Research suggests that our minds have two main operation modes: “problem solving mind” and “sunset mind” (Wilson & DuFrene, 2009). Each mode provides a different set of skills and experiences, and both are important for balance and wellbeing.
Our problem solving mind is easily recognized and called upon in daily living. It's is our automatic mode of being— our “just do it” mind. When we see or encounter a problem or an experience that requires solving— our problem solving mind steps in readily, without hesitation, to try and fix it, clarify it, better it, or solve it.
For many, this mode of mind is constantly “on.” It’s constantly working to problem solve all that we experience— bills, planning, work, meetings, family schedules, deadlines, etc. As such, there are many clear benefits of this mode of mind. It keeps us safe, prepared, thinking quickly, and on our toes to handle life happenings— efficiently.
What’s important, however, is also recognizing the limits of this mind. Not everything in life benefits from problem solving. There are some things in life that can’t be solved— and when we apply this mode of mind, we are left frustrated and depleted.
This is where “sunset” mode of mind becomes critically important. While problem solving mind keeps us in constant action— sunset mind reminds us to slow down and to notice. It reminds us that life is short and valuable, and things like nature, art, music— are supposed to stop us, quiet us, and truly be experienced by us.
When we get so caught up in our super-automatic problem solving mind, we miss the sunsets— the beauty that surrounds us each and every moment.
Our sunset mind is needed to keep life in perspective, to notice and appreciate the small moment-to-moment gifts— flowers, a child's laugh, a compliment at work, waking up with energy, scoring a goal on the pitch, the adrenaline after a work-out…
We must recognize our limits, and honor the good that can come when we slow down.
Right now, we all face grave hardship and challenge. Our world is in flux and struggle— and it’s not something that we can solve.
Thus, now more than ever, we must call forth our sunset modes of mind.
We must slow down.
We must stop searching for solutions.
We must be present to things like family, and health, and humanity, and nature— things we usually miss in our daily problem solving modes of mind.