Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andres Gonzalez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Andres thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We love heartwarming stories – do you have a heartwarming story from your career to share?
An incredible story:
We had a young lady in one of our programs who was in elementary school. She came from a very tough, underserved community and didn’t have the resources that her peers had. Her clothes, backpack, and shoes weren’t as nice as other kids so sometimes she got picked on. Lucky for her she had an older brother who knew how to box so he showed her how to throw her hands. Unfortunately, she needed to use this ability often due to the amount of bullying that she had to deal with. One day she found herself in one of these situations and had grabbed the young lady by her arms and threw her up against the lockers. She then saw us come around the corner. She looked at the girl, looked at us, and then looked back at the girl and said, “You lucky I meditate” and then proceeded to let the girl go, sit down, close her eyes, and start to meditate.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
Since 2001, The Holistic Life Foundation (HLF) has provided yoga and mindfulness education for underserved residents in the Baltimore community and beyond. 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. Since its inception, HLF has facilitated yoga, mindfulness, and environmental-based programs for youth in schools, recreation centers, group homes, the Baltimore Juvenile Detention Center, and other venues.
HLF has facilitated adult programs in many different settings, including drug treatment centers, mental illness facilities, colleges, senior centers, schools, and wellness centers across the nation. HLF is also committed to developing high-quality evidence-based programs and curriculum to improve community well-being.
The Holistic Life Foundation (HLF) seeks to improve social, community, educational and emotional outcomes in low-income, underserved communities by providing multi-faceted programming (including yoga, mindfulness, and human and environmental health) that empowers youth, families, and adults.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Coming from an authentic place of love.
You can have all the training/knowledge in the world but if you don’t have experience then all you have done is read concepts and theory. You have to have a practice and through this practice one gains real knowledge and wisdom, it’s not just theoretical.
Love is the most powerful force in the universe. It is the uniting energy so it is essential to come from a place of love when one is teaching yoga and mindfulness.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
Definitely. We consider what we do as more then a profession. It is our destiny. We were meant to remind people of their true selves, their potential, and to provide them with techniques and practices to assist them through the ups and downs of the human experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hlfinc.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holisticlifefoundation/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HolisticLifeFoundation
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3251797/admin/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/HLFINC
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/HolisticLifeFoundation
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/holistic-life-foundation-baltimore