What Form of Contemplative Practice Most Interests You?

My contemplative practice is based around mindfulness sitting practice and yoga. I practice meditation most days and yoga several time per week, and lovingkindness, from time to time.  My meditation is derived mostly from Zen and Vipassana Buddhist practice and I also frequently sit in Jewish contexts. I have a brief daily prayer practice and practice gratitude before meals.  I also try to incorporate general mindfulness into whatever I’m doing.     

When Were You Introduced to a Contemplative Practice?

I was first introduced to meditation as a senior at the University of Florida in the fall of 2000. 

What Impact Does Your Practice Have on Your Work?  On Life?

My practice allows me to view my work as an integral part of my life, not something separate that I’m doing or that I dread.  Without it, I can imagine feeling a “daily grind” and viewing much of my work and life as something that gets in the way.  With it, I feel fully alive, energized, and focused on my work, nourished by all of my relationships, and can often feel the breath that I touch into while sitting flowing in and out through a multitude of tasks.  Also, I think that I react with more care and compassion than I ever could without practice.  While not always easy, I work hard with my practice to cultivate the crucial space between stimulus and response.  In that space, there is choice and wisdom.

What Advice Would You Offer a Colleague Interested in Starting a Contemplative Practice?

I would say to definitely attend a daylong or shorter retreat or multi-part class to really get a taste of what practice can be like.  I would also say to have an intention to sit every day – I like the morning – and I would recommend making a deal with yourself before you go to bed that you are actually going to get up and sit for a few minutes.

What Teachers Have Been Most Influential in Developing and Deepening your Contemplative Practice?

My first teacher, whom I’m still in touch with, is Professor and Rabbi Shaya Isenberg from Gainesville, Florida.  In California, Norman Fischer, James Baraz, and Charlie Halpern have all been important teachers who have helped me learn and maintain my meditation practice.  

What Workshops Have You Found Helpful?

I’ve attended numerous retreats and various daylong events at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, which has been a tremendous support along the years.  In general, I notice a big change when I have two or more longer sitting meditation sessions in a day, coupled with some movement.  I find that quite challenging on a daily basis.

What Resources Do You Recommend?

I would start with The Mindful Lawyer Conference website which has a lot of videos and resources.  Jack Kornfield’s talk there was excellent in particular.  Also, I would recommend the Contemplative Mind webpage for its law program. Jon Kabat-Zinn has great meditation CDs.

Anything You’d Like to Add?

I love talking and strategizing with legal professionals about how to bring the contemplative element into their lives and workplaces.