Let Your Light Shine

How Mindfulness Can Empower Children and Rebuild Communities

By: Ali Smith, Atman Smith, Andres Gonzalez, Bessel van der Kolk - introduction M.D.

Narrated by: Ali Smith, Atman Smith, Andres Gonzalez, Sean Pratt

This story of three men's work helping traumatized kids in one of America’s most underserved cities reveals how mindfulness tools can help children and communities not only survive but thrive

In this inspiring book, founders of The Holistic Life Foundation Ali Smith, Atman Smith, and Andres Gonzalez describe how they have spent the past twenty years teaching yoga, meditation, and breathwork to thousands of at-risk kids in Baltimore schools helping them to develop deep reserves of patience, empathy, resolve, and—when needed—the righteous anger that fuels deep structural change. Their work has received wide national attention due to their remarkable results: The schools that have participated in their programs have seen suspension rates plummet and graduation rates go through the roof.

Ali and Atman discovered as young children the power of mindfulness practices to sustain them through the challenges of growing up in a neighborhood in Baltimore that was struggling with poverty and violence—a community they now serve. The Holistic Life Foundation’s mission is to empower kids to find this same stillness and light within themselves and to let it shine out to help change the world. In this book, Ali, Atman and Andres share hands-on mindfulness and meditation tools readers can teach kids that will empower them to do this same work in their own communities. Let Your Light Shine is essential reading for parents, educators, activists, and anyone looking to make a difference in the lives of young people.

SEEDING CHANGE

A beautiful book. How might I support this cause? Inspirational and empowering. Sharing with others.

Love this book!!

The work that the authors are doing is so inspirational. I think their techniques should be taught in every school. Kids need this, we all need this and we need to let our light shine so we can light this mf up.

Excellent

Great book. Gives current and historical context to the community they work with and why. I love that it explains trauma and behaviors in a ways that people may overlook when it comes to children. Gives techniques and explanations that are well thought out. Excellent audiobook .

Eye Opening

life changing message. you need to hear this. well worth it. can not say enough good about it.

insightful

I love the way they spoke about yoga and the healing of trauma how everything is connected. the meditation, the breathing! I will definitely be listening to multiple parts over and over again.