Book a Talk or Workshop

I offer workshops and talks designed to support both physical health and peace of mind. Ranging from lecture based to more active, I have offered programs in yoga studios, universities, libraries, high schools, elementary schools, businesses, churches, academic societies, nonprofits, community centers, prisons, nature centers, and elsewhere. Each program can be tailored to meet the needs and objectives of your organization or community.

 

 

 

 

"What I appreciate about Matthew is that he pairs an immense breadth and depth of academic knowledge regarding meditation along with sharing anecdotes from his own consistent personal practice. Matthew also has a knack for effectively distilling down information and delivering it in an unpretentious manner." —Elle H.

 

 

 

Sample Talks

Teaching Yoga in Schools

Minnesota students are experiencing a mental health "crisis." Yoga and mindfulness can help kids prosper, but bringing these practices into schools can be challenging. This talk explores the past, present, and future of yoga in American schools. It covers topics such as the legal battles to block the teaching of yoga in California and Transcendental Meditation in New Jersey to the work of present-day nonprofit organizations that bring yoga in schools.

 

How Old Are Yoga Poses?

We often hear that yoga is 5000 years old. Historical evidence suggests most modern yoga poses are only 100 years old. Debates about "authenticity" in yoga can get contentious. This talk summarizes recent debates about the history of yoga poses. It connects modern yoga practice with yoga history.

 

Yoga in the Workplace: What the Science Says

People make all sort of wild claims about the benefits of yoga, but what does the science say? In the past two decades, the research into yoga as a workplace intervention has increased dramatically. In this talk, I discuss how scientists define yoga and the survey the latest research into the effectiveness of workplace yoga interventions for increasing mental health, fitness, self-regulation, awareness, and other areas.

 

Sample Workshops

Reclaim Your Attention

In our society it is becoming increasingly difficult to focus the mind and pay attention. In this workshop, which grew out of an article in MN Yoga + Life Magazine and a presentation at the MN Yoga Conference, participants uncover sources of distraction and reconnect to their purpose. This workshop features some yoga philosophy as well as  yoga poses, meditation, and music to focus and calm the mind.

 

Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness is the practice of being present with things as they are. It promotes not just individual wellness, but also healthy relationships and a more compassionate world. In this workshop participants learn about, and get a chance to practice, each of the four foundations of mindfulness: mindfulness of the body, mindfulness of the feelings, mindfulness of the mind, and mindfulness of the phenomena. This workshop started in a yoga studio and community center and since then I have also offered it in corporate settings and churches.

 

Deep Listening

This workshop includes discussion and opportunities for reflection on the practice of "deep listening" developed by the composer Pauline Oliveros. Deep listening incorporates aspects of improvisation, electronic music, ritual, and meditation, inviting participants to listen and respond to environmental conditions. Oliveros describes Deep Listening as "a way of listening in every possible way to everything possible, to hear no matter what you are doing." This workshop grew out of a presentation at a church.

 

 

 

Some of the places where I've offered talks or workshops:

Logo for The Marsh

 

MN Y0ga + Life magazine logo with a blue circle

 

Minnesota Department of Corrections logo

 

Minnesota Arboretum logo

 

The sailboat logo for the Minnetonka Community Education

 

Spirit of the Lake logo

 

MN yoga conference logo with a lotus

 

onelove.yoga logo art on a brown backgroun

 

Minnetonka Public Schools logo

 

 

 

 

"What really stirred me was the sense of community & belonging that Matthew so expertly facilitated." —Molly L.

 

 

 

Yoga

Black and white image of a person doing warior two

Build strength and quiet the mind

Meditation

Black and white silouette of a person meditating

Learn emotional regulation techniques

Music

Two black and white 16th notes

Use music to reduce stress levels

 

 

 

 

People doing a low lunge

Yoga

I deliver trauma informed yoga to help people build resilience and cope with stresses they may be feeling in their lives. Delivering gentle yoga, restorative yoga, yoga nidra, and relaxation helps participants:

  • Improve flexibility and mobility
  • Improve energy and vitality
  • Increase focus and concentration
  • Regulate the nervous system
  • Calm the mind

 

 

 

 

Diverse group of people meditating together

Meditation

My meditation programs teach participants skills that can help them reduce stress and increase happiness within their lives.

Providing participants with guided meditation, breath awareness, and visualization leads to:

  • Enhanced inner balance and peace
  • Increased resilience and positivity
  • Increased optimism and happiness
  • Improved emotional intelligence
  • Increased mental strength and focus
  • Better cognitive skills and creativity

 

 

 

 

Matthew with eagle arms and headphones

Music

Listening to and playing music can provide a range of benefits to each individual. Music can increase confidence, calm a overactive mind, and help us to connect with others. In my music workshops participants learn how to:

  • Increase happiness and joy
  • Build self-confidence
  • Reduce stress and anxiety
  • Improve cognitive performance
  • Curtail loneliness
  • Team building and cohesion

 

BOOK A TALK OR WORKSHOP