Our Story
Brothers Ali and Atman Smith, along with their colleague Andrés González, connected during their final semester at the University of Maryland College Park. As avid readers, they explored topics like spirituality, philosophy, history, and politics. During one discussion, González asked, "So what are we going to do about it?" This question set them on a transformative path.
Around this time, they began practicing yoga under the guidance of Ali and Atman's godfather, continuing a family tradition. After graduation, inspired by a commercial from Matthew Lesko about government grants, they sought funding for environmental projects, given Ali's degree in Environmental Science. They identified an EPA grant for a ground-level ozone detection system but soon realized they needed a non-profit organization to apply. This realization set them on the path to founding the Holistic Life Foundation.
In the summer, they moved to West Baltimore, where Ali and Atman grew up. They noticed the community spirit had faded and felt compelled to restore it. They spent months planning their nonprofit, while deepening their yoga practice.
After months of hard work and dedication, on December 19, 2001, the Holistic Life Foundation was officially incorporated, marking a significant milestone in their journey towards serving their community and making a positive impact in the world.
This year, they were named GameChangers by Baltimore Magazine.
Follow them on Instagram: @ali_the_yogi @atmansmith @realandresgonzalez
Ali Smith, Atman Smith & Andrés González’s
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE
In this inspiring book, the founders of the Holistic Life Foundation, Ali Smith, Atman Smith, and Andrés González, share their incredible journey of personal transformation through mindfulness, yoga, and meditation. They offer powerful insights into how these practices can empower historically underserved children and rebuild communities devastated by drugs, poverty, and systemic racism.
For over two decades, the Holistic Life Foundation has been sharing the transformative power of mindfulness, yoga, and wellness practices with public school systems and beyond. Through their work, they have breathed life back into communities and empowered countless children to tap into their own inner strength and resilience.
"Let Your Light Shine" is a powerful reminder that we all have the capacity to reclaim our power, find peace, and heal our hearts, no matter how difficult our circumstances may be. This book offers practical tools and inspiring stories to help readers unlock their own light and transform their lives.
With a foreword by Bessel van der Kolk, MD, author of the New York Times bestselling book "The Body Keeps the Score," this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to make a positive impact in their own life and in the world around them.
