Abstract
Building on sensemaking theory and Erich Fromm’s distinction between the existential modes of having and being, this paper explores the process in which managers integrate spirituality into their working lives through a longitudinal, clinical research project. The being mode of existence offers a way to bypass the grip of identity in the sensemaking process, opening up for new ways of enactment, and thus, a way for spirituality to be integrated into the evolving self. The interplay between identity and context in the sensemaking process is discussed, and it is suggested that the existential mode of being may provide in order for new cues, interpretations, and action possibilities to emerge. By articulating the role of mode of existence in the sensemaking process, this paper also contributes to the sensemaking perspective. The notion of being-based doing is developed as a way of talking about actions that stem from the existential mode of being, including mindfulness, compassion, and other states grounded based in experiencing.