Paula Fitzpatrick
MIEA Trainer
Director of the Center for Well-Being, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Paula Fitzpatrick has woven mindfulness into her role as the Director of the Center for Well-Being at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. With three years as a MIEA teacher under her belt, she approaches mindfulness with the same analytical rigor that defines her work in psychological science. Her introduction to Zen meditation deepened her professional practice, enriching her understanding of mental health and well-being.
“Even as a young child, I have been on an inner quest to find meaning, purpose, simplicity, and peace in my life. I was drawn to my professional field of psychology as one place to search for answers, am an avid reader of self-help/organizing/time management books, and practice yoga regularly.”
Involvement with MIEA
Paula’s search for a suitable meditation curriculum for college students led her to MIEA. After training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and recognizing the need for a program aligned with the pace of college life, she found MIEA’s evidence-based approach and focus on emerging adults to be the right fit.
Teaching Philosophy
In her MIEA sessions, Paula emphasizes the practical aspects of meditation, guiding students to slow down and prioritize self-care. Her teaching style is focused on debunking meditation myths, fostering self-compassion, and nurturing the kind of awareness that can have a lasting impact well beyond the classroom.
“I love dispelling the many myths that students have about what meditation “should” be. I love hearing students come to the realization that they need to slow down and care for themselves. I love seeing their sharpening awareness and acceptance of non-judgment and self-compassion in their reflections.”
Becoming a Trainer
Driven by a belief in the transformative power of mindfulness, Paula decided to become a MIEA Trainer to broaden the reach of mindfulness education. She is motivated by the potential to help college-aged adults manage stress and live with intention, laying the groundwork for a more compassionate society.
“So much of modern society focuses on chasing things that ultimately do not lead to a sense of meaning and purpose, [but rather], increases suffering. I hope to help to expand the number of certified teachers who are able to share practices to manage stress and find pathways to deep meaning and purpose… Educating our young people to slow down, be still, and live intentionally while abiding by values of non-judgment and compassion is the best hope that we have for sustainability of people, place, and planet.”