A Path to Mindful Leadership

"Mindfulness has gifted me the power of the pause. Pausing before reacting has transformed how I lead. In moments of conflict, I now choose calmness over chaos. This simple shift has helped me become a more grounded administrator and human being."

In today’s inspiration story we highlight Paula Lightsey, an administrator for Southfield Public Schools and how, through years of personal growth and numerous trainings in Mindfulness and various SEL programs, she’s become a champion for the Mindfulness in Education movement.

I first met Paula in 2012 when she was the principal at Thompson K-8 and I was starting out as a mindfulness educator. I came to Paula as a volunteer offering an 8-week student training. Paula seized the opportunity and for the next two months, I visited twice a week and taught the Mindful Schools Curriculum to second, third and fourth graders. I was new and unsure of my ability to make an impact, but the lessons stood on their own and to my surprise the change was powerful. Paula followed along closely and was pleased with the decline of disciplinary referrals to the office and positive feedback from teachers. She was hooked.
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Soon after, she attended a Mindfulness-Based Training for Educators through the Oakland Intermediate School District facilitated by MC4ME's Rita Benn. What began as a professional development opportunity quickly became a personal awakening. She learned that mindfulness was not just a tool for students—it was a lifeline for educators, parents, and administrators navigating the unpredictable waters of daily life. Over the next decade, Paula became an advocate for mindfulness, guiding others through Mindful Schools Theory and bringing Mindful Schools Fundamental Courses to administrators and students as well as hosting MC4ME’s half day semi-annual retreat and one of our annual Summer Institute trainings. She introduced other curricula such as Inner Explorer to various schools and continued sowing seeds.

District-Wide she developed an SEL Team of educators and introduced Monthly Self-Care Exercises for staff, recognizing that teachers who nurtured their well-being were better equipped to support students. Various practices such as mindful movement, yoga, and breathing exercises grew organically and became integral parts of summer school programs. When the pandemic hit in 2020, mindfulness became a beacon of stability. Paula led district-wide mindfulness drop-ins, encouraging 15 minutes of mindfulness every morning, and launched Listening Circles to create safe spaces for emotional expression.

Always hungry to grow personally and professionally, she attended MC4ME's sponsored workshop
​The Five Literacies of Mindful Learning and joined the Transformative Educational Leadership (TEL) Fellowship, a decision that altered not just her professional outlook, but her sense of self. Through mindfulness, she confronted generational pain, inequities, and the ongoing struggles of marginalized communities. Compassion can heal the harm we experience daily, she realized. But first, we must acknowledge it.

Reflecting on how mindfulness has impacted her role as an administrator she shares the following: Mindfulness has gifted me the power of the pause. Pausing before reacting has transformed how I lead. In moments of conflict, I now choose calmness over chaos. This simple shift has helped me become a more grounded administrator and human being. Through regular practice, I’ve deepened my self-awareness by tuning into my five senses, allowing me to stay present and attuned to what’s happening both around and within me. I’ve also become a better listener—not just to others, but to myself. I now approach conversations with greater curiosity and care. In doing so, I’ve discovered that true leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about presence, compassion, and connection.

Thank you Paula for that amazing insight into your journey and for inspiring us!
-written by Kristin Ervin