I still keep in touch with one of the universities I was affiliated with. I like to see and learn about the direction they are taking by trying to help the many students they have with earning their degree. This week I was invited to attend their week-long summit and was really delighted to see that they are going to focus on an area that is so often overlooked: human thriving.
As the summit unfolded, I was impressed by the diverse range of sessions designed to foster both personal and academic growth among students, encouraging them to develop resilience, purpose, and a sense of well-being alongside their studies. Engaging with faculty and administration provided valuable insights into the innovative programs being implemented, and I left feeling inspired by the university's commitment to nurturing not only academic excellence but also the holistic flourishing of its community.
What struck me most was how naturally mindfulness was woven into the week’s conversations. It wasn’t presented as an add-on or a trendy practice, but as a foundational skill, one that helps students slow down, notice their inner landscape, and reconnect with what truly matters. In a world where young people are pressured to constantly perform, this gentle invitation to pause felt both radical and deeply necessary.
Many of the speakers emphasized that thriving doesn’t come from doing more, but from doing with intention. Mindfulness gives students the tools to meet their challenges with clarity rather than overwhelm. By learning to anchor their attention in the present moment, they can navigate stress, manage uncertainty, and cultivate a sense of groundedness that supports both learning and living.
I was also encouraged to see how mindfulness was being integrated into academic mentoring, leadership development, and wellness programs. Faculty shared how mindful pauses at the beginning of classes transformed the learning environment, helping students feel more present and connected. Administrators spoke about offering mindfulness-based resilience trainings to help students develop healthier relationships with technology, deadlines, and the pressure to succeed.
What became clear throughout the summit is that human thriving is not simply about achieving goals, but about becoming whole. It is about nurturing emotional balance, cultivating compassion, and fostering a sense of belonging, both within oneself and within the community. Mindfulness, in this context, becomes a way of discovering inner spaciousness amidst the busyness of academic life.
I left the summit with a renewed appreciation for institutions that are willing to evolve and prioritize well-being as much as achievement. Witnessing the university take meaningful steps toward creating a mindful, compassionate, and thriving campus reminded me that true education is not only about imparting knowledge, it is about supporting humans in becoming their best, most balanced selves.
If your school is looking for mindfulness resources for your students or is interested in starting a mindfulness program, be sure to contact us. This is a free service as well.
Sathu. Sathu. Sathu.
Buddham Saranam Gacchami
Vladimir warmly and skillfully passes on the Buddhas Dharma to a world in need of loving-kindness, compassion, and empathy for the benefit of all living beings.
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