Session Description
Do you control your digital life or does it control you? Whether texting, emailing, posting on social media, or browsing the Web, many people are at the mercy of their digital devices. Indeed, internet addiction is on the rise and is linked to mental health concerns like depression and anxiety. In 2019, the average American checked their phone 96 times a day. By the end of 2021, that figure skyrocketed to 344 times a day―a 3.5 times increase since the start of the pandemic. Those suffering from severe internet addiction are 8 times more likely to be depressed, 9 times more likely to have anxiety, and 14 times more likely to experience both of these mental health concerns.
Join attorneys Becky Howlett and Cindy Sharp as they present strategies designed to help CLE professionals manage and even unplug from the digital world - ethically and mindfully.
Learning Objectives
Participants will learn:
The program will conclude with mindfulness training and practice.
| ACLEA Take Charge of Your Technology Program Materials (2.8 MB) | 47 Pages | Available after Purchase |
Veteran attorney Cynthia Sharp (CEO of The Sharper Lawyer) works with motivated lawyers seeking to generate additional revenue for their law firms. She practiced law from 1982 - 2009 and then embarked on a professional speaking and writing career. Ever since, she has served solo and small firm attorneys throughout North America.
The crowning achievement of Cynthia’s life came when she became sober from alcohol on Sept. 23, 2009. Since then, Cynthia has devoted every single day to protecting her mental and physical health. Through this journey, she achieved a level of contentment, happiness, and emotional stability that she previously did not know was possible.
Because she could no longer tolerate the stress of a law practice, after almost 30 years as a practicing attorney, Cynthia sold her interest to her junior partner at the end of 2009. Since then, she has dedicated more than 10 years helping attorneys build sustainable and stable law firms.
In 2019, Cynthia was recognized as Trainer of the Year by the ABA’s Solo, Small Firm and General Practice Division. In the spring of 2020, she co-founded legalburnout.com, with the mission of helping others in the legal field avoid burnout, depression, anxiety, and addiction.
Cynthia graduated cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center in 1981 and earned her LLM in taxation from New York University School of Law in 1982.
Cynthia lives in Philadelphia with her husband, Mark and their dog, Rocky, and cat, Jackson. Cynthia practices yoga and meditation, enjoys the arts, and loves to bake.
Becky Howlett is an attorney, legal educator, and certified contemplative practices teacher committed to promoting well-being in the legal field and beyond. Becky’s attorney-wellness advocacy began after struggling with depression, anxiety, and burnout as a law student and practicing attorney. In the spring of 2020, she co-founded legalburnout.com to help legal advocates effectively manage stress, cultivate healthy work environments, and prevent burnout. As Director of Attorney Well-Being, Becky has led live meditations for over 2,500 attorneys in the United States and Canada. Becky’s legal experience and expertise emphasizes aware communication and relationship building, including delivering educational seminars and trainings re: cultural competency and implicit bias. She has worked in national non-profits, “Big Law,” outside counsel to an Indian tribal government, and as a solo practitioner.
Becky began studying to become a meditation instructor in April 2019. Throughout her training, she volunteered as a meditation liaison leading weekly guided mindfulness exercises for law students and attorneys. After a year and a half, Becky received her instructor certification after completing a total of 550 hours of training and study. Becky is formally certified to teach a variety of contemplative practices, including mindfulness meditation, breathwork, and many other evidence-based tools and techniques.
Becky attended the University of Kansas School of Law and graduated with honors and a Tribal Lawyers Certificate in 2014. Becky received her certification as Contemplative Practices Teacher from the Nature Center for Meditation in 2019.
Becky lives in Kansas City where she loves staying active, including biking, singing, and spending time in nature. She identifies as queer and non-binary.