Matt Peach - Office staff
Matt was first introduced to yoga a year and a half ago as an employee of Lululemon Athletica. At this time he was exposed to an array of styles, classes, studios, and teachers throughout the HRM. Guylaine Williams taught his first class-- one that he won't easily forget. Not only was he drawn to the charisma and friendly nature of the yoga community, but he was amazed at what these people could do with their bodies. Matt's exposure to yoga led to his forming many friendships with awesome and inspiring people, and the more he saw, the more he realized that yoga was the ‘fountain of youth’.
When Matt met Leanne Whiting, she introduced him to another world entirely: acrobatic yoga. Through classes and workshops, Matt began to see the world turned on it's head--dangling upside-down, suspended from a partner's feet. It was easily the most fun he'd had in ages, and instilled in him a new kind of trust in self, and in others. Yoga began to be more about awareness, risk, and doing things he never thought he could do, rather than being strong and flexible. This is where Matt’s transition to Ashtanga arose. Through classes with Seth Daley, Matt discovered Ashtanga, and was drawn to its longevity, history, and the logical progression of poses in the series. He began to find mental and emotional baggage that existed in his body, learned to face fears, and acknowledged that something uncomfortable could be an opportunity for release--rather than repression. He discovered that he had accomplished things he once deemed impossible.
As a soon-to-be graduate of the Dalhousie Acting Programme, yoga is the perfect complement to Matt’s training in movement, dance, physical theatre, body awareness, and connection to breath. Awareness is the most beneficial element he has discovered through yoga--not just physically, but also on mental and emotional levels. Through awareness, he has come to understand that the only thing holding him back is himself.
