Atul Patel, a founding member of Richmond’s Heartfulness Institute, has become a steady and uplifting presence in the community — balancing a long career at Dominion Energy with a deep commitment to meditation, mindfulness and inner peace.

Patel was born in Pandhurna, India — a small, college-town community rich with education and cultural energy. The environment, full of students and intellectuals, shaped his appreciation for learning and simplicity. Today, he travels back to India annually to visit family and attend meditation seminars, keeping him connected to his roots.

Patel came to the U.S. in 1999, during the height of the dot-com boom. After starting his career in the Washington, D.C., area, he moved to Richmond, where he has worked at Dominion Energy for the past 23 years. Job stability is not just a career choice for Patel — it’s a philosophy.

“Growth and prosperity come when you remain in one place,” he said. “If you’re too focused on your own ambition, it’s hard to be selfless or make sacrifices for others.”

Patel, fluent in Hindi and Gujarati, holds strong cultural ties, and he values deep, sustained relationships. His marriage, which was arranged, has flourished, and he and his wife have raised two children, both graduates of Virginia Tech. He believes the tradition of arranged marriage is often misunderstood.

“It’s always the woman’s choice,” he explains. “It’s about the union of two families, and it builds a strong foundation.”

As a certified Heartfulness trainer and mindfulness coach, Patel says the Heartfulness Institute is more than an organization, it’s a movement. The center, operated entirely by volunteers, offers free, non-religious meditation and yoga sessions that are open to the public.

“We’re lucky to have this in Richmond,” Patel said. “It’s here for the community.”

Outside his professional and spiritual life, Patel finds joy in simple pleasures. He and his wife cook together, watch movies and unwind with music or cricket matches. Driving through the mountains with music playing is one of his favorite ways to relax — a reminder that peace, like purpose, is often found in the quietest places.

What is your role at the Heartfulness Institute? I’m a meditation trainer.

Where do you live? Glen Allen.

Where did you attend college? I have a bachelor’s degree in engineering in electronics and communication from Sardar Ptel University.

Can you tell us about your family? My wife, Ritesha, and I have two children, Pranav and Shalini. My parents also live with us.

What is the Heartfulness Institute?

The Heartfulness Institute is a nonprofit organization, with several million practitioners in 160+ countries. Heartfulness relaxation and meditation techniques have been studied and proven to be effective in reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep, enhancing emotional intelligence, and exploring the depths and heights of human consciousness.

Heartfulness also offers coaching programs that support personal and professional growth through heart-centered development.

What is the mission of the Heartfulness Institute? To serve every human being on earth.

How long have you been involved with Heartfulness? Since 1992.

What’s the history of Heartfulness? Heartfulness was founded in India in 1945 by Shri Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur, also known as Babuji. It began as a modern expression of the ancient Raja Yoga tradition, aiming to simplify meditation for daily life.

The practice focuses on heart-mind synergy, offering a method for inner transformation through meditation, cleansing and reconnection. It was founded to help individuals experience peace, balance and spiritual growth in a natural and accessible way.

Is Heartfulness worldwide? Heartfulness Richmond is a chapter of a worldwide organization in 160+ countries. In the U.S., we have approximately 70 major locations and around 100 smaller locations, with trainers and local groups in almost every major city. You can find the nearest trainer on our website, heartspots.heartfulness.org, or through our mobile app, Heartfulness.

How did Heartfulness come to Richmond? Heartfulness has been in RVA since 1996, offering free meditation training to thousands of individuals annually in Richmond and its surrounding communities.

We operated out of trainers’ homes, libraries and a short-term rental for a few years, then transitioned to a 24/7 facility rental in 2012.

As we needed more space to serve larger and larger groups and communities, we found a permanent place at 2230 E. Parham Road in Henrico County.

Who were the founders of the local institute? I led a core team of 15 to 20 volunteer families who joined our local movement. I believe we are still laying the groundwork for the greater good.

Why is Heartfulness meaningful to you? Our founder, Ram Chandra, whom we called Babuji, said, "The biggest service you can do to anyone is giving them peace of mind.” That touched my heart and has become my purpose in life. It gives me a great sense of fulfillment when someone experiences peace of mind through meditation.

What’s the mission of Heartfulness? Our mission is to serve.

What are the benefits of meditation? The Heartfulness Institute has studied the benefits of meditation and found that it offers a wide range of scientifically supported benefits across mental, emotional and physical well-being. You can find the study’s results at heartfulnessinstitute.org.

What are some of the myths surrounding meditation? Some believe that meditation is a religious or mystical practice, but it is a secular practice. It’s about subtle, grounded inner growth. Many people think you must stop all thoughts and maintain strict postures for hours, but meditation embraces thoughts and gently redirects attention in comfortable and brief sessions.

Also, it’s not escapism. It builds courage to face life clearly. Heartfulness benefits all ages, including youth.

How does meditation improve mental and emotional well-being? The Heartfulness Institute found an 18% improvement in mental well-being scores among participants, while control groups saw a decline. The studies also show a 29% reduction in generalized anxiety after a 12-week program and a 33% decrease in burnout symptoms, including emotional exhaustion and cynicism. Reduction in perceived stress levels was 27%, compared to a 20% increase in the control group. Consistent practice resulted in a 53% decrease in cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone.

How does meditation improve sleep and relaxation? The Heartfulness study showed improved sleep quality, quicker onset of sleep, fewer awakenings and a reduction in insomnia severity and increased feelings of zestfulness.

How does meditation improve physical health and longevity? The study showed an 8% increase in telomere length, a marker of cellular aging, suggesting potential longevity benefits.

Also shown was enhanced cardiac health, with improvements in heart rate variability and blood pressure regulation.

Do you have an upcoming event? Our free wellness extravaganza, HeartFest, is back for 2025 to enrich body, mind and soul. On Aug. 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Heartfulness Meditation Center will transform into a hub of health and happiness. It’s a one-of-a-kind indoor and outdoor wellness festival that offers a full day of uplifting sessions to relax your mind, move your body and awaken your spirit.

We showcase the best of RVA’s wellness community, featuring yoga, speakers, vendors and food trucks. Please check our social media or Eventbrite for more details.

How do you start your day? I start my miracle morning with meditation and visualization and light exercise.

Who is your dream dinner party guest? I will invite my role model, Kamlesh Patel, as a gesture of gratitude for all that I am and all that I will be.

What are the top three on your musical playlist? Bollywood Classics, Bollywood Romantic and Bollywood Yesteryear Melodies.

What is a quote that inspires you? “Arise! Awake! and stop not until the goal is reached,” a slogan popularized by Swami Vivekananda.

Who has had the most influence in your life? My mother in childhood, my guide Parthasarathi in my youth and Kamlesh Patel, my current mentor.

What’s a book that has influenced you? “Autobiography of Ram Chandra.” It profoundly influenced me by showing how spiritual growth can unfold through a life of simplicity, inner discipline and a deep connection to the Divine.

What are you currently reading? “As the Man Thinketh,” by James Allen.

What’s next for you? I want to continue to bring moments of meditation into everyone’s life.