Rhonda Magee

Rhonda Magee, a Professor Emerita of Law and mindfulness meditation educator, and Mariam Tokhi, a GP and narrative medicine innovator, delve into the profound impact of empathy in today’s divided society. They discuss how personal experiences shape our understanding of compassion and the barriers we face in expressing it. Mindfulness practices and storytelling emerge as vital tools in both law and healthcare to foster genuine connections. The conversation also touches on the importance of self-care and community empathy in addressing societal injustices.

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.

In this discussion, Rhonda Magee, a Professor of Law and mindfulness expert, shares her journey of integrating mindfulness into racial justice work. She emphasizes the healing power of awareness and compassion in bridging racial divides and fostering understanding. Rhonda dives into personal and systemic racism, her transformative educational experiences during desegregation, and the vital role of community in confronting injustice. The conversation highlights the importance of listening, dialogue, and collective healing as pathways toward liberation and justice.