Ashtanga Yoga Instructor in Santa Barbara, California

Matthew Darling, a native of Michigan, began his yoga practice in 1994. He was quickly drawn to Ashtanga Yoga and Transcendental Meditation, which have been his main practices ever since. Matthew first traveled to Mysore, India to study with Sri K.Pattahbhi Jois and Sharath Jois in 1999 and he went on to study with them for the next ten years. Matthew believes daily practice brings about healing transformation and is grateful for his playful pursuit of the yoga consciousness to support mental and spiritual balance in his day. Learning many ways to support yoga’s healing transformation with daily practice, Matthew’s main focus is to meet and serve individuals where they are at without overwhelming them. His focus, attention and sensitivity to an individual's needs as well as his playful spirit, patient support and sense of humor are integrated in his teaching and guidance.

Matthew’s instruction offers an opportunity to find rhythm, skill and responsibility in the development of a yoga practice. He encourages the journey of each student to discover and understand their true nature, individual purpose and passion.

Matthew intends to maintain and uphold the transformative and the unique therapeutic quality of

the Mysore class setting. He is committed in his roll as yoga teach/student in our modern times to honor

and recognize the need for integrity, responsibility and accountability in the yoga teacher of the 21st-century and beyond.

Yoga is a philosophy and lifestyle, which also has the potential to create a vibrantly healthy body and mind. Ashtanga Yoga, practiced in sequential order, gradually leads the practitioner to rediscover his or her fullest potential on all levels of human consciousness—physical, psychological, and spiritual. Through this practice of correct breathing, postures, and focal point, we gain control of the senses and a deep awareness of ourselves. By maintaining this discipline with regularity and attention, one acquires steadiness of body and mind. Book a class online now or phone +12482173631 for an immediate response.