10% Happier with Dan Harris If You’ve Ever Doubted Whether Meditation Works, Listen to This Story | Ali Smith, Atman Smith, and Andres Gonzalez
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Oct 17, 2022 Ali Smith, Atman Smith, and Andres Gonzalez, co-founders of the Holistic Life Foundation, share their transformative journey of implementing a meditation-instead-of-detention initiative in Baltimore schools. They discuss the challenges of working in underprivileged areas and the impressive results from teaching mindfulness, including improved student behavior and emotional well-being. Their insights emphasize the power of compassion, community, and mindfulness in fostering resilience among at-risk youth, offering practical strategies to enhance self-love and well-being.
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HLF Origin Story
- The Holistic Life Foundation founders were raised by ex-Black Panthers who taught them meditation and yoga.
- They were exposed to diverse experiences through Quaker school and family trips, contrasting with their neighborhood's limited opportunities.
Meeting and Spiritual Journey
- The founders met in college, bonding over partying and philosophical discussions about life's purpose.
- Their search led them to Uncle Will, who introduced them to yoga and meditation, sparking their transformative journey.
The Smallwood Chapter
- Andy, encouraged by Atman and Smitty, joined the project and moved to Smallwood to practice yoga and meditation.
- Their transformative experience inspired them to share their practices with kids in an after-school program.