The Atlanta Lawyer April 2017 | Page 17

you’re able to fully be present with your client and really listen to what they’re saying you can really ad- dress their problems and concerns more holistically.” He sees oppor- tunity in the integration of mind- fulness into mediation techniques, and believes beginning a mediation with a mindful approach could be beneficial in calming a tense and emotional environment. He also has big ideas for the Georgia Bar on how to present mindfulness tactics remotely to attorneys interested in acquiring CLE credits who cannot attend sessions at GSU. To attorneys who are skeptical of the practice, Chris Kanelos, the new president-elect of the GSU MILS chapter, would like to tackle some common misconceptions about being mindful. “I think the biggest misconception…is that it is tied to a religious practice… mindfulness is simply paying at- tention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.” He says others often find it takes too much time, or is too inconvenient, to which he replies, “Mindfulness can also be practiced anywhere at any time! There are many mindful- ness meditations, and some even include simply mindfully walking, and eating and we all do both of those things on a daily basis, no matter how busy our day is!” If you or your firm is interested in learning more about the practice of mindfulness, you can contact: Austin Charles austincharles.info/connect/ Submit a book review for The Atlanta Lawyer contact [email protected] Professor Charity Scott [email protected] And if you are someone who thinks they do not have the time, dip your toes and take Austin’s advice, “Close your devices in the morning and take 10 minutes to slowly enjoy a cup of coffee.” ▪ The Official News Publication of the Atlanta Bar Association THE ATLANTA LAWYER 17