The Wake Up Call for Lawyers

The Fool is an ancient symbol. Some people say it's the image of innocence and openness. Others say it's the image of delirium. From a mindfulness perspective, when we get caught up in wealth and pride, we're all delirious Fools, ignorant rather than innocent. When we remember our last pair of pants have no pockets, we're free. Check out whether or not that's true, on today's podcast.

The Consequences of What We Feel

Do you ever feel like life is happening fast? I do. Mindfulness invites us to slow down in a particular way, taking in our experience in small chunks, in terms of what we’re seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, feeling, and thinking. I don’t remember to do that all the time. But when I do remember, life is more interesting. It also feel slower and often, very peaceful.

Within that invitation is also a suggestion to see how each moment feels. Is it pleasant? Is it unpleasant? Is it not much of either? When I remember to do that, I can see right away how I'm influenced - even propelled - by my likes and dislikes. And seeing that, feels spacious and hopeful. It also helps me feel more connected - to the moment, and to everyone else. Do you know what I mean?

What is mindfulness? Is it being present to each moment? Or is there more to it than that?

What if we’re present but frequently lodging objections? What if we’re present but secretly wish things were different – in our firm, organization, relationships? What if we’re present but we’re not at peace with what we see inside?

Can mindfulness help with that?

What time do you get up to meditate? Maybe not 5am, but I do remember, maybe 25 years ago, a teacher saying to me, “the decision to meditate happens the night before, when you set your alarm thirty minutes early to get up and sit.”

I feel like that’s still so true for me, today. But not as if it’s an obligation! Because what can we really accomplish when we approach our practice with reluctance or resignation? Not the difficult, inspirational, transformational, work of mindfulness. Also not the difficult, rewarding, satisfying work of the law.

When we approach both these with a sense of joy, and energy, though? Or both: joyful energy? Then I’d say, so much is possible. In fact, maybe anything’s possible.

I don’t know what we can do in this moment except stay in the boat, and when we get tossed into the ocean, grab the hull and crawl back inside to safety. That’s how it feels to me right now.

But I wonder if there’s another way to safety.

Maybe it’s too odd of an idea, but what if we could create peace in the middle of chaos, by wishing everyone well. Not as a discernment practice (you deserve my well-wishes, you don’t) but by weaving a great cloak to wrap up into and protect ourselves with, and protect everyone else, too?

Maybe it’s a cloak of peace. Maybe it’s one of love. Maybe it’s a cloak of blessings,
like the great poet John O’Donohue once wrote.

I feel like I could use a blessing right now. Couldn’t you?