An introduction to Mindfulness for lawyers part 3

When was the last time you spent a whole day without worrying or feeling guilty?

The first two concepts of Mindfulness were dealt with in Parts 1 and 2.

Core Concept No. 3 – Detachment (Becoming an Observer)

This is closely linked to the second core concept of Acknowledgement, Acceptance and surrender. The second concept is necessary to prepare you for the third: becoming the Observer of your events/emotions/life. This is about not over-associating yourself with your thoughts and emotions. No drama queens here!

If you are not living in the moment then, more often than not, you are ‘brooding’ about the past or the future. This can create drama in your life.

Mindful detachment gives you a way to reduce the drama and the associated stress. When something does not require your action to improve the situation, Mindful observation can often be the most productive way to deal with it.

Consider it a scene from a movie – an event which you are viewing rather than one which is personally related to you. The circumstance will start to lose traction. Before you know it, you have released yourself from a stressful situation and are able to move freely in any direction you please.

In times of uncertainty and change, detachment movies can assist you in moving into unknown territory. Sudden change can be scary, especially if you lack the mental resources to maintain your senses.

By exposing yourself to challenge and adversity, and by familiarising yourself with the feeling of uncertainty, you are strengthening your mind and developing the ability to detach from the inevitable chaos of life. You can’t know your true self unless you experience a challenge that tests your limits.  Adversity builds resilience.

By practising your detachment, you will gain the confidence of each new experience, helping you to analyse your strengths and identify your weaknesses in future. Looking at uncertainty as a challenge rather than a threat is all part of strengthening your Mindset, allowing you to mentally adapt to any situation.

If you would like to know more on how to use Mindfulness to manage your stress and build resilience, please contact me: ann@yorkshirecoursesforlawyers.co.uk or telephone me; 07921540039 for coaching. For Mindfulness coaching I have a special offer of three coaching sessions for the price of two.

I am also running 2-hour lunchtime workshops on ‘An Introduction to Mindfulness and Managing Stress’ in Leeds, Harrogate and Hull – please check out my events page for one near you: http://www.yorkshirecoursesforlawyers.co.uk/events/

YCFL delivers strategic coaching and training in leadership, management and interpersonal skills for the legal profession. Since 2003 Ann has trained nearly 7000 lawyers in leadership, management and interpersonal skills. She launched her Business Brilliance Blueprint in 2017 for owners of law firms so that they can serve more clients profitably. Ann has also trained with the Coaching Academy and holds an H.N.L.P. certificate in coaching as well as being an N.L.P. Master Practitioner.