Vacation: the balance between the mind of being and the mind of doing

In this time of vacation return to many people, I found it interesting to reflect on how each one experienced or experienced this period, based on dialectical behavioral therapy and ideas by Marsha Linehan.  Holidays are an expected time by many people as an opportunity to rest, disconnect from work and enjoy life in a lighter way. However, the way we live this period can vary greatly depending on which state mental predominates: the mind of doing or the mind of being .

Vacation in the mind of doing

The mind of doing is related to action, problem solving and target achieving. When we are in this mental state, we are focused on efficiency, productivity and results. In everyday life, this mind is crucial to complying with deadlines, resolving challenges and adapting to the requirements. However, when the mind of doing it becomes excessive, it can lead to automatism, exhaustion or burnout.

For many people, the holidays end up being an extension of the rapid pace of everyday life. They fill each moment with planned activities, scheduled time and commitments to be fulfilled.

Examples of holidays dominated by the mind of doing it include:

• Plan a trip with a rigid schedule, in which each day has schedules and commitments to be made;
• Feel the need to “produce” something even without rest, such as reading a fixed amount of books or learning a new skill;
• Fill in time with tours and activities without leaving space for spontaneous moments or genuine rest;
• Feeling guilty for not being “productive” during the hours of the day.

Holidays in the mind of being

The mind of being, on the other hand, is linked to the full experience of the present moment, without the need for change or control. It is an open and receptive state of consciousness feeling, observing and accepting here-and-agora with full attention. When we are in the mind of being, we allow to feel, live and simply be.

Examples of vacation in the mind of being

• Waking up without haste, listening to the sounds of the environment and feeling the comfort of the bed;
• spend time by the sea just feeling the breeze and watching the waves without taking pictures or posting on social networks;
• Eat a meal with full attention, enjoying the flavors, textures and aromas;
• Walking a new place without a specific destination, just watching the landscape and absorbing the moment;
• Share the company of friends and feel every laugh or tight hug;
• Have moments of silence and contemplation, allowing you to feel without the need for action.

Balancing the two minds on vacation

DBT emphasizes the importance of balancing these two modes of operation. Neither the mind of doing nor the mind of being are better or worse - both are useful in different contexts.

• In problem solving situations, the mind of doing can be more effective.
• Already in times of intense emotional suffering, accessing the mind of being can bring facilities and reduce reactivity.

The ideal is not to choose between one state or another, but to find a balance. Some activities need the mind to do (such as planning the trip or organizing a walk), while others ask for the mind of being (how to enjoy a viewless view or connect with people or landscapes).

Therefore, if you've been through the holiday period try to notice how this moment went? In which mind were you most of the time? How has these two balance in your daily life been? But if you haven't been on vacation yet and are preparing for it, try to observe and be aware of how you want to experience this period. The choice is yours !! Remember that the holiday season is an opportunity to slow down, reconnect yourself and really rest.

This text is by the Cefi Contextus team member - Vanessa Stechow