Ali Smith
Special guest
Ali Smith was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated from the Friends School of Baltimore and the University of Maryland, College Park, where he received a BS in Environmental Science and Policy with a Biodiversity specialization. Ali began his journey with contemplative practices as a small child, learning meditation from his father and attending the Kriya Yoga based Divine Life Church of Absolute Oneness run by Swami Shankarananda. He deepened his practice as a young adult, learning yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and breathwork from his teacher and godfather Will Joyner.
With almost 20 years of experience teaching yoga, mindfulness, and meditation internationally to a broad demographic spectrum that includes schools, retreat centers, wellness centers, mental crisis facilities, detention centers, drug treatment centers, the corporate setting, as well as private one-on-one sessions, Ali has co-founded the Holistic Life Foundation in 2001. As the Executive Director, his leadership helped guide HLF to grow an organization that employed over 50 people and served communities worldwide.
Ali is a published author, has written several curriculums, and is a pioneer in the fields of yoga and mindfulness in education, as well as trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness, developing best practices that are used around the world. He has taught in seven countries on three continents and his work has been featured on CBS News, CNN, NBC Nightly News, PBS, as well as in Oprah Magazine and Forbes. In addition to his work with HLF, Ali is also a co-host of the Look Again Podcast and Co-Owner of the Involution Group.
Ali Smith has been a guest on 3 episodes.
-
100. Holistic Life Foundation: Let Your Light Shine
August 11th, 2023 | 42 mins 35 secs
ali smith, andres gonzalez, atman smith, engaged mindfulness, hlf, holistic life foundation, let your light shine, light shine, mindfulness, social justice, yoga
Ali Smith, Atman Smith, and Andres Gonzalez are the founders of the Holistic Life Foundation and the authors of Let Your Light Shine. They teach yoga and mindfulness practices to at-risk youth in their community and underserved communities. There programs have revolutionized schools, detention centers, drug treatment centers, mental illness facilities, recreation centers, group homes, and more. In this episode, they talk about their new book, Let Your Light Shine, which shares the inspiration and methods of their programs as well as their personal practices that inspire their path.
-
62. Holistic Life Foundation: An Onsite Inquiry into Mindfulness
February 25th, 2019 | 39 mins 41 secs
"Personally in ten years I see mindfulness implemented in every aspect of life -- whether it's school -- like a school will have like a mindful moment at the beginning of the day and at the end of the day and have alternative suspension rooms where kids de-escalate themselves. It would be cool if you know every business started their day off with the practice. I'm not saying that it's definitely going to get there, but you know I can have high hopes and be optimistic."
-
23. Empowering Underserved Communities: Holistic Life Foundation
April 23rd, 2018 | 49 mins 14 secs
holistic life foundation, meditation, public schools, yoga
The Holistic Life Foundation is a Baltimore-based 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization committed to nurturing the wellness of children and adults in underserved communities. Through a comprehensive approach which helps children develop their inner lives through yoga, mindfulness, and self-care HLF demonstrates a deep commitment to learning, community, and stewardship of the environment. HLF is also committed to developing high-quality evidence-based programs and curriculum to improve community well-being. Listen as we discuss the Foundation and Naropa with its founders.