The development of patience depends a lot on the ability to bring up compassion for one's self and for others, because if we're impatient with ourselves, usually we're wanting to be something other than who we are. So, impatience often comes from a non-acceptance of ourselves, which brings with it self-criticism and also the criticism of others. As well, often there's a non-acceptance of Dukkha that will bring up a lack of patience.
If we learn how to reflect more that Dukkha does exist, then we'll have more patience with it when it arises and also we'll have more patience with ourselves. Frequently, we may be thinking, "Well, I just don't have time for Dukkha today. My schedule is filled up. No! Not today!" But when will we ever really have time for Dukkha? Would we really schedule time for Dukkha in if we could? So, we have to learn to actually accept that Dukkha does exist. Then, we're going to have more patience with Dukkha which will bring about more patience with ourselves. Oftentimes, we're not wanting that Dukkha, we don't want it, we want it to go away, and on and on.
So, if you can learn how to accept that not everything goes the way you would like, and that Dukkha will not just come at the most convenient times, then you will develop more patience. Dukkha can come when we're busiest and when it's not the right time. But, as we learn to have more patience with Dukkha in our life, we're going to have more patience with ourselves.
And if we see that we are reacting to Dukkha with impatience, then it's very helpful at that time to step back and view ourselves through the eyes of that Deva (angel) within. Imagine them looking down at us getting all caught up in impatience with ourselves, and impatience with others, and having compassion with our difficulties.
More self-acceptance also brings more acceptance and patience with others.