During a recent coaching session, a client heard a profound whisper from within saying, “just be.” Days after, that very phrase reverberated within me as I navigated through unexpected emotions, confronting an unusual wave of self-doubt and anxiety. “Just be” served as a subtle nudge, emphasizing that existence comes before thought and action. By merely being, we can reorient ourselves towards clarity and self-assuredness.
The intricate tapestry of human experience is woven with three essential threads: thinking, doing, and being. These threads, akin to the fundamental colors that merge and mingle to create an array of hues, shade the spectrum of our lives. While thinking and doing are the overt manifestations of our experience, they both are extensions of the foundational and most primal mode: being. In the cacophony of modern life, with the noise of overthinking and the tumult of ceaseless doing, it’s the art of just ‘being’ that leads us back to the serenity and stillness we so often crave.
1. THINKING: THE COGNITIVE PATHWAY
Thinking is the cognitive thread weaving the tapestry of our experiences. It is the force driving our reflections, decisions, and dreams. When faced with a challenge, it’s our thinking mode that scours our mental database for solutions, recollects experiences, or forecasts potential outcomes.
Yet, while thinking is crucial, it can also be a double-edged sword. Overthinking, ruminating, and the propensity to constantly dwell on past mistakes or future anxieties can lead us astray, pulling us further from the present moment.
2. DOING: THE MODE OF ACTION
‘Doing’ is our action mode. It’s the visible manifestation of our internal dialogues, beliefs, and desires. Whether we’re chasing dreams, fulfilling responsibilities, or navigating the complexities of daily life, our actions are a testament to the power of doing.
However, in a society that often celebrates busy-ness as a badge of honor, we can become slaves to constant action. The relentless drive to do more, achieve more, and be more can sometimes overshadow the importance of quality over quantity, or meaning over mere activity.
3. BEING: THE ROOT OF EXISTENCE
At the core of our existence lies the mode of ‘being.’ Stripped of the complexities of thought and action, being is the pure state of existence. It’s the awareness of oneself without the layers of cognition or the urgency of action. In this mode, we connect deeply with our inner selves, the universe, and everything in between.
While thinking and doing derive from the mode of being, they sometimes take precedence in our lives to the point where we lose touch with our core. But it’s in the moments of anxiety, overwhelming stress, or when we feel out of control that turning our focus towards just ‘being’ can guide us back to a place of peace and stillness.
FINDING BALANCE
To lead a harmonious life, it’s essential to balance all three modes. While thinking and doing are vital to growth, progress, and survival, being serves as the anchor, grounding us in our true essence.
In the modern, fast-paced world, practicing mindfulness, meditation, or simply taking moments of pause can help nurture the mode of ‘being.’ These practices act as gentle reminders that amidst the hustle and storm of thoughts and actions, there exists a calm, a still point within us, guiding us back to our true nature.
Thinking, doing, and being are not just modes of human experience; they are the essence of our existence. By understanding and embracing each mode, we not only enhance our life experience but also journey closer to a state of equilibrium and profound peace.
