My daughter has a radar for bugs. We can be walking along, and she will suddenly stop and exclaim, “Oh my gosh, look at this cute spider!” I, myself, am wondering how she even spotted said tiny spider! She can spot the tiniest of creatures while moving quickly. She will stand and marvel at the spider, its colors, observe what’s happening in the web, and express “awws” usually reserved for more cute and fluffy animals.

Whether it’s spiders or bringing cicadas, moths, and katydids into our house, she has always loved bugs. Or let’s be honest, she loves all creatures, great and small. They usually love her back, too. Through animals and nature, she experiences awe on a regular basis.

What does this have to do with attorney well-being, you ask? In the fast-paced, high-pressure world of law, emotions often take a backseat to logic and reason. Yet, emerging research suggests that one emotion, in particular, can be a powerful tool for lawyers: awe. Far from being a frivolous indulgence, awe can enhance cognitive function, reduce stress, and boost creativity – all essential qualities for legal practice.

The Science of Awe

Awe is a complex emotion characterized by a sense of wonder, vastness, and humility. When we experience awe, our brains undergo a shift, focusing on the bigger picture rather than immediate concerns. This shift has profound implications for our well-being and cognitive function.

Stress Reduction

A study published in the journal Emotion found that individuals who reported experiencing awe more frequently had lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. This suggests that awe can serve as a powerful antidote to the chronic stress often associated with the legal profession.

Increased Well-being

Research has shown that awe can boost overall well-being. A study in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that participants who were induced to feel awe reported greater life satisfaction and a stronger sense of purpose.

Enhanced Creativity

Awe has been linked to increased divergent thinking, a cognitive process associated with generating a variety of ideas and solutions. This is a critical skill for lawyers facing complex legal challenges. A study published in Psychological Science found that participants who watched a video that induced awe performed better on creativity tests than those who watched a neutral video.

Improved Decision Making

Awe can help us make better decisions by expanding our perspective and reducing our reliance on stereotypes. A study in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that participants who experienced awe were less likely to rely on stereotypes when making judgments.

Cultivating Awe in the Legal Profession

While the legal profession can be demanding, there are opportunities to cultivate awe within this challenging field. Here are some practical strategies:

Mindfulness and Gratitude

Incorporating mindfulness and gratitude practices into your daily routine can help you cultivate a sense of wonder and appreciation for the present moment. Even brief moments of mindfulness can have a significant impact. Studies have shown that gratitude journaling can increase feelings of awe and well-being.

Connect with Nature

Spending time in nature is a powerful way to experience awe. Research has consistently shown that exposure to natural environments can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase feelings of awe. Take a walk during the workday. Catch the sunrise, the sunset, or gaze at the stars and moon after a long day.

Engage in Creative Pursuits

Whether it’s painting, writing, playing music, or any other creative activity, engaging your artistic side can open you to experiences of wonder and inspiration. Creative pursuits help shift your perspective away from daily stressors and toward possibilities.

Seek Out Inspiring Experiences

Attend concerts, visit museums, watch documentaries, or read books that challenge your worldview. Exposing yourself to beauty, knowledge, and different perspectives can spark feelings of awe and expand your mental horizons.

Read Awe-Inspiring Stories

Literature, biographies of remarkable individuals, or stories of human triumph can evoke powerful feelings of wonder and remind you of the extraordinary potential within ordinary circumstances.

Volunteer

Giving back to the community can be a powerful way to experience awe. Helping others can put your own problems into perspective and foster a sense of connection to something larger than yourself.

“There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle. The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt is awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed.”

― Albert Einstein

Awe and Legal Practice

Experiencing awe can have a direct impact on legal practice. For example:

Improved Client Relationships

Awe can foster empathy and compassion, which are essential for building strong client relationships. By understanding the broader impact of a legal issue on a client’s life, lawyers can provide more effective representation.

Enhanced Negotiation Skills

Awe can help lawyers approach negotiations with a more open mind, leading to more creative and collaborative solutions. By seeing the situation from the other party’s perspective, lawyers can build rapport and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Increased Resilience

Awe can help lawyers cope with the inevitable challenges and setbacks of legal practice. By maintaining a sense of perspective, lawyers can bounce back from adversity more quickly and effectively.

The Challenge of Slowing Down

It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, the to-do list, the demands of work (especially in the grueling legal profession), and the need to be productive. I am guilty of this myself. On a recent hike with my daughter, I was feeling that pressure. She was crouched down and looking at a mushroom. I was rushing her to keep walking. Her response was to not give into my rush but to challenge it. She said, “I’m just adoring nature.” This was my cue to question why I was rushing (to get back to what – chores?) and to be present. After all, this is what I intentionally cultivated and taught her to do: to be amazed by the world.

Slowing down and being present – this is perhaps the most challenging part. By making a conscious effort to cultivate awe, you can enhance your ability to handle stress, solve complex problems, and build stronger relationships with clients and colleagues. Remember, even small steps can make a big difference.

Are you sick and tired of going through life at a frenetic pace and you wish to have more calm and peace? It’s possible to achieve this, experience more awe, and kick-ass in your career.

Book a call with me and we can discuss how to make this happen!