Courtney Schulnick (she/her)

Courtney joined Momma on April 28, 2025 for a live Q&A via Twitch and YouTube to talk about Mindfulness

About Courtney

Courtney Schulnick, Esquire, spent close to two decades as a litigator at a large Philadelphia law firm, navigating the intense pressures of a high-stakes profession. She understands firsthand what it means to perform at a high level while balancing professional demands with personal commitments. In the midst of her legal career, Courtney discovered mindfulness as a powerful tool for managing stress, sustaining focus, and cultivating resilience. She enrolled in the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program at Jefferson’s Myrna Brind Center for Mindfulness—a transformative experience that reshaped her approach to both work and life. Inspired to share these tools with others, she completed Jefferson’s extensive teacher training and now teaches MBSR at the Center for Mindfulness.

Drawing from both her legal background and mindfulness expertise, Courtney helps high-performing professionals develop practical strategies to enhance focus, navigate stress, and maintain well-being—without sacrificing success. She is passionate about equipping leaders and teams with mindfulness-based approaches that foster clarity, resilience, and sustainable performance in demanding environments.

Outside of her work, Courtney finds joy and grounding with her husband and three sons, exploring the world together. Her children continually remind her to slow down, be present, and appreciate the beauty in life’s small moments.

Socials / Links for Guest Connection

• Website: https://www.courtneyschulnickmindfulness.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-schulnick-632a7a7/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneyschulnickmindfulness/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@courtneyschulnickmindfulne8903

• Podcast:

  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConsciousCornerWithAandC

  • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ibo22EFSSpmpJ5eMyjIpb?si=zrdJkBBZRPOnH6UllX3s6A

References / Things Mentioned During the Stream

• Etsy Greeting Card Line - https://www.etsy.com/shop/adventuresoflittlec

• Jon Kabat-Zinn 

• Richard Davidson 

• The parable of the second arrow 

• Favorite Poem - The Guest House by Jalaluddin Rumi 

Episode Summary

If you're overwhelmed, burned out or just trying to make it through the day without falling apart, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways

• Mindfulness can significantly change how we approach stress and life.

• Courtney's journey highlights the importance of self-care in high-pressure jobs.

• Mindfulness is about present moment awareness, not clearing the mind.

• Self-compassion is crucial for mental well-being and resilience.

• Mindfulness practices can be integrated into daily routines easily.

• Burnout can be avoided with mindfulness and self-care practices.

• Mindfulness can help reduce anxiety and improve mental health outcomes.

• The science behind mindfulness shows its effectiveness in various conditions.

• Mindfulness is a way of being, not just a practice to check off.

• Engaging with mindfulness can lead to a more fulfilling life. 

In this episode, I sat down with Courtney Schulnick to talk all about mindfulness and how it actually fits into messy, busy, real life! Courtney spent almost 20 years as a high-pressure litigator at a major law firm in Philly. The work was demanding and stressful. When she had her first child, she managed. When her family grew and life threw her fertility struggles and long sleepless nights, she kept pushing through. But she was burning out. Badly. That’s when her therapist suggested mindfulness.

At first, Courtney was skeptical. The idea of committing to a two-and-a-half-hour class every week, plus daily home practice, felt impossible. But eventually, she realized something had to give. She signed up for an MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) course and it completely shifted how she moved through the world. The stress didn’t go away, but her relationship to it did. She started feeling more present, more grounded, more in control. She not only learned to function better at work, she learned to show up for her life.

We talked about how mindfulness helped her navigate the pressures of law while raising three boys, and how it ultimately bought her another ten years in a career she had nearly burned out of. She now teaches MBSR herself and helps high-performing professionals find balance without sacrificing their ambition.

Courtney broke down what mindfulness actually is: moment-to-moment awareness, without judgment. It’s not about clearing your mind or sitting in silence for hours. It can be as simple as noticing your feet on the floor or being fully present while brushing your teeth. And it works. There's a growing body of scientific evidence showing that mindfulness reduces anxiety, depression and even boosts immune function.

She also tackled the idea that mindfulness is just another luxury or self-care chore. It’s not. It’s a way of being, not a task to check off a list. And yes, even busy people can do it. You don’t need to dedicate hours to see the benefits. A few minutes a day can make a difference.

We also talked about how mindfulness intersects with trauma. Courtney was clear: mindfulness is powerful, but it’s not for everyone at every moment. If someone is navigating trauma or deep depression, it's important to be mindful about mindfulness (pun intended) and to have professional support in place.

Throughout the conversation, Courtney’s warmth and honesty stood out. She shared personal stories, like stealing Snickers bars as a kid, and how her kids now remind her to slow down. We laughed about egg cups, Instagram reels and the ongoing challenge of being present as a parent in a world that never stops pinging.

If you've been curious about mindfulness, or if you're overwhelmed and looking for a way to show up more fully in your own life, this episode is a great place to start.