In today's episode, we have a very special guest joining us - Courtney Schulnick, an accomplished litigator and dedicated mindfulness teacher. Courtney shares her inspiring journey of discovering mindfulness amidst the challenges of balancing a demanding legal career with being a wife and mother to three boys.

Driven by experiences of stress, anxiety, and a longing for better work-life balance, Courtney initially resisted the idea of committing to a mindfulness-based stress reduction program. However, a series of personal losses and overwhelming demands led her to an orientation session at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, where she realized the transformative potential of mindfulness practice.

Join us as we delve into Courtney's story of healing and growth, learning how her deep engagement with mindfulness not only brought more balance and presence into her personal life but also enhanced her ability to serve clients as a lawyer. We discuss the challenges and rewards of maintaining a mindfulness practice, the impact it can have on the legal profession, and the unexpected paths that open up when we commit to being present and compassionate with ourselves.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy this heartfelt and insightful conversation with Courtney Schulnick on Game of Zen!

Links for Courtney:

Courtney Schulnick Mindfulness

Courtney Schulnick LinkedIn

Jefferson Health Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

00:00 Striving for perfection creates anxiety and stress.

04:15 Juggling work and family during fertility challenges.

07:56 Grieving the loss of beloved pet intensely.

13:21 Late nights, imbalanced life, heightened self-awareness.

15:04 Mindfulness practice brings balance and significant benefits.

18:19 Recognizing mental patterns for personal and professional freedom.

24:20 Attorneys find ease through body-mind connection.

26:01 Mindfulness improves communication, feelings, and decision-making.

29:45 Deepened mindfulness practice, teaching practicum, program creation.

33:22 Lawyer finds fulfillment in guiding anxious clients.

37:37 Choosing to be present and engage fully.

40:42 MBSR course participants share stress and growth.

44:49 Strive for clarity, not stress, in work.

47:47 Staying present leads to optimal outcomes.

49:03 Choose wise responses, mindfulness, neuroscience's impact.

53:14 Explore Zen Buddhism's transformative influence for growth.

Game of Zen links:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-of-zen/id1700988890

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bjnPE66RC1bCL6h7i68jt?si=184f256fd76342e3&nd=1

Podcast Landing Page: https://game-of-zen.captivate.fm/

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJ2A-vZkd5ba7bW_8KNFgdkXiSfQh_xv

Paul Agostinelli

Zen@Work: