Ali Smith

Ali Smith (he/him) has more than 20 years of experience teaching yoga, pranayama, and meditation internationally, focusing in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. He cofounded the Holistic Life Foundation with his brother Atman Smith and Andres Gonzalez in 2001, and served as executive director for 19 years. The Holistic Life Foundation has brought yoga and mindfulness programs to nearly 5,000 youth and 1,000 adults, focusing on underserved communities. 

The Holistic Life Foundation has authored and piloted two yoga and mindfulness-based curriculums for youth. Their after-school program was featured on the NBC Nightly News With Brian Williams, in the book A Mindful Nation by U.S. Congressman Tim Ryan, and in several magazines, including Mindful, Shambhala Sun, and Yoga Journal. 

Ali started his journey with contemplative practices in childhood, learning meditation from his father and attending the SRF-based Divine Life Church of Monism run by Swami Shankarananda. He deepened his practice as a young adult, learning yoga from his teacher and godfather Will Joyner.

Ali is also co-owner of the Involution Group and co-host of the Look Again podcast.