Running a top-tier law firm is no easy task. The pressure can be intense. However, there’s a potent tool that can help – meditation. As a business owner who incorporates daily meditation into my routine, I can attest to its concrete benefits. It’s straightforward to begin, and the rewards are significant. In fact, a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that mindfulness meditation can help alleviate psychological stresses like anxiety, depression, and pain.
Here’s how Claire Parsons, a seasoned meditation instructor, suggests embarking on this journey.
Four Words to Kickstart Your Meditation Journey
Many legal professionals are curious about meditation and mindfulness practices. They have a myriad of questions about meditation for lawyers:
- How often should I meditate?
- How long should each session last?
- What’s the best app?
- Do I need a cushion?
- What if I can’t clear my mind?
- What if I get restless?
I empathize with these questions, I had them too. But there’s a straightforward answer to all of them: Just start. Start small.
Learning Through Doing
Meditation is a practice that requires experience. You have to do it to comprehend it. It’s like civil procedure – you can’t fully grasp it until you’ve applied the rules in real cases. So, just start.
Meditation for Legal Professionals: The Right Way is Your Way
You might worry about doing it “right.” But once you start, you’ll learn what’s right for you. You’ll observe things about your mind, your body, and your life. You’ll discover what you need to be happier and healthier.
In the beginning, all you need to do is:
- Build up some tolerance for sitting and doing nothing
- Develop inner resources for handling adversity
- Get acquainted with your mind
Don’t worry about doing it wrong. If meditation becomes a habit, you’ll inevitably make mistakes and need to adjust your practice. That’s part of being human and learning any new skill.
Start Small, Grow Gradually
Starting small is less intimidating and more practical. If you can sit for 5 minutes right away, go for it. I started with just 1 minute. I gradually added minutes until I reached 30. Starting small doesn’t mean staying small. It’s the first step towards a life with an active meditation practice.
Mindful Legal Professionals: Make Meditation a Habit
Short sessions are easier to fit into a busy schedule. They’re also easier to do every day, which helps turn your experiment with meditation into a habit. In fact, a 2014 randomized controlled trial found that a short program in mindfulness meditation produced demonstrable effects on well-being and perceived stress in a workplace context.
You Don’t Need to Know Everything
I love discussing meditation. I enjoy helping other lawyers bring mindfulness into their lives. But remember, you don’t need to know everything about meditation to benefit from it. What you need is curiosity, courage, self-compassion, and an open mind. With these traits, you’ll be able to answer your own questions about meditation and much more. The American Bar Association has recognized the benefits of mindfulness and meditation for lawyers, stating that these practices can lead to improved focus and concentration, better decision-making, improved stress management, and greater empathy and compassion.
In recent years, mindfulness practices have been gaining traction in the legal world. They have been shown to reduce anxiety, improve focus, and even enhance the quality of work. As a result, many lawyers are turning to these practices to help them maintain a healthy work-life balance and enjoy a more satisfying law practice.
The legal profession can be demanding, but with the right tools and strategies, it’s possible to find satisfaction and success. Whether you’re a seasoned attorney or a law student, incorporating mindfulness and meditation into your daily life can offer a wealth of benefits. So why not give it a try? You might just find that it’s the key to a more enjoyable legal practice and a more fulfilling life.
The Science Behind Meditation and Mindfulness
The benefits of meditation and mindfulness aren’t just anecdotal. They’re backed by a growing body of scientific research. Studies have shown that these practices can lead to significant improvements in mental health, including reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression.
For instance, neuroimaging studies have revealed that mindfulness meditation can lead to structural changes in the brain. These changes are associated with improved emotional regulation and increased mental flexibility – two critical skills for lawyers who often have to navigate complex and emotionally charged situations.
Moreover, research has shown that mindfulness can enhance cognitive abilities, including attention, concentration, and memory. This can be particularly beneficial for lawyers, who need to maintain sharp focus while working on intricate legal cases.
Practical Examples of Incorporating Mindfulness and Meditation into a Lawyer’s Routine
So, how can lawyers incorporate mindfulness and meditation into their busy schedules? Here are some practical examples:
- Start the Day with a Short Meditation Session: Begin your day with a 10-minute meditation session. This can help set a calm and focused tone for the rest of the day. There are numerous guided meditations available online specifically designed for beginners.
- Practice Mindful Breathing: During your workday, take a few moments to practice mindful breathing. This involves focusing your attention on your breath, observing each inhale and exhale without trying to change it. This can be a great way to reduce stress and regain focus when dealing with challenging tasks.
- Mindful Listening: Practice mindful listening during meetings or when conversing with colleagues or clients. This involves fully focusing on the speaker, without planning your response or letting your mind wander. This can improve communication and understanding, leading to better work relationships and more effective legal practice.
- Mindful Eating: Instead of eating lunch at your desk while working, take a few minutes to eat mindfully. This involves paying full attention to your food – its taste, texture, and aroma. This can be a refreshing break that helps you return to your work with renewed energy and focus.
Lawyers: Get Your Meditation Fix Here
Starting a meditation practice can be daunting, especially when you’re not sure where to begin. The good news is that there are numerous free resources available online that are tailored to help professionals, including lawyers, get started with meditation. These resources offer guided meditations, tips, and community support to help you establish and maintain a consistent meditation practice.
Free Mindfulness Resources for Attorneys
Here are three popular resources that are not only free but also highly recommended for lawyers:
- Mindfulness for Lawyers: This platform is created by a Harvard-trained lawyer and mindfulness expert, Jon Krop. The programs are designed specifically for lawyers and legal staff, taking into account the realities of their lives and fast-moving workdays. The focus is on concrete tools that can be applied right away to improve well-being and performance.
- Meditation for Lawyers: This resource is led by George Felos, a litigator with over 40 years of experience. The platform offers CLE-accredited seminars that help lawyers develop a consistent practice of meditation to enhance their work and personal lives. They offer monthly webinars, drop-in meditations, one-on-one sessions, and weekend retreats.
- Insight Timer: This is a free app that offers more than 70,000 guided meditations, daily live events, and soothing sessions hosted by celebrities. The app’s Circles feature allows users to connect with others, chat, and meditate live with groups of friends, colleagues, or strangers. It also offers curated playlists with themes like releasing guilt, practicing compassion, and anxiety relief.
Each of these resources offers unique benefits and can be a great way for lawyers to start or deepen their meditation practice. They can choose the one that best fits their needs and preferences.
Remember, the key to reaping the benefits of mindfulness and meditation is consistency. Even a few minutes a day can make a significant difference. So why not give it a try? You might be surprised by the positive impact it can have on your professional and personal life.
References
- Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
- Mindfulness practice leads to increases in regional brain gray matter density
- Does mindfulness training improve cognitive abilities? A systematic review of neuropsychological findings
- American Bar Association: Mindfulness and Well-being
Claire E. Parsons is a Member at Adams Law, PLLC in Covington, Kentucky where she focuses her practice in the areas of litigation, local government, and school law. She’s also a frequent speaker and writer, a certified meditation and yoga teacher, and the founder of the Brilliant Legal Mind blog where she offers instruction and resources to help lawyers and professionals use mindfulness to take their minds from burdened to brilliant. Claire loves connecting with fellow lawyers on LinkedIn and invites you to follow her there. You can follow the blog on WordPress, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
