There was a recent article in the American Bar Association Journal about bringing mindfulness into the practice of law. In the article, entitled “Justice Begins with a Breath,” Rhonda V. Magee, a law professor at the University of San Francisco, takes her definition of mindfulness from cognitive science which is comprised of neuroscience, psychology, and other subfields.)
Mindfulness is defined as paying attention, in a particular way, with an attitude of compassionate or friendly nonjudgment, with the intention of increasing one’s capacity in the present moment. She goes on to say that mindfulness can increase ethical lawyers and pave the way for better interrelationships and social justice. I was not surprised to learn that Professor Magee was raised in a Christian family with a devout Grandmother who had a major impact on her life.
I however would have entitled the article, “Justice Begins with a Prayer.” Taking a breath can calm your mind and slow your body down, but we are also made of spirit. Just taking a breath does not go far enough. To engage the spirit, one must pray. Prayer is having a conversation with God. In order to live fully and remain in the present moment, we must call upon God to guide, direct and sustain us. For this reason, it would benefit the cognitive sciences in their study of mindfulness to include theology in their subfields.
This idea of mindfulness has been resonating with me both personally and professionally. I am a family lawyer who has been a certified mediator for over 20 years, and a collaborative attorney for over 5 years. Since committing to the Catholic faith eight years ago, my personal life and professional life have shifted greatly. I have learned through God’s grace, that the Catholic faith calls us to incorporate what Christ and the Church teach us into our daily lives; our work lives, our family life, and our communities. This ongoing process and transformation is what St. Ignatius calls living a life of conversion.
I liken it to an earthquake that has opened the earth under my feet and I am now exploring the cracks. I have experienced the peace of Christ and I desire to be an instrument of His peace in the world and share that peace with others. It is the meaning of Pax Christi. St. Augustine defined peace as the tranquility of order and which is the work of justice and charity. This is what all lawyers are called to do. So I am determined to be mindful and truly live each moment. I wish to share my moments with you in this journey, and hope you will find peace as well.
Perhaps Blessed Mother Teresa captured mindfulness the best when she said, “Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need not more.”
ABA Journal January 2016 “Justice Begins with a Breath” by Rhonda V. Magee at p.24
ABA Journal January 2016 “Justice Begins with a Breath” by Rhonda V. Magee at p. 24