The relationship between autopilot and doing mode

[Jonaaaa]

Had a flick through Williams & Penman. They list (I think) 7 characteristics of the doing mode of mind. Number one is 'autopilot'. But if we are on autopilot are we always in doing mode? Surely not, as we can be remembering, 'listening' to a song we like in our head and many other activities.

In addition, can we not 'do' and be in doing mode but be fully present and not on autopilot? Kabat-Zinn talks about (example) sending an email mindfully. But if we are composing an email, we are involved in thought and (surely) in doing mode. Yet he says we can do it with awareness.

Can anyone help shed light on the relationship between the doing mode and autopilot?

You know after all these years of dabbling with mindfulness (finally trying to commit to it) I am more confused than ever!

[JonW]

'Autopilot' simply means doing something unconsciously, without awareness that we are doing it. That's all.
The great thing about mindfulness is its simplicity. There are no complicated answers in mindfulness.
Cheers,
Jon

[Jonaaaa]

As ever, thanks Jon. So am I right in saying that, whilst Williams and Penman were right in pointing out that when we are in doing mode we're often on autopilot, it isn't inevitably so?