My name is Matthew Harper. I began practicing yoga in 1999, immediately developing a connection to yoga.  Ashtanga and Vinyasa Flow yoga were my class preferences in the beginning. I had been practicing martial arts for several years and I was searching for cross training options. I discovered more than simply cross training in yoga.

I was curious and started to explore different styles of yoga, other classes and various teachers. There were many beautiful interpretations of moving meditation(Physical Yoga). Ashtanga or Vinyasa was first then "Hatha" classes showed me a softer yoga, a yoga that was different than what I had understood to be yoga in the beginning. Slowly reading more and more about this art, I was creating my home practice. The joy I felt in my practice combined with a love for teaching, lead me to thoughts of sharing yoga with others. Yoga has helped me to view pieces of my life clearly, to reduce stress, bring my body and mind into balance. This is an ongoing process, some days with more clarity and balance than others.  Another unique yoga practice that I began a few years ago was Yin Yoga.  Yin helped to open my mind and my practice to different concepts.

I eventually took the steps and  completed my 200 hour teacher training.  I have completed three teacher trainings now; a 60 hour Yin Yoga, a 200 hour Akhanda/Holistic Yoga and a 500hr(300hr) Sadhana Yoga.  My Yin Yoga Teacher is Bernie Clark.  Bernie has trained and practiced yoga from the suppleness of Yin to the dynamic style of Ashtanga.   Bernie has studied with Sarah Powers, Paul Grilley, Paulie Zink, Saul David Raye and others. Yin yoga's current development and popularity is accredited to Sarah and Paul.  My Holistic yoga teacher is Yogi Vishvketu ji (Vishva), having studied yoga since the age of 8. The co-creator with his wife Chetana of the World Conscious Yoga Family and Anand Prakash Yoga Ashram in Rishikesh, India.   My Sadhana Yoga Teacher is Ping Luo, the director of the School of Yoga Institute and is a proficient teacher and practitioner in the Sivananda and Ashtanga Yoga traditions.  At this point in his development he teaches Sadhana Hatha Flow and Sadhana Vinyasa Flow.  His unique interpretation and practice.

My teacher trainings were all wonderful experiences. Each training improved my ability to be present, compassionate and open.  The invitation for me to grow emotionally, physically, spiritually and intellectually was challenging to accept.  I am grateful that I have made these choices, each has aided my personal development and my yogic journey.

Physical yoga or asana (poses) are powerful tools that can help us reconnect with our bodies. Commonly the mind and the body are viewed as separate, this is not a holistic view. Through practice the connection becomes stronger, feeling the effects of thought or movement(s).

As my personal practice flows, I do my best to be present, certain days are much easier than others. I give myself what I need during the time I create, sometimes that's only 20mins. An experienced teacher shared these thoughts with me; "A brief daily practice is more beneficial than a long practice once in a while" and " Happy Breath". There is more to yoga than just asana, but this portion on its own is a great place to start. The physical poses may bring about emotions, reactions, and other challenges. Yoga is a tool, one that can help us through small personal challenges, to clear our minds, recharge our bodies, open our hearts, heal us, understand our choices, our actions and reactions. Yoga has many paths.

Mission Statement

To offer guidance in breath and movement.  The tool is yoga.  I will share what I have learned and experienced to help guide your mind and body towards balance.