Doing-Being-Becoming through life’s challenges by Priya Singh

Life inevitably brings its ups and downs. How we choose to navigate these highs and lows is a learning process that shapes who we become. In occupational therapy, the framework of Doing-Being-Becoming is often used to map out this learning process and help find tools that can assist in navigating the transitions and challenges we face in everyday life.

‘Doing’ refers to engaging with life. The more we focus on meaningful interactions (people, activities, work, etc.), the better we can define the various roles we fill and find purpose. ‘Being’ happens through connecting with our true self and identifying our values. This part requires making time for self-reflection and mindfulness to strengthen our awareness of ourselves and our capacity. ‘Becoming’ happens when we embrace obstacles as opportunities for growth and cultivate a positive mindset that helps us adapt and build resilience. ‘Belonging’ is a sense that is derived from forming relationships and being a part of a community, organisation or culture. This helps in forming our identity and sense of connectedness to the world.

These concepts are interdependent and work together to create and influence our perception of life, and thus our overall well-being. An example of this holistic view of life is seen at Camphill, where we support and encourage residents’ participation in their different roles at work, home and in social activities, so that they may have the opportunity to feel a sense of purpose and identity through being, becoming and belonging.