This article describes three states of mind and how to find balance with the Wise Mind.
Wise Mind was developed by the founder of Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT) Dr Marsha Linehan. Dr Linehan suggests that Wise Mind is based on the belief that all people have the innate ability to be wise.
What are the 3 states of mind
Reasonable Mind
When in reasonable mind, you may find that you are focused to facts reason and logic. Some attributes of reasonable mind are to be cool, rational, and focused on tasks. Desires, values, and emotions are not considered in this state of being.
Emotional Mind
A state where mind is completely ruled by emotions. Emotion mind can be described as hot, mood dependent and emotion focused. In this state of mind facts and logic are not important. In this state of being, emotions dictate responses without considering goals or long-term effects of actions.
Wise Mind
Integrates, acknowledges, and validates both reasonable and emotional mind. It is a state where we are the wisest and make the most effective and values-based decisions by being in tune with both emotions and logic. Wise mind is sometimes compared to intuition, or gut feelings.
How to connect with Wise Mind
- Step One: Observe non-judgmentally
- Practice observing situations, surroundings, thought and feelings as they are.
- You may think of this practice of observing and describing as being a reporter.
- Allow what is to be without trying to “fix it” or push it away.
- Bring an attitude of nonjudgment, openness, and curiosity.
- Step Two: Participate Effectively (Based on what you learned from observing non-judgmentally in step one.)
- Decide what experience you want to participate in
- Fully engage by focusing on the present moment experience nonjudgmentally
- You may find your mind takes you away into future, past or gets distracted. Practice gently bringing yourself back to your current experience. You may want to experiment with uses your senses.
The Wise mind is always present. The skill to be developed is how to access this innate part of ourselves.
Useful Links
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy – https://dialecticalbehaviortherapy.com/mindfulness/wise-mind/
- Wise Mind Worksheet – https://www.letss.org.au/images/DBT_worksheet_-_Your_Wise_Mind.pdf
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