about matthew
I am a yoga and meditation guide based in Washington, D.C.
I have called DC home for nearly 30 years, but at some level, I will always be a happy-go-lucky kid from the Midwest.
From a young age, I was always busy with some artistic activity. Drawing, painting, clay, you name it. I also enjoyed writing short stories. At some point, I thought, "Hey, I want to be an architect." I went off to college ready to design. Unfortunately, I got a little tripped up with calculus physics, and — how shall I say this? — “social activities.” I eventually turned my academic around and focused on literature, and eventually law.
After graduating from undergrad and during and after law school, I worked nearly 26 years in the political and government relations arena, with a short stint working on non-branded marketing in New York. Perhaps you could say that I am a person who doesn't feel a career defines me. I suspect the reason for saying that is because for almost three decades I cannot say that the work I did was a source of joy or fulfillment. Little did I know that teaching yoga and meditation would become the realization of what has heart and meaning.
My Yoga Journey
About nine years ago, a friend invited me to a Bikram Yoga class. I am not fond of heat nor humidity, to put it mildly, but I accepted the challenge. I practiced Bikram Yoga four to five days a week for almost two and a half years. Though I enjoyed the challenge of this particular approach, I sought to broaden my practice. While I physically need the Yang side of the asana practice of yoga, I was more attracted to the subtle side — namely Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra — as well as various approaches to meditation.
The inspiration to teach struck me in 2016, and I completed my 200-hour RYT Vinyasa Yoga teacher training and a 100-hour Yin Yoga teacher training in May and June of 2017, respectively. Subsequently, I have received training and certifications in restorative yoga, and Yoga Nidrā. I began teaching in the summer of 2017. In May 2018, I left my career in congressional affairs and have focused exclusively on guiding yoga and meditation. Growth doesn’t stop with teaching, however. I am a life-long learner, so I continue to study and practice the many limbs of yoga.
Channeling My Inner Baldwin
Another passion I have is writing. I post unfiltered posts on my blog about finding peace and clarity in life, the struggle with my ever-elusive fitness and weight goals, as well as my thoughts about relationships and masculinity. I also love music, so you'll see an occasional post about artists I enjoy. I haven't been in the habit of writing blog pieces with any regularity, but I'm working on creating a more consistent schedule or pattern for posting. I'd appreciate your feedback on the things I post in the blog's comment section.
