Mindfulness is the practice of purposely focusing attention on the present moment and accepting it without judgment. In current studies, it is implicated to be a key element in stress reduction and overall happiness. It is a practice that can be difficult to most, as the fast-paced demands of society promote multitasking and thinking about the next item on the list while doing another thing. Mindfulness instructors like Samuel Smith are essential to promoting the practice, and in effect, promotion of a healthier, happier life.
Samuel Smith is an actor and mindfulness and meditation instructor residing in New York, New York City. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from the Alabama State University under the direction of a man with significant influence over him: Dr. Tommie Stewart. He had been extremely competitive in his days as an athlete, and that competitiveness translates to his endless quest for growth in the real world.
He immediately furthered his education at Brandeis University in Massachusetts, where he earned his Masters in Fine Arts in Theater Arts. Aside from a passion for the arts, he has a passion for mentoring as well. Shortly after graduation, he became a source of inspiration to school children with love for the arts. He relished in being able to build their confidence and communication skills as their teacher.
Being in the New York School System showed Samuel Smith something severely lacking: empowerment. He made it a personal mission to empower his students despite it not being part of the curriculum. At the beginning of each class, he set aside a few minutes to encourage his students to share about themselves and provide support to each other.
Empowering students brought an incredible sense of fulfillment he did not expect, and it turned into a workshop and non-profit named Bridge Builder Camp. The camp became an avenue for him to conduct after-school and summer enrichment programs specially designed to empower and educate young students.
Samuel Smith is one of the lead mentors for My Brother’s Keeper as well, dedicated to creating positive change in the outcomes of boys and young men of color. The MBK believes that all children deserve opportunities that lead to achievement and a clear and equitable path to success.
Aside from empowerment and education, he has a passion for acting. He is a recurring guest star in Shades of Blue on NBC, House of Cards, Daredevil, and The Good Wife, to name a few. In addition to his numerous acting stints, he also has numerous commercials on his resume.
His drive to succeed in entertainment comes from his desire to give his family a good life. He attributes a massive part of his work ethic to Alabama State University’s theater professor Tommie Steward. She taught her students to get the job done and find a way to do it even without the funds they needed.
Samuel Smith is not merely a pretty face, but a man memorable for his efforts to create better chances for the future generation. Learn more about him on his website.
