JURISIGHT®

the mindful practice of law and life

 
 
        JURISIGHT

®


Koan, You Can Do It


A Koan (pronounced  kōan,is an ancient Zen  practice designed to help cultivate a different way of knowing.  Working with koans, (perhaps the most famous koan is "What is the sound of one hand clapping?"),  you come to appreciate the futility of using problem-solving techniques that rely too much on "thinking."  The mind lets eventually lets go and additional ways of knowing emerge -- intuition, wisdom, insight.


As lawyers and legal professionals, we cherish our ability to think through a problem, to break it down to its fundamental parts, develop a method of solving it, and arrive at a solution.  This skill serves us well and is one we refine throughout law school.


Sometimes, however, a solution is not to be found by applying a familiar method.  We can rack our brains and get nowhere. We become frustrated and old friends like doubt and hesitation come knocking.  When they do, we can lose our edge and our effectiveness can be compromised.


A Zen Koan is designed to help you get out of your mind and find solutions in places you might not have previously thought to look, or even known existed.


In law school Jurisprudence or a related course you likely learned that before there were laws, humans lived in a State of Nature.   Yikes!  Then, everyone agreed to a social compact in which they gave up some of their liberty and empowered a sovereign to govern and regulate society. 


"Where is the State in a State of Nature?"






 







Testimonials

“Scott Rogers has the answer to finding harmony in the practice of law.  Introducing concepts of mindfulness in my legal career was my answer to feeling fulfilled, balanced and rewarded.  Scott has helped me integrate different techniques into my workday - a benefit that has been felt in my personal life as well.”

-- Lori Tashman, Esq.
      Government Attorney


“Scott’s original methods of waking us up to the present moment are easy to understand and a delight to experience.  The simplicity and power of his techniques make them all the more appealing to busy to busy lawyers.”

-- Melvin Rubin, Esq.
     Family Law Attorney & Mediator


“As an attorney, I found myself always thinking, analyzing, and planning ahead.  This constant activity left me feeling exhausted and sapped me of any ‘joie de vivre.’ Since meeting Scott and incorporating his mindfulness techniques into my everyday life, I feel less anxious and, in short -- Happier.”  I am very grateful to Scott and his techniques.  I encourage anyone who feels overwhelmed and over-stimulated to meet with Scott.  It will change your life.”

-- Ana-Maria Deschapelle, Esq.
    Trial Attorney


“Scott has taught me techniques that I can seamlessly incorporate into my day. They're especially useful when the unexpected arises!  In only a few weeks, I've noticed that I'm a more effective attorney and a more attentive person in general.”

-- Josh Shore, Esq.
     Law Clerk


“Scott, I wanted to thank you for the mindfulness techniques that you have shared with me over the last few months.  They have been a really big help in my very hectic life . . .  Click here to read the full testimonial.”

-- Laura E., Esq.  Trial Attorney