Episode 23

E23 - Mindfulness in Action: How Courtney Schulnick Found Freedom & Fulfillment Through Practice

In today's episode, we have a very special guest joining us - Courtney Schulnick, an accomplished litigator and dedicated mindfulness teacher. Courtney shares her inspiring journey of discovering mindfulness amidst the challenges of balancing a demanding legal career with being a wife and mother to three boys.

Driven by experiences of stress, anxiety, and a longing for better work-life balance, Courtney initially resisted the idea of committing to a mindfulness-based stress reduction program. However, a series of personal losses and overwhelming demands led her to an orientation session at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, where she realized the transformative potential of mindfulness practice.

Join us as we delve into Courtney's story of healing and growth, learning how her deep engagement with mindfulness not only brought more balance and presence into her personal life but also enhanced her ability to serve clients as a lawyer. We discuss the challenges and rewards of maintaining a mindfulness practice, the impact it can have on the legal profession, and the unexpected paths that open up when we commit to being present and compassionate with ourselves.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy this heartfelt and insightful conversation with Courtney Schulnick on Game of Zen!

Links for Courtney:

Courtney Schulnick Mindfulness

Courtney Schulnick LinkedIn

Jefferson Health Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

00:00 Striving for perfection creates anxiety and stress.

04:15 Juggling work and family during fertility challenges.

07:56 Grieving the loss of beloved pet intensely.

13:21 Late nights, imbalanced life, heightened self-awareness.

15:04 Mindfulness practice brings balance and significant benefits.

18:19 Recognizing mental patterns for personal and professional freedom.

24:20 Attorneys find ease through body-mind connection.

26:01 Mindfulness improves communication, feelings, and decision-making.

29:45 Deepened mindfulness practice, teaching practicum, program creation.

33:22 Lawyer finds fulfillment in guiding anxious clients.

37:37 Choosing to be present and engage fully.

40:42 MBSR course participants share stress and growth.

44:49 Strive for clarity, not stress, in work.

47:47 Staying present leads to optimal outcomes.

49:03 Choose wise responses, mindfulness, neuroscience's impact.

53:14 Explore Zen Buddhism's transformative influence for growth.

Game of Zen links:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-game-of-zen/id1700988890

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bjnPE66RC1bCL6h7i68jt?si=184f256fd76342e3&nd=1

Podcast Landing Page: https://game-of-zen.captivate.fm/

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMJ2A-vZkd5ba7bW_8KNFgdkXiSfQh_xv

Paul Agostinelli

Zen@Work: https://www.zenatwork.org/

Zen@Work Today: https://zenatwork.substack.com/

Email: GameofZenpodcast@gmail.com

#GameOfZen #NobleTruths #entrepreneurship

#Buddhism #Mindfulness #Zen #Concentration #Buddha #Attachment

About the Podcast

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The Game of Zen
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About your hosts

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Paul Agostinelli

Paul is a transmitted Zen teacher, Executive + Life Coach working at the intersection of professional, personal and spiritual development. He is Founder and Spiritual Leader of Eon Zen Center and offers Zen-informed Executive Coaching and Consultancy services through his Zen@Work program (www.zenatwork.org).

Paul received a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics from Dartmouth College and a Master’s Degree in English Literature from the University of Chicago, and has had a long career as an Internet Technology entrepreneur, co-founding and running multiple companies. He is on the Faculty of Willow Farm Contemplative Caregiving Center, and taught Zen for seven years as Adjunct Faculty at Naropa University.
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Scott Berman

Scott is a serial entrepreneur with a long career in Venture Capital, Digital Marketing & Jewelry Manufacturing. He is a devoted student of Zen Buddhism and has been studying with Sensei Paul for the last 3 years. Scott is an avid reader of spiritual books. In addition to the various business ventures, he has been keeping official NBA Basketball Stats for the Philadelphia 76ers since 1988.