Excellent Geoff! Long hours spent in negotiations with my clients has taught me the value of being more than just a lawyer, otherwise you’d run out of things to talk about pretty damn fast. There must be other human points of connection between you and your clients- it adds dimensions to your work with them that make it all worthwhile. This isn’t the same thing by the way as taking them out for the obligatory golf game- and most of my clients don’t play anyway. Its about being a real human being with them. I suppose in a way, without blurring the boundaries between client and lawyer, it is like appreciating them for who they are and being willing to be true to who you are- authenticity comes to mind. Now, as for that “balance thingie” you mention!!!! There’s the elusive goal. But good to remind us of this!

Thank you for bringing up this topic, Geoff.
I couldn’t be more in agreement!
In my acupuncture practice as well as in my own life, I emphasize balance.

Starting with scheduling proper diet which includes discipline and fun! Proper sleep which includes being able to stay up and have fun when appropriate. Including exercise in our life but not forgetting to let go of the driving ambition to accomplish and simply enjoy the experience of moving our body. Attending to work but knowing when one must take a break.

I find that having fun and enjoying life can be a real problem for many people. We seem to have our nose to the grindstone so much of the time. We forget to breathe. We forget to live. Forget to really look, hear, smell, touch, taste our world.

Introducing balance into our lives seems like it should be so natural, however, I find it takes patience, gentleness and openness. This kind of balance is truly more interesting and multi-dimensional, not to speak of more enjoyable!