Staying the Course

Several times over the past few weeks, I've encountered people who are ostensibly engaged in a course of action that would seem to require a generally peaceful/positive attitude (i.e. yoga). However, while they are going through the motions they are so intent on doing everything perfectly that they lose the point of the exercise, snapping at other students, and otherwise spreading energy antithetical to that which they are supposedly seeking.

There was one interaction which the teacher quietly noticed. In response, she said to the entire class, "If you do every pose perfectly, but are mean-spirited, you are missing the point. It's so much better to smile through the difficulty, faltering, and yet always striving to do better."

I couldn't agree more. If we lose the essence of why we do what we do, then we probably shouldn't be doing it anymore.

I think this lesson translates well here, when examined through a mediation lens. Part of really listening to clients, really understanding them, comes from a deep-rooted desire to help, to heal, and to make whole. That energy can really only come from a place of sincerity.

Soon to be a Mediator at the Bar Association of San Francisco!

I am pleased to announce that I will soon be mediating through the Bar Association of San Francisco. Very exciting news!

To mediate or not to mediate

I got a phone call yesterday from a prospective client who is trying to recoup a relatively small amount of money from another party. After listening to his story, I asked him to consider whether or not it was actually worth it for him to pursue the claim. If he went to court, filing fees would quickly pile up, and if he decided to mediate, my hourly rate would quickly overshadow the original amount under dispute.

As a mediator, it's important to behave ethically when discussing options with prospective clients. While I love to mediate, I have to ensure that it's the best possible path for my clients to take. We'll see what this client decides to do, but I feel like I've fulfilled my ethical duty in this regard.