The Doing Mode
Many of us spend the bulk of our time in the doing mode. We move from task to task completing the maze at an optimal speed. We take pride in the purpose of our actions because stuff is getting done. That may be the actual point of this mode. This mode has so many twists and turns sometimes that we can get lost trying to determine the next accomplishment to check off. This is where it gets a little janky. Driving in autopilot doesn’t engage deep thought and the brain benefits from being fully useful. We miss what is right in front of us, this moment.
Doing it Right
We worry about the right thing a lot. We make a ton of judgements and include some noteworthy “should” notes that sound like self-criticism inside our brains. Deciding on tasks may bring us to a point where we figure out a couple of consequences that might occur, but it doesn’t get deep. Speculating enables us to come up with loads of crazy thoughts. None of which will probably happen. Regretting an act and then remembering more acts of regret make the pile taller instead of demolishing them. We go on and do and do some more until we are all out of the interest in doing. But the list is never complete and then we feel worse.
The Choice to Do
There is an alternative. You can take a turn at being. Just being. It’s that much needed break from the clamor of the doers. You can recall and wonder or delight or choose any other good thought that pops up. It is impossible to do either together. The issue is with the attention it takes. The bustling work of the doing negates the quieter moments of being. The gentle awareness to yourself in the moment makes the doer nervous. That brings in thoughts of worry and you know what happens next. Nothing good.
Change direction
It is possible to turn your back on doing for a bit. You can let go long enough to see that the whole world won’t fall apart because you aren’t holding it all together with your attentiveness to every action. In fact, something completely new might occur. Pausing from doing can let you lift your head and check your direction. And make adjustments. All that running sometimes takes the body off course. While you are up there, admire the work you’ve done. Doing is necessary after all. Just not all the time.
Can you recognize your “what ifs” as questions of wonder or regret? Can you recognize your reactions as involuntary to doing? What would happen if you engaged more with your feelings about tasks?
