What Are Doing Mind and Being Mind in DBT? How to Balance Action and Presence
Doing Mind and Being Mind are two states in DBT mindfulness, where the doing state is focused on tasks, goals, and getting things done, and the being state is focused on simply experiencing the present moment, with skillful means as the balance between them. At DBT Path, the original online DBT skills class taught online since 2013, you learn to move flexibly between accomplishing and simply being, because a life that is all action or all stillness leaves something essential out.
Most of us live almost entirely in the doing state. Learning to access the being state, and to balance the two, is the heart of this skill.
How to balance Doing Mind and Being Mind
This skill, sometimes called skillful means, is about choosing the state that fits the moment instead of being stuck in one.
Recognize the doing state
The doing state is active, goal-directed, and focused on the next task. It is essential for getting through your day, but in overdrive it can leave you rushed, restless, and disconnected from the present.
Recognize the being state
The being state is receptive and present, focused on experiencing this moment rather than fixing or achieving anything. It is where rest, savoring, and genuine connection live.
Notice when you are out of balance
Too much action leads to burnout and a sense that nothing is ever enough. Too much stillness can leave goals unmet. Skillful living means noticing which way you are tipped.
Choose the state the moment calls for
Deliberately shift into the being state to savor a meal or be with a friend, and into the doing state to complete a task. The skill is the freedom to choose, rather than running on autopilot.
When to use it
Use this skill when you feel constantly driven and unable to rest, or when you drift and struggle to follow through. It helps you bring presence to your tasks and purpose to your rest, rather than being trapped in one mode.
How DBT Path teaches it
At DBT Path, you learn this skill in live, online classes led by founder Debbie DeMarco Bennett and Dr. Kathryn Holt, the same two teachers every week. Every week you also receive personalized written feedback on your skills practice from a trained DBT Path team member, so you can learn to balance doing and being in your own life. It is one part of the full DBT curriculum: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. You can explore the online DBT classes or related skills like Wise Mind and the What Skills. The approach is grounded in standard DBT as developed in Marsha Linehan’s research.
Frequently asked questions
What are Doing Mind and Being Mind in DBT?
Doing Mind and Being Mind are two mindfulness states in DBT, where the doing state focuses on tasks and goals and the being state focuses on experiencing the present moment. DBT Path teaches skillful means as the ability to balance and move between them.
What is skillful means?
Skillful means is the practice of balancing the two states and choosing the one that fits the moment. At DBT Path you learn to shift intentionally rather than being stuck in constant doing or aimless drifting.
How do I get into the being state?
You enter the being state by setting aside goals for a moment and fully experiencing what is here, such as your breath, a meal, or a conversation. DBT Path teaches simple practices to access it on purpose.
Is this a real DBT skill?
Yes. These two states are part of the mindfulness skills in standard DBT, and DBT Path teaches them as part of the full evidence-based curriculum.
Ready to learn DBT skills with support? Explore the online DBT classes at DBT Path and join a welcoming class taught by the same teachers every week.