Welcome to the final episode of this special guest mini-series where host David Devine speaks with the founders of The Holistic Life Foundation – Ali Smith, Atman Smith, and Andres Gonzalez – about all the synchronicities that lead to their new book: Let Your Light Shine.
The Holistic Life Foundation is a Baltimore-based nonprofit organization committed to nurturing the wellness of children and adults in underserved communities. It was founded by Ali Smith, Atman Smith, and Andres Gonzalez. Through a comprehensive approach that 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.
Order Let Your Light Shine for insightful lessons on how mindfulness can empower children and rebuild communities.
Launching Let Your Light Shine
Finally seeing their book come to fruition has been a synchronistic and exciting experience for Ali Smith, Atman Smith, and Andres Gonzalez. The group discusses a weekend when the idea for Let Your Light Shine was just forming. Ali, Atman, and Andres locked themselves in an Airbnb to brainstorm and make timelines. Although this book has only been released for a short time, readers can feel the transformative energy it holds as earlier as in the introduction.
“We’re trying to get people to let their light shine. As individuals read the book, ideally they’ll start going on that inner journey, understanding what their real infinite self is.” – Andres Gonzalez
The Message // Changing Yourself to Change the World (9:25)
David Devine inquires about the true intention behind writing the book to which the group replies: ‘self-empowerment’. When we learn about practices like yoga, breathing, and community transformation we empower ourselves and then can spread that knowledge to others for a chain reaction. Their hope is to inspire people to do more self-reflection, have self-realization, and then use their techniques to change the world.
“Once you do build yourself up through the practice of meditation, yoga, breathwork, it helps you develop love of self and empathy for others. Once you strengthen yourself it’s only natural to want to strengthen your community around you.” – Atman Smith
Opening to Synchronicity (17:50)
The events that lead Ali, Atman, and Andres to work with each other (and with the spiritual teachers who inspired them) felt like direct guidance from the universe. When we make ourselves open to all of life’s synchronicities, the more often we are able to experience them. For example, if you notice repeating numbers you will begin to see the combinations more often. When you are looking for signs from the universe they will always appear and you will know you are on the right path.
“You can follow the signs once you are available to see the signs, because the signs are always there.” – David Devine