Enhancing Mindfulness and Well-Being in Higher Education

Abstract

This article outlines the steps taken to establish the University of Wisconsin-Superior’s Pruitt Center for Mindfulness and Well-Being. Major historical components include: gaining momentum; securing funding; developing mission and vision statements; launching the Pruitt Center; and recounting the services, programs, and impacts achieved to date. Through outlining experiences and lessons learned, others in higher education looking to enhance the well-being of their campus communities could benefit, regardless of whether creating a center is their goal. The process and rationale for creating and adopting the PERMANENT Model of Well-Being is also provided. Comparisons are made regarding the similarities and differences between the PERMANENT Model and two existing models: the PERMA Model and the Universidad Tecmilenio Well-being in Happiness Ecosystem. Also depicted is the intention concerning: 1) describing each domain of the PERMANENT Model of Well-Being, including Present Moment Awareness, the model’s foundation; 2) the meaning behind the PERMANENT acronym, inspiring the notion of long-lasting well-being; 3) including the greater community; and 4) the model’s process of learn, experience, reflect, and repeat, a reminder that all learning takes effort and practice. This process is supported by current mindfulness and well-being research, specifically as it relates to higher education.