Mindfulness and Well-Being

Catalog description

Are you stressed? Would you like improve your focus and memory? Prioritizing a healthy brain is important not only because learning the law is intellectually challenging, but also because lawyers suffer from anxiety, stress and substance abuse at an alarming rate. The objectives of this course include learning how mindfulness meditation, food choices, exercise, and various stress reduction techniques can improve brain health and well-being. You will practice meditating regularly both in class and on your own and will be introduced to science that demonstrates how mindfulness meditation can physically change your brain in a short period of time. This course will also cover using mindfulness to heal from technology and other addictions. You will also learn how mindfulness practice builds a variety of human capacities and skills that can be consciously applied with clients, colleagues, staff, opposing counsel, judges, juries and others. We will make these connections throughout the course using readings, meditation (together and apart), videos, class discussion, in-class exercises, personal journaling and guest speakers. You will also learn about recent advances in scientific research on the human microbiome, the mind-gut connection, and how to improve your well-being and brain performance through eating an anti-inflammatory diet. We will also explore the impact of exercise, gratitude practices, and quick stress reduction techniques. Students will also examine the stress response, brain biases (including implicit racial bias), and techniques to improve emotional intelligence in stressful conflict situations. Developing these skills will help you gain resilience to flourish in a demanding profession and bring your best self to serve your clients and communities. (Disclaimer: I am not a therapist, or a certified nutritionist, and I encourage students with mental health concerns to seek/continue treatment as needed with their therapists and/or physicians. The university Wellness Center also provides services and guidance for students with mental health concerns.)