As the sun begins to set earlier, the changing season often stirs up a mix of emotion about what lies ahead. September, in particular, is a time of transformation—ushering in new beginnings, routines, and a motivation to tackle those long-postponed projects. However, this shift can also bring new responsibilities, the daunting return to school, and the pressure to be our ‘most productive’ selves. So, how can we embrace change with open arms and an open mind without the burden of overwhelming expectations? Well, we have a skill for that.
Wise Mind- Balancing Being & Doing is a skill that is as simple as it is complex. It holds two states of mind ‘Being and Doing' in equal esteem, and teaches us how to pursue change and excellence… without burning ourselves out.
1) The Being Mind: Mastering the first state of mind begins with creating space for all emotions of the present to surface, and honoring even the “sticky” ones we often try to avoid. It requires softening our hearts, opening our eyes, and facing each feeling of the moment, without forcing ourselves to be somewhere beyond the present. The Being Mind is about living with eyes wide open to the present, and allowing ourselves to curiously assess and experience every stressor, joy and challenge. Whether it’s joining a new team on Monday, starting the first day of classes, or finally taking the leap into that new workout class we've been postponing, being in the now means noticing how our mind and bodies feel. It is about paying close attention to sensations, discomforts, thoughts, and beliefs, and instead of combating them, giving them space to breathe. Ask: “What is this emotion telling me? Can I acknowledge the discomfort without forcing it away? Am I over-identifying with a feeling, or allowing it to rise and fall?” Then, put words to the experience: “I notice my muscles starting to tense,” “Joy is really showing up today," or “My heart rate is getting fast- time to self-soothe.” By observing each thought and feeling objectively, we find ourselves with a lot more control.
Taking this approach helps us observe each experience of the moment without judgment, attachment. See feelings as just feelings and thoughts as simply thoughts. What lies ahead is a progression of possibilities, with no one outcome being more significant than another.
2) The Doing Mind: Practicing mindfulness (and most people don't know this) is not about a zen, quiet, state of blissful unawareness. It is about immersing ourselves fully in the valued choices of our lives, with mind, body, and spirit. We are bombarded by productivity tips, messages about “habit stacking,” and instructions that reinforce multitasking by boosting efficiency. But in reality, splitting attention is one of the least productive things we can do. It’s akin to trying to drive a car while reading a book—both tasks requiring too much attention to be done effectively at once. We become prone to mistakes, miss meaningful moments, and end up in dangerously disconnected realities. Here's what we need to be doing instead: The Doing Mind instructs us to focus on setting small, tangible goals that allow us to fully engage in one task at a time. When we're eating, eat. When we're working, work. When we're dreaming, dream. By doing less, mindfully, we end up doing more.
Before diving into the month ahead, let us take a moment to visualize what we want to achieve, in mindset & in actions. Reflect on emotional intentions (for the Being Mind) and set clear aspirations (for the Doing Mind). Here are some journal prompts to guide your reflections as we enter this season of change:
This September, I’m looking forward to:
My top two goals for this month are:
The small, tangible steps can I take toward these goals are:
I wish to let go of _____ as I enter September. I invite _____ in instead.
I want to feel ____ by the end of this month. These are the steps I can take to channel this emotion:
I will nurture one important area of my life (relationships, self-care, spirituality) this month. Here is how I'll add this value to my routine:
When we look at change with both Being and Doing, we open up the space to flourish. May we each navigate this period with confidence and grace, and may it be a growth filled month for both states of mind ahead.
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