When I graduated from Emory University School of Law some 25 years ago, the term “mindfulness” was not yet part of the modern lexicon. But today, where I lecture at Berkeley Law, it’s employed in a variety of ways to enhance learning, student well-being, and deepen understanding of ourselves and others. It is encouraged and taught, in both for credit and noncredit courses, as part of the curriculum. It’s 2020…
I've been thinking lately about equanimity. Is equanimity even possible for lawyers? Every day in the law is a battle, and equanimity can seem pretty illusive. Our practices are full of uncertainties. We never know when we’ll win or lose, be praised or blamed, get an award or get slandered. We never know when we’ll have a moment of pleasure, and when we’ll be devastated. In the language of mindfulness, these…
Concentrate! You probably heard that when you were a kid. Or you might say it to your own kids. I know I did both. But it wasn’t until I began meditating that I realized how difficult it is, and how important it is. In fact, concentration is one of the foundations for happiness. How’s that? Concentration, or Samadhi, is the composure & unification of the mind, free from desires and…
A lot of lawyers I talk to, or who train with me, say they’d love to be more mindful, but it’s hard to remember to be mindful. I can totally relate, because sometimes it’s hard for me, too. But it’s helpful to know that the struggle to remember is a common denominator. In fact, not only is it a common denominator among lawyers trying to remember to be mindful. It’s…
Mindfulness protects us from defaulting to un-wise states of mind like anger, frustration, and greed, and helps us re-wire the mind to default to wise states of mind like wisdom and compassion. Which makes us happier, more likeable, and more effective. Here’s how. About a year ago I saw two cars that I really liked. Whenever I saw those cars on the road, I could feel how much I wanted…
From a mindfulness perspective, skepticism and critical thinking are essential, and frankly, faith is important, too, but it has its drawbacks. When you begin a mindfulness practice, you’re taking a leap of faith. You’ve heard the claims: mindfulness calms and stabilizes the mind. It increases concentration, and helps shift cynicism to inquiry and judgment to discernment. Mindfulness increases emotional intelligence, which has all sorts of tertiary benefits. And it flat…
Yes, really! But what is mindfulness? You can think of it as non-interfering awareness. You’re probably already familiar with non-interfering awareness. Imagine you’re listening to music. Or you’re completely, receptively listening to another human being – say, a colleague or a deponent. Or a client. Non-interfering awareness is a quality of mind that allows you to listen, or to be with someone, or to be in a situation, and to…
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