As we change from one task to another, the interactions between the networks of our brain cells shift patterns.
Researchers have discovered that there are a limited number of core patterns of activity in the brain, and repeated interactions appear to occur as recurring patterns across an assortment of different mental activities. Theses reoccurring core patterns correspond to some of our basic “modes of mind.” Two of the main two modes of mind have come to be known as “Being Mind” and “Doing Mind”. Most people spend the majority of their time in "Doing Mind Mode" It is so easy to convince ourselves that the more we can accomplish, the happier we will be. This never-ending quest for happiness can keep most of us spending large portions of each day “Doing”. We can get trapped in the exhausting and unsatisfying cycle of dreaming, pursuing, and achieving, in our endless quest for happiness - followed by our disappointment when happiness still remains out of reach. Happiness is something that happens to us, that is dependent on external circumstances. Unfortunately, happiness is transitory, visiting for only brief periods because it is not within our power to cultivate our own state of happiness. |
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Striving for joy is more beneficial than reaching for a moment of transitory happiness.
Joy can be more consistent since it can be internally cultivated. Being Mind is a nourishing and uplifting state of mind which creates time and space to experience joy in the present moment. Creating this space within also allows us to notice what brings us joy. Joy increases as you are able to make peace with who you are. It is important for us to remember that our accomplishments, achievements, and recognition cannot add to our personal worth to offer us a lasting sense of happiness. A person’s value is not measured by how much they have accomplished in life; our worth as a person lies in who we are. Remembering where our true value lies can take some of the pressure off. If we can truly grasp this concept, we can relax our constant reach for the next achievement and be free to simply be. |
Doing Mind is also necessary, but the most effective (as you will see as we continue) is to seek a balance of Being Mind and Doing Mind.
Getting stuck in Being Mode can keep you from taking care of responsibilities that you need to follow through. It can also keep you from making effective plans toward a future for yourself and your loved ones.
Getting stuck in Being Mode can keep you from taking care of responsibilities that you need to follow through. It can also keep you from making effective plans toward a future for yourself and your loved ones.
Doing Mind is focused on decreasing the distance between the way things are right now and where we desire them to be.
Once we have acknowledged and accepted a want, need, feeling or thought, created a plan to meet our goals, and then followed through with our plan, we will have successfully decreased the discrepancies between our current circumstances and how we wish them to be. In a situation of this kind, Doing Mind is the better choice to practically employ. No amount of focus in Being Mind - simply being with a desire, will move us any closer to changing that feeling into a reality.
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We can easily recognize the usefulness of both Being Mind and Doing Mind. They each are useful in different ways; for different tasks and at different times. Without aspects of both Being Mind and Doing Mind it would be impossible to live a balanced life.
The danger with these two mind modes is when we over-identify with one mode over the other, or when we attempt to apply the wrong mode for a specific situation. If we let go of balance, we start seeing reality from the extreme perspective of the mode of mind we have most closely identified with. When we “walk the Middle Path” between Being Mind and Doing Mind we are able to find the balance between the two modes of mind. |
When the two are in balance, we are able to look forward into the future - viewing the possible results of our plans and goals, and we are able to look back into the past to learn from similar circumstances, while fully participating in our present as we experience the richness of each unique moment.
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Balancing allows us to have a strong desire for change - but at the same time have radical acceptance. Wanting things to be different than they are, we actively take the steps needed to bring about that change, but simultaneously we are willing to accept our circumstances as they are right now.
Balance will help us throw ourselves completely into working towards the goals we set for ourselves, but frees us from viewing them as a necessity. We are able to work for what we hope and wish for without feeling that we absolutely have to achieve what we are working towards. Balance between the two mind modes helps us to practice moderation between the self-indulgence of Doing Mind and the self-denial of Being Mind. Being Mind has a self-quieting sense, allowing us to go after our desires and engage in our activities, but remains aware of Self. |
Complete Homework Questions: Doing and Being Mind
SEEKING PERSONAL SUPPORT?
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