As we enter our second month of working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic, so many of us are experiencing fear and anxiety, and sadly in many cases, sickness and loss of life.  However, this is also a moment for connection, healing and purpose.

As an attorney, my purpose has always been clear: to help my clients navigate and resolve challenging issues. But, as a colleague, I have a new purpose, and that is to help my colleagues, and their families and friends find a moment of peace and tranquility during these challenging times.   

It started during our first week working remotely. I sent an email to all lawyers and staff at my firm, inviting everyone to a 15-minute daily meditation. My primary goal was to help relieve stress and enhance a sense of community despite our collective isolation. The response was overwhelming, and now, four weeks into our new routine, over 400 people join our daily meditation from all around the world.

How does it work? Well, we begin with a simple breathing exercise. Give it a try; it really works: 

Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Breathe in deeply so that your stomach expands. Inhale for four seconds. Hold for two seconds. Exhale for four seconds. Good, now let's do it again.  

The goal of sitting comfortably and focusing on your breath is to calm the mind. After this simple breathing exercise, through a technique called guided imagery, we recalibrate our awareness toward positivity, fortitude and equanimity, among other themes. And then, I unmute the conference line and we all conclude by saying "namaste." Hearing each other's voices creates a sense of collective joy that is, unfortunately, hard to come by these days.

So what does all this have to do with the practice of law? Actually, a lot. I have been practicing meditation for about three years, and here is how it has made me a better attorney and colleague.

Meditation leads to creative problem-solving. One primary goal of meditation is to release yourself from the limitations of habit, reactivity and other mental constraints. When these self-imposed restrictions are removed, one's mind becomes open to the limitless, creative possibilities in the world. And with this new openness, it becomes easier to see strategic paths toward achieving your client's objective that were previously hidden in plain sight. In this way, the meditating lawyer will naturally focus on solutions, not problems.

Meditation leads to greater empathy and appreciation. Every good lawyer knows that the secret to most successful transactions or settlements is the ability to reframe issues so that both parties achieve their objectives. Meditation often focuses on seeing the universal within each of us. In this way, the meditating lawyer comes to the table with an invaluable tool; namely, the ability to empathize with the other side and thereby find a path that meets their needs while also achieving the fundamental objectives of his or her client.

Meditation leads to greater focus in battle. It has been said that every battle is won or lost in the arena of the mind. Thus, for those legal problems that must be won or lost, the meditating lawyer has a distinct advantage. Meditation is a discipline whereby you remove, or at least diminish, distractions and anxiety from the mind. The meditating litigator will therefore be focused, self-disciplined, and undistracted. He or she will avoid unorganized thinking and mental wandering. Therefore, for those who face the task of prevailing in litigation, the tranquility and focus from meditation will provide a great benefit against opponents who may lack similar control.

Meditation leads to greater efficiency and client service. Client service requires all of the qualities discussed above, including the ability to solve problems creatively, understand the client's objectives, and remain steadfastly focused on achieving successful outcomes. But in addition to all of that, client service these days requires efficiency. One component of meditation is the ability to remove mental distractions. The meditating lawyer does not daydream or wander aimlessly, and thus is more focused and more efficient. A client who encourages their counsel to meditate for 15 minutes every morning may be rewarded with better results at a lower cost.

Meditation leads to happier lawyers. There are many benefits of meditation, but one of the most important is the ability to let go of anxieties and worries, and to become joyfully present.  Nearly every aspect of the practice of law teaches us to be stressed, worried, and anxious. Remaining one half-step ahead of burnout or breakdown is, sadly, considered a badge of honor for many in our profession. If we can release these pressures, even for just a few minutes a day, we will naturally be happier and healthier, with a greater inner fortitude necessary to thrive in our chosen profession.

Meditation leads to a better law firm community. Coming full circle to our current coronavirus meditation practice, the final benefit for meditation is communal. Meditation, when done with others, creates a sense of community and collective well-being. A London-based information manager from my firm says, "As I live alone, I feel connected to others; the meditation brings a sense of calm and is helping me keep positive." A firm secretary based in Chicago weighs in as well:  "My [87-year-old] mom [and] my [three] sisters … have all been joining every day. I love the connection and unity and peace and calm it brings."

Now bring your attention back to your breath as it naturally flows in and flows out. When you are ready, gently and gracefully open your eyes, resolving to carry this calm with you as you go about your day. Namaste.  

Brian Israel is chairman of Arnold & Porter's environmental practice group. His practice focuses broadly on environmental litigation and counseling, including natural resource damages claims.