chapter two delves into the idea of patience when confronted with difficulties, employing the metaphor of "dancing in the rain" to represent accepting life's obstacles instead of merely waiting for them to end. The chapter presents narratives about patience amidst tough situations, including a personal account of Mr. Trust, who encountered extreme hardships (the loss of an unborn child, a home, and a job), along with biblical tales of Job, Joseph, and Ruth. These stories illustrate how patience and belief can bring about positive change even during hard times. Five advantages of staying calm during difficult periods are listed.
The third chapter examines the essential role of patience in promoting self-awareness, emotional maturity, and attaining long-term objectives. This section motivates people to perceive difficulties as chances for advancement and learning, instead of impossible barriers. Patience enables individuals to embrace a mindset of growth, where they regard failures as progress toward their personal and career development. According to the chapter, becoming skilled in any area demands commitment, resilience, and an openness to acquire and refine knowledge over time.
The fourth chapter delves into the significance of patience within relationships, emphasizing its role in managing conflicts, creating solid connections, and promoting lasting love, comprehension, and mercy. In this context, patience is depicted as a superpower that allows people to stay calm and collected during intense disagreements. Furthermore, patience is strongly linked with empathy, helping individuals to recognize and connect with the emotions of others. This chapter illustrates its themes through narratives of relationships – Richard and Evelyn’s Tale; Maria and Luis’s Tale; and Sarah and James’s Tale. Additionally, the chapter presents three biblical examples of enduring love, understanding, and forgiveness. These stories are 'The Parable of the Prodigal Son', 'The Story of the Woman Caught in Adultery', and 'The Story of Joseph and His Brothers'.
Chapter five explores the effect of patience on communities and societies, emphasizing its contribution to forming solid relationships, settling disputes, and promoting unity. Patience serves as a foundation for resilience, offering the strength needed for communities to endure hardships without falling into fear or hopelessness. Chapter six focuses on the role of patience in decision-making, underlining its significance in handling complicated and uncertain circumstances, achieving consensus, and making wise choices. This chapter presents biblical examples to illustrate leaders who demonstrated patience and made strategic decisions. The case studies are drawn from the narratives of Joseph, Moses, David, and Nehemiah. The seventh chapter looks at the idea of waiting and how it can be turned into a beneficial experience. Through embracing patience, awareness, and introspection, individuals can transform waiting into a chance for development, self-understanding, and meaningful interactions.
The final chapter discusses the significance of patience in our fast-moving society. It offers useful advice and methods for developing patience, such as mindfulness, changing perspectives, setting achievable goals, expressing appreciation, taking intervals, and building empathy. The chapter also includes exercises and meditation practices focused on mindfulness. It examines biblical narratives that highlight success achieved through patience. These include the stories of Noah and the great flood, Joseph's journey to power and forgiveness, Job's steadfast faith despite hardship, Abraham and Sarah's promise, and Moses guiding the Israelites from bondage to freedom.
The writer employs a multi-faceted perspective, incorporating philosophical ideas, socio-cultural and religious viewpoints, and practical guidance. The writing is straightforward and to the point, simplifying complicated notions. The inclusion of biblical references and real-world situations enhances the discussion on patience by providing richness and relevance. The language, tone, and examples indicate that the book is appropriate for readers across different backgrounds and age groups. The book's main advantage is its thorough exploration of patience. It is highly recommended for everyone, particularly those aiming to develop patience for inner tranquility and joy.
•Moshood has a passion for literature.
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