Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Institute for Mindfulness Studies?  The mission of the Institute for Mindfulness Studies (IMS) is to offer practical and accessible methods of working with mindfulness practices to achieve greater (internal) balance and well-being.  As it applies to the law, please click here and read our Mission Statement.

What is mindfulness?  There are many different approaches for describing mindfulness.  We refer to mindfulness as being aware of the moment without judgment, with an open heart, and a clear mind.  Many definitions and approaches converge on the same key ingredients -- present moment, grounded, non-judgmental, curious, non-resisting awareness.  Daniel Siegel, a neuroscientist interested in the relationship between the brain and mindfulness refers to mindfulness as “waking up from a life on automatic, and being sensitive to novelty in our everyday experience (Siegel, 2007).  Jon Kabat-Zinn, an important figure in both the experimental and experiential exploration of mindfulness practices,  describes it as “. . . tuning into the basic experience of living. . . . allowing [oneself] to be in the moment with things exactly as they are, without trying to change anything.”  (Kabat-Zinn, 1990).  Put simply, it is being comfortable with what arises in one’s life and the ability to offer others a genuine,  non-reactive presence to allow them the space to be themselves.

What is Jurisight®?  Jurisight is the lawyer-focused mindfulness program developed by the Institute for Mindfulness Studies.  It integrates timeless mindfulness-practices with cutting edge advances in neuroscience. Its appeal to lawyers is found in the novel use of legal imagery and concepts and application to their daily lives -- both at work and home.  Lawyers who complete the various Jurisight programs, or an IMS workshop, will be exposed in terms like “pain and suffering,” “due diligence,” “res ipsa loquitor,” “justice,” “attractive nuisance,” and “stare decisis” in ways that will open wide the conceptual doors of mindfulness practice.  These terms and related imagery are then used to deepen one’s understanding through mindfulness-based techniques and exercises. The three levels of Jurisight include:  (1) stress reduction, (2) alignment of mind and body to embrace natural flow of life and reality, and (3) mindful awareness and neural integration.  The benefits that flow are a less cluttered mind, better focus and clarity of purpose, more optimal performance, greater ease moment to moment, and greater balance and a deeper sense of well-being.  You can learn more about Jurisight by clicking here.

What is a contemplative practice?  A contemplative practice is any of a variety of approaches to living life that involve a quieting of the mind amid the chaos and distractions of everyday life.  It is a practice that helps develop insight into our true nature so that an attitude of unconditional friendliness towards our self and others can flourish. 

How long has the Institute for Mindfulness Studies been operating?  The Institute was founded in 2004 and initially focused on mindfulness and parenting.  The groundwork for the development of mindfulness teachings and services for practitioners in law and in medicine began in 2005.  In 2007, the entity established for the development of mindful parenting instruction expanded to include the legal profession.  It was renamed the Institute for Mindfulness Studies.  Presently the Institute for Mindfulness Studies works with lawyers, parents, law students, educators, and mental health professionals.

How quickly will I see results?  Mindfulness is not about quick fixes.  Change is deliberate and generally proceeds in stages as the skill of achieving states of greater awareness and insight matures.  At the same time, change is constantly happening.  Appreciable differences, especially as it relates to specific objectives is person-specific and largely dependent on commitment to practicing, and readiness to commit.  The time involved in the practice can vary widely, depending upon a person’s personality and the availability of time.  Many techniques takes place in the middle of one’s day, while immersed in work or family.    

Is mindfulness a religion?  No.  While mindfulness and other contemplative practices also appear in many religions and spiritual traditions, the instruction and services offered by the IMS do not embrace or rely on any religious or spiritual dogma or institution.

Are the mindfulness services like counseling or therapy?  Mindfulness practices are oriented about developing a deeper understanding of one’s inner-workings (attitudes, behavior, and thoughts and feelings).  There are several therapeutic techniques that draw on mindfulness practices, and indeed, mindfulness practices are geared toward enhancing one’s sense of well-being.  But the services offered are not based on counseling, clinical, or psychiatric disciplines.  The programs are limited in duration.

Is there a guarantee?  The only guarantee is that the more you put into developing a mindfulness practice, the more you will get out of it.  As for the fee, there is a full refund for people who sign up for individualized instruction and who, within one week of the services, are not satisfied.

We hope that this FAQ has been helpful.  If you have a question that was not answered, please contact us to learn more about mindfulness and how we might work together to help bring greater clarity and purpose to your practice and life.