About Matt Nelson
My journey into meditation, movement and spiritual inquiry began in 1995 with the practice of Chi Gung. In 2003 I stepped into my first yoga class and discovered a process that spoke both to my body and my heart. Three years later I was asked to teach my first Yoga class, an opportunity I appreciate every day.
I am grateful for all the teachers and students who have inspired me in my nearly 30 years of practice, however, a few deserve special mention here. Zhander Remete, Peter Sterios and Amy Matthews all provided me a framework for exploring the world of yoga and embodiment practices. Swami B.V. Tripurari, Swami B.P. Padmanabha have nurtured my understanding of yoga philosophy and, more specifically, the heart-centered approach of Gaudiya Vaisnavism. Finally, Gary Kraftsow has shared with me the tools and techniques associated with yoga therapy, a healing tradition rooted in centuries of wisdom.
In addition to sharing their time and knowledge, each of these luminous teachers has fostered in me a love of the process of learning and being a student, which I hope to share with others.
Approach to Teaching Yoga
I offer a welcoming, mindful and adaptive approach to Yoga, rooted in traditional practices and tailored to the needs of the modern practitioner. This trauma-informed, yoga therapy methodology provides students a nourishing and inspiring classroom setting that promotes physical and emotional wellness, personal discovery, and inner-growth
Through integrated, breath-centered yoga postures, guided meditation, and relatable insights into yoga philosophy, all students are invited to explore at their own pace and with appropriate variations to meet the needs of their body and mind.
Group classes and private yoga sessions provide students the opportunity to discover functional movements that help to unwind patterns of tension, strengthen underutilized muscles, improve joint stability and increase range of motion. This process is further supported with dynamic breathing techniques, which in turn facilitate a more peaceful mind, creating a sense of ease and fulfillment that supports our daily lives.
