Leslie Matthews—leading folks to a higher plane

Om...

Published On: January 31, 2010

Leslie Matthews has the unique job of trying to find an unchanging and eternal peace—every single day. Finding tranquility brings in her paycheck (not a bad day at the office, eh?), and calmness is her teaching. The route to a beautiful life, soul and body, according to Leslie, can be found through the ancient technique of yoga.

Harpeth Hall's resident yogi, Leslie is originally from Oak Ridge, Tennessee, but has lived in Mississippi, Alabama, Virginia, Iowa and New Mexico. She majored in dance at UT, where she also cheered for the Vols, but left to complete her degree at New Mexico State University. She went on to receive a 1,000-Hour Certification as a yoga instructor from the Southern Institute for Yoga Instructors (SIYI).

Leslie started teaching at Harpeth Hall in 1972, and in 1977 created the dance program that still exists today. She served as artistic director for all school dance companies until 1999 and taught dance as part of the physical education curriculum at Harpeth Hall until 2008, when she had back and foot surgery. Following her surgery, yoga became a way of life.

Leslie credits high school and college for preparing her to teach dance and yoga. "I started dance much later than most dancers, but I was a cheerleader all of my life and loved movement."

During her freshman year at UT, a dance teacher spotted her cheerleading and directed her towards the dance department. "I am eternally grateful to Dr. Carolyn Byrum for her belief in me, and the many teachers I have had throughout my life," she says. "I never felt that I chose dance and yoga, but rather that dance and yoga chose me."

At Harpeth Hall, Leslie teaches gentle yoga in the Iyengar tradition. This particular type of yoga uses props and modifications in order to align the spine. "The yoga I teach allows students to be successful at whatever level of difficulty they choose to begin."

Leslie also teaches at Second Story Studio, a yoga studio located at the Highway 70 and Highway 100 split, near West Meade. Additionally, she offers private sessions for those looking for a more one-on-one approach. "I have worked with elderly people for range of motion, people with special needs and students who need extra attention for injuries," says Leslie.

Leslie Matthews loves teaching. "All of my students are beautiful, and I learn so much from each one of them everyday. Teaching yoga and dance has truly been a blessing!"

What is your daily routine for good health?

I usually walk at 5:30 a.m. about four or five times a week. I try to get to the gym two or three times a week, and of course I have my daily yoga practice.

What is your number one tip for staying healthy?

My number one tip for staying healthy is to slow down, breathe and be present. Yoga teaches you this lifestyle; it teaches you to be open and present.

How does yoga help one stay healthy?

Yoga has been in existence for over 6,000 years and is still vital today because it addresses the fundamental questions that we all face about health, awareness and a life well-lived. The more subtle and powerful aspects of yoga practice are designed to give even more profound health benefits and better management over the ever-thinking mind. There is peacefulness within each individual that can be accessed by learning to quiet the mind through breath and asanas [poses].

What do you love most about yoga?

I love the mind-and-body connection and the feeling of serenity that comes with yoga.

How do you feel when you see improvement or understanding in your students?

I feel absolutely ecstatic!

What is your favorite part about teaching?

I love helping my students discover themselves and transfer that from the yoga mat into their lives.

Who are your inspirations?

My teachers, my husband, my daughters and granddaughters, my students and my cats are all inspirations to my betterment in teaching yoga.

What are your plans for the future?

My plans are to continue to teach yoga as long as I can.

What do you define as "beautiful"?

A beautiful person is one with a positive and joyous energy that envelops everyone around them.

What do you define as "healthy"?

Similar to one who is beautiful, a healthy person is someone who has a positive energy and also a physical and emotional good quality of life. It is a person that loves and allows others to love him or her. A healthy person lives from their heart.

How do you stay a healthy and beautiful person?

Yoga teaches me how to live a rich, beautiful and healthy life.

Saxby Wiles is a junior at Harpeth Hall. She interned at Nfocus in January as part of Harpeth Hall's Winterim program.