Let’s face it. As a group, lawyers are not the most well rounded people in the world. We tend to be analytical, logical and skeptical, whether by nature or training. Now, that's not necessarily a bad thing. But when we focus so much on left brain activities that our lives lack creativity, passion and purpose, problems arise. Think fatigue, discontentment, anxiety, compulsiveness and depression.
Also, the practice of law is intense. It's a profession that values meticulous attention to detail, the constant use of logic to solve complex problems and the ability to synthesize large amounts of information in a short time. Hours are long, clients are demanding. So, it shouldn't be a surprise that we are such an uptight, stressed out people.
According to one study, lawyers are suffering from depression at a rate higher than any other occupation and more than 3.5 times higher than employed persons generally. Lawyers also suffer from alcoholism and illegal drug use at rates far higher than non-lawyers. The divorce rate among lawyers also appears to be higher than the divorce rate among other professionals.
But, I have good news, my friends. Despite our training, despite the intense demands of our careers, we have the FREEDOM TO CHOOSE how we feel about or jobs and our lives. It's 2015 and there's never been more access to resources to teach us to be healthy in mind, body and spirit. Mindfullness, yoga and other holistic approaches to health have entered the main stream for a reason. Studies show they are effective for improving the quality of our lives.
This blog is a space where I hope to be able to share with other lawyers (and anyone else who is interested) the significant benefits that come from integrating creativity, wellness and holistic ENRICHMENT activities into your life. When the intellect of the law is BALANCED with this personal ENRICHMENT practice, the result is likely HAPPINESS and FULFILLMENT.
The word SOPHROSYNE comes from ancient Greece. There is no simple equivalent in English but it is sometimes translated as moderation or temperance. The ancient greeks valued the concept of SOPHROSYNE as an ideal of excellence of character and soundness of mind, which when combined in one well-balanced individual leads to other qualities, such as temperance, moderation, prudence, and self-control. Imagine the possibilities if we valued not only our intellect, but also our creativity, health, heart and soul.
The sky is the limit. Our lives are no more and no less than the way we view them and what we decide to do with them. If I can help open your eyes to ideas that make your life more enjoyable or fulfilling, then I've reached a major goal of mine.
It's a new beginning. So, let's get started. . . .
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ReplyDeletethink part of the problem stems from the pedagogy of the American legal education system. Students are subjected to rote understanding of the black letter law, the persistent anxiety of the Socratic method, all culminating in a single examination, which each grade determining your fate in the profession. Professors rarely provided guidance or permitted students to explore and to challenge. I chose to take the "path less traveled" by postponing the bar and rediscover my passion for international law and to apply it to my newly acquired skills. I take time to mediate daily and strive to maintain a balance life; never have I regretted my decision. I realize that my law school experience has reinforced the values imbued within me to be a better advocate and citizen.
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