The Power of Pause: Mindful Practices for Legal Minds
In the fast-paced and high-pressure practice of law, it is easy for legal professionals to get caught up in the demands of their work, and neglect their own well-being. This can significantly affect the ability to perform required tasks, and even impact relationships with coworkers, and those closest to you, However, incorporating mindful practices into your daily routine can benefit mental, emotional, and physical health.
Psychology Today described Mindfulness as encompassing “two key ingredients: Awareness and Acceptance. Awareness is the ability to focus attention on one’s inner processes and experiences, like the experience of the present moment. Acceptance is the ability to observe and accept—rather than judge or avoid—those streams of thought.
“The goal of mindfulness is to cultivate perspective on one’s consciousness and identity that can bring greater peace mentally and relationally.”
The Power of Pause:
In a profession that is often adversarial and requires quick thinking and rapid decision-making, the concept of pausing or meditating each day may seem counter-productive. However, taking intentional pauses throughout the day can have a great impact on a legal professional's well-being and performance. The power of pause lies in its ability to provide clarity, reduce stress, enhance focus, and promote overall mental and emotional resilience.
How Do I Know if I Would Benefit from Mindfulness?
Here are a few things that practicing Mindfulness may help with:
1. You find it hard to concentrate.
2. You are stressed or depressed.
3. You have a hard time looking after yourself and your needs.
4. You tend to focus on negative emotions.
5. You struggle with weight gain.
6. You suffer from chronic pain.
How to Utilize the Power of Pause:
Maria Connolly wrote an excellent article entitled Do You Know How to Engage the Power of Pause? It’s Transformational! In it, she described the following steps:
- Multiple times during the day, stop what you’re doing or what you’re about to say.
- Take a deep breath and slowly release it through your nose.
- Silently begin counting to 10.
- Mindfully tune in to the present: what you’re experiencing and how it’s affecting others.
- Observe your body sensations and what they’re telling you about the situation.
- Observe the body language of those around you.
- At the end of each day, review what each Pause revealed to you
Mindful Pauses can influence and benefit you and those around you. The power of pause can provide numerous benefits, including improved clarity, less stress, and a noticeable improvement in your overall well-being. By utilizing this technique, legal minds can cultivate a sense of balance, resilience, and fulfillment in their personal and professional lives. So, take a pause and discover mindfulness today.
