Testimonials

Mindfulness was just another word to me in July. Then I heard Ali share and the world of mindfulness meditation came alive. Ali’s peacefulness and compassion make him a wonderful teacher. His ability to connect with love and kindness allows each student (meditator) to feel successful.  My new meditation practice has truly enhanced my life". - Roberta L (Los Angeles, CA)

Dr. Ali’s mindfulness class is a rare gem, not to be missed if you have the opportunity. I was profoundly moved by his class through his gentle wisdom, thought provoking discussions, and his ability to arouse our curiosity about the present moment. It was incredibly comforting to enter a space where I could be emotionally vulnerable and grow so much in my mindfulness practice while amidst a compassionate community of learners that he created and sustained in his genuine, warm hearted interactions with us.” - Sabrina A. (Long Beach, CA)

I first met Dr. Ali in a Zoom breakout group that he was leading during a meditation retreat at UCLA.  What was amazing about his leadership is that he brought a diverse set people together in such a beautiful way.  I had never seen anything like it.  The week after the session, I learned that Dr. Ali was leading the Mindful Awareness Practice (MAPs I) online at the UCLA Mindfulness Awareness Research Center (MARC).   I jumped on the opportunity to learn more from him.   I think one of his signatures is his ability to listen.   It’s the deep listening – the one of understanding and wisdom.  A listening that shows his deep practice and experience as a meditation teacher and guide.  We must have guides to help us understand the journey, tell us about roads we might want to take, and point us in the right directions.  Dr. Ali is an excellent guide (and teacher).  I highly recommend taking a class from him." - JD Walther (Houston, Texas)

Working with Dr. Ali has allowed me to enter into a mindfulness practice with important tools: an understanding of key concepts; an introduction to using movement, sound, and breath as focus points; and regular guided sits with folks to be in community with. I am most thankful for learning micro-practices—effective 1-5-minute or less focuses of intention and attention—to work with as I develop my practice.” - R. Baker (Camarillo, CA)

Dr. Ali’s drop-in meditations are a port in these stormy times.  He is a wonderful teacher who never seems to teach. Those are the best kind of teachers.” - Rosemary (Oceanside, NY)

I love the space created by Dr Ali. During my MAPS1 class, I always look forward to my Sunday mornings (here in Manila) and my classmates on the course, where it is a time to reset and recharge on mindfulness energy, laugh, listen, participate, talk and learn. It was a very practical lesson on mindfulness and meditation but surprisingly it discusses life, loving and living, being present to life, becoming raw, real and authentic.” - Joel Alvarez (Manila, Philippines)

This last summer, I reached out to connect with a larger world than the truncated one that all of us have been forced to inhabit during these long, long days of the COVID pandemic: I enrolled in the online mindfulness and meditation class taught through the Semel Institute Mindfulness Awareness Research Center at UCLA.  It was a wonderful experience to connect with fellow meditators from around the world brought together through ZOOM, and I was fortunate enough to have Dr. Ali as the facilitator of a breakout group that I was in. I found Dr. Ali to be a skilled group facilitator who was able to warmly hold whatever came up in our group and to guide us to deeper and more stable levels of our own practice by the example of his own years long devotion to mindfulness and meditation.  Really, in the end, what formed the soul of this online class was the connection that I was lucky enough to have with Dr. Ali and the confident guidance he offered to novice as well as experienced meditators. I can sincerely recommend Dr. Ali's groups to anyone wanting surefooted guidance into compassionate mindfulness practices that allow for a deepening connection with oneself and with others.” - Jack R. T. MA, LMHC, CMHS (La Conner, Washington)

Dr. Ali has a gentle, kind manner that allows one to feel comfortable and at ease right away (even on Zoom!). He is a wonderful teacher - I am sure in all things - but I met him and experienced him as a Mindfulness Teacher. His gentle directions put in a straight forward way made even Walking Meditation - one I had found a bit challenging in the past - Mindfully accessible to me! I have recommended Dr. Ali to friends and will continue to do so.” - Molly C. (Sherman Oaks, CA)

I learned so much from Dr. Ali’s classes and took away a gift for myself that I also pass on to my patients. As a therapist, I can already notice that I am more present in the room in both therapy and in my interactions with loved ones. I can now gently redirect myself when I realize I am trailing off into my thoughts. Thank you Dr. Ali.”  - Yuri T. (Chicago, IL)

It is a gift to myself each time I attend one of Dr.Ali's groups. He provides such a peaceful and safe environment. He exemplifies balance and acceptance.” - Kathy S.

Ali draws a community of friendly and supportive people to his mindfulness classes because he exudes true warmth and openness. He shares his deep knowledge of mindful meditation with grace and sincerity. And, as I muddle through daily life during the pandemic, Ali is a touchstone. I’m grateful every time I attend one of his Zoom sessions because he gives me the gift of calm I so need.” - Erin S. (Claremont, CA)

Through Dr. Ali’s MAP 1 class and his drop-in sessions, I have become more patient with myself and others, and much less reactive.  I have used the tools learned from him to deal with anxiety and pain, and have longer daily periods of feeling at peace. I value that he teaches by focusing on experiential practice while weaving in valuable information. He is generous of spirit and time, and seems very committed to his and his students’ mindfulness development. I am deeply grateful for his teachings and guidance.” - H.C. (Long Beach, CA)

I am so grateful that I was chosen to be a member of a group which Ali was facilitating on my first online retreat. The peace and clarity of thought I obtained from his wisdom, kindness, insights, soft spoken manner, and knowledge of meditation were the crowning touch to a perfect retreat. A few weeks later I signed up for the UCLA MAPs I class taught by Ali. I was not disappointed. Ali has an incredible understanding of meditation and mindfulness that he freely gives to each of his students through his teachings and practices. After each class I was always amazed how positive and open I felt and how easily innovative ideas and methods of dealing with life flowed into my mind. I can say with confidence to anyone who wants to learn the beauty of meditation and mindfulness that there is no better teacher than Ali.” - Rob R. (Tahoe, CA)

Based on my years of study with Dr. Ali, I can honestly and enthusiastically say that he embodies what you have been looking for. He is someone who has traveled his own path to mindfulness practice and is able to teach in a way that reaches all his students. He is wise, calming, serene, compassionate, empathetic, kind, open, positive, encouraging, nonjudgmental, and possesses a wonderful sense of humor. Dr. Ali will draw you into the practice in a simple, useful and practical way so that you will not only want to do the practice, but you will actually DO the practice.” - N.S. (San Diego, CA)

May you rest in the arms of a gentle universe. Hearing those words from you simply warmed my heart and soothed my soul. Thank you Dr. Ali for the kind and gentle way you lead meditations and for teaching me the countless ways in which I can be mindful. A calm respite from the chatter of my mind and from the busyness of life. So grateful to practice with you.” - Avis L. (Los Angeles, CA)

Just being in the presence of Ali is like meditation. I am grateful for his excellent teaching." - Julie Wheeler (Pomona, CA)