Ali Smith

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.

Ali Smith, Atman Smith, and Andres Gonzales, co-founders of the Holistic Life Foundation, share their transformative journeys through yoga and mindfulness. They reveal how their godfather, a former Black Panther, inspired their deep commitment to inner evolution. The trio discusses the power of mindfulness for at-risk youth, their work in enhancing educational settings, and empowering individuals through yoga. They delve into breathing practices, mantra meditation, and the importance of emotional well-being and connections in fostering resilience and personal growth.

Today we welcome Ali Smith, Andrés González, and Atman Smith. Brothers Ali and Atman met Andrés at the University of Maryland College Park. During their last semester, the trio spent a lot of time reading books on spirituality, philosophy, history, politics, and other related topics. At the same time, they began their yoga practice and developed it under the guidance of Ali and Atman’s godfather. Months of hard work and planning ensued before they finally co-founded the Holistic Life Foundation. Together, they tell their story of how yoga and mindfulness have transformed countless communities in Let Your Light Shine.In this episode, I talk to Ali Smith, Andrés González, and Atman Smith about mindfulness in education. For 20 years, they have been teaching yoga and wellness to underserved kids, resulting in a decrease in suspensions and fights and an increase in attendance and grades. But it’s not just about the numbers. For Ali, Andrés, and Atman, what matters even more is changing the school’s culture to become a loving and empathetic space for all by teaching stillness and introspection.Website: letyourlightshinebook.comTwitter: @HLFINC Topics2:31 Introducing Ali Smith4:24 Introducing Atman Smith7:31 Introducing Andrés González12:45 Hope through mindfulness17:05 Creating an oasis in schools 20:39 The impact of the Mindful Moment Program26:16 Reciprocal teaching model28:00 Involution: tapping into our universal centers33:37 Sharon Salzberg’s and Rhonda Magee’s work36:52 Bringing fun and humor to learning 38:11 Making yoga and mindfulness accessible45:46 Love and empathy need to be consistent and reliableSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.