Mindful Lawyering Episode 8: Mindfulness and Music — The Harmonious Side of Lawyers

The Mindfulness and Wellbeing in the Law Committee returns to the airwaves to give you the lawyer’s perspective on the healing power of music. Scott Mason, Nancy Batterman and Kathryn Schneider explore the mindfulness practices inherent to musical artistry, and the way that those practices can inform a life in the law. Nancy and Kathy share their personal journeys in the City Bar Chorus and the strong sense of community they have built there. The episode gives a new framing for some of the challenging aspects of the legal profession, like performing under pressure and navigating a proclivity for perfectionism. We close with a guided meditation and a poem by Rumi, emphasizing the spiritual and emotional dimensions of engaging with music. Kathryn Schneider is the Musical Director of the New York City Bar Chorus, which is giving two public concerts (with identical setlists) in June 2025 at the House of the Association showcasing musical theater and film selections, including from Sweeney Todd, Encanto, Kinky Boots, The Greatest Showman and Wicked, as well as inventive arrangements of songs by artists ranging from Billy Joel to Bruno Mars, Billie Eilish to Beyoncé, and more. Donations at the door will benefit the City Bar Fund and the Chorus. RSVP for the concerts at: June 26, 2025: https://services.nycbar.org/EventDetail?EventKey=CHOR062625 June 27, 2025: https://services.nycbar.org/EventDetail?EventKey=CHOR062725 02:29 Mindfulness and Music: The Connection 04:03 The Impact of Singing and Music on Wellbeing 08:13 The Role of Community in Music and Law 13:57 The New York City Bar Chorus: History and Personal Journeys 19:26 The Healing Power of Music and Performance 35:08 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts 38:36 Guided Meditation for Performance Preparation