In this episode of the Keen on Yoga podcast Adam talks to Matthew Sweeney.

Matthew discovered yoga from his martial arts teacher. In 1994 he went to Mysore for the first time and returned regularly until 2006.  Since 1998 his personal practice has included “Advanced B”, or 4th Series. He has also explored much of Advanced C.

Matthew began teaching Ashtanga Yoga in 1996. However over time his teaching style has shifted somewhat from an orthodox approach to something more holistic.

Having developed his own sequences Matthew promotes and teaches these as alternatives. In addition, they are conducted to encourage students to apply a therapeutic approach to their personal practice. In addition they encourage an adventurous heart.

Over the last decade however his teaching style has shifted somewhat from a standard orthodox approach to something he feels is more holistic.

Although he has a great love for the Ashtanga series and its tradition, his interest is in practicing and teaching any aspect of Yoga that works. Rather than adhering to one single viewpoint he tries his best to connect to every student as authentically as he can.

He has spent the last 20 years practicing different forms of self-inquiry. Some of these include meditation, tantra, Gestalt Therapy, Transpersonal Therapy, Buddhism and advaita vedanta. All of these have contributed greatly to his understanding of yoga and the connection between the body, Self, and the Divine.

We hope you enjoy this Keen on Yoga podcast with Matthew Sweeney. You can find more details about Matthew on his website.