Join Mindful Moments instructors, Ann Lapinski and Steve Knowlton for an in-depth, classroom approach to starting and sticking with a personal meditation practice. Going beyond the weekly sessions, this one-hour monthly series will explore everything from the definition of meditation to the various obstacles that prevent you from maintaining regular practice. Previous experience with meditation and/or prior participation with our programming is not expected or required. This class is for legal professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and experience with meditation with more consistency.
The SECOND WEDNESDAY of every month March 11 – June 10 at 12pm
March 11:
- Exploring the Practice — “What is a meditation practice and how can it benefit me?”
April 8:
- Beginning the Practice — “How do I create a meditation practice that works for me?
May 14:
- Building the Practice — “How do I stay consistent with my meditation practice?”
June 10:
- Sustaining the Practice — “How can I apply my practice to legal work and beyond?”
Class expectations:
- This course is capped at 20 individual registrants for the full duration of the series
- Participants should intend to participate in all 4 sessions (exceptions can apply)
- Registrants are expected to engage in the class fully with their audio/video on
- The course is free and accessible to all members of the legal community
Meet your facilitators:
Ann Lapinski has been practicing meditation for over 15 years. After retirement from the practice of law, she completed a 2-year online training program to become a certified meditation teacher. This past fall she completed a second program to become a meditation mentor. Ann guides her own weekly meditation sangha. She is also a licensed “Let Your Yoga Dance” instructor, teaching a weekly class on Zoom. Ann is an active member of the NYSBA Attorney Well-Being Committee. She is also one of three facilitators for the Mindful Moments series; a weekly group meditation for members of the legal community.
Steven Knowlton is a practicing attorney who has had a meditation practice for many years. He was introduced to Zen meditation by his martial arts sensei as a teenager. He has and continues to study both Buddhist and Yogic texts. For many years, Steve was active with a local sangha. Experienced in yoga and meditation, he would teach in-person classes. Beginning as a participant, Steve is also one of the Mindful Moments facilitators, with Ann.
Notes from your facilitators:
- Ease into meditation: short periods, little bites.
- Anytime, anyplace. 1 intentional breath = meditation!
- There is no wrong time – find when works best for you and schedule it
- Set a reminder, make it a habit.
- Find or set up a peaceful space
- Physical comfort: chair, mat, blankets, laying down, sitting, walking
- Meditation app or guided meditation. Insight timer, etc.
- Not about “clearing your mind.” Thoughts happen. Recognize them as thoughts, don’t engage (“offer them tea”, house with back door open, etc.)
- No such thing as the “right way” to meditate. Be patient.
- Keep track of progress without judgement.
- Every day can be a new start.
Types of meditation:
Mindfulness Meditation:
Focusing on how you feel in the present moment and observing your thoughts without judgment.
Compassion Meditation:
Cultivating feelings of love, kindness, and compassion toward yourself and others.
Zen (Zazen) Meditation:
Sitting in a specific posture, focusing on the breath while observing thoughts and sensations as they arise and pass without attachment.
Vipassana Meditation:
Meaning “to see things as they really are,” one of India’s most ancient techniques, it focuses on the deep interconnection between mind & body.
Loving Kindness Meditation:
Cultivating an attitude of unconditional love and kindness towards all beings, also known as Metta Meditation.
Mantra Meditation:
Involving the silent repetition of a word or phrase, known as a mantra, to focus the mind and bring deeper states of meditation.
Body Scan meditation:
This type of meditation has you progressively relax each part of your body to heighten awareness of your physical sensations.
External Resources:
Sticking with Your Meditation Practice by Sharon Salzberg – Tricycle
How to Begin Meditating: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners – Mindfulness Meditation Hub
How to Start a Meditation Practice: A Guide for Beginners – Left Brain Buddha
How to Start a Meditation Practice: Beginner’s Comprehensive Guide – Planet Meditation
How to Start a Meditation Practice – The Everygirl