A Day of Practice, Music, Movement & Meditation with Matt Ryan
About this Event
A Day of Practice, Music, Movement & Meditation
10am–5pm | A Full-Day Workshop
A day exploring the many threads that connect yoga, meditation, music and movement, with a few unexpected twists and turns along the way.
Rooted in the Ashtanga tradition but with plenty of room for curiosity, experimentation and a little irreverence, this workshop brings together a lifetime of practice, teaching, DJing and exploration.
Expect some familiar territory, a few surprises, and perhaps a different way of looking at things you thought you already knew.
10:00–10:30 | Just Sitting – An Introduction to Shikantaza
We begin by doing very little.
An introduction to the Zen practice of Shikantaza, or “just sitting”.
A guided exploration of posture, awareness and the simple act of sitting without trying to achieve anything.
No complicated techniques, no special experiences to chase. Just sitting.
10:30–12:30 | The Primary Series Meets the Haçienda
Two hours of led Ashtanga Primary Series, accompanied by a specially selected soundtrack inspired by my days behind the decks and the legendary Manchester Haçienda.
Traditional practice meets a rather different rhythm.
We’ll follow the familiar structure of the Primary Series, but expect a few twists, turns and unexpected detours along the way.
A chance to experience the practice through a different soundtrack, with the same attention to breath, movement and awareness.
12:30–1:15 | Lunch Break
Time to eat, rest, chat and recharge.
1:15–2:15 | The History of Loose – Yoga, Clothes & Connections
An informal conversation about my journey through yoga, how Loose came into being, and the people, places and experiences that shaped it along the way.
We’ll explore the story behind the clothes, the philosophy of Loose, and its charitable connection with Operation Shanti in India.
There will be plenty of time for questions, stories and open discussion.
2:15–3:45 | A Fresh Look at Vinyasa – Finding Another Rhythm
What happens when we look at the familiar movements of Ashtanga through a different lens?
An afternoon of exploration inspired by Tai Chi, Chi Kung and the humble metronome.
We’ll investigate rhythm, timing, transitions, balance and the relationship between breath and movement.
Rather than simply moving from one posture to another, we’ll explore what happens in between.
A playful investigation into familiar territory, looking for new possibilities within the practice.
3:45–4:00 | Short Break
4:00–5:00 | Mental Health, Chanting & Mancvaita
We finish the day exploring the relationship between sound, silence and mental wellbeing.
Beginning with chanting, we’ll investigate the effects of voice, vibration and breath on the mind and body, and how these simple practices might help us navigate the ups and downs of everyday life.
From there, we’ll move into Mancvaita — Advaita Vedanta through a Mancunian lens.
Ancient non-dual philosophy with a distinctly Northern accent.
An informal, down-to-earth exploration of awareness, identity and the nature of being. No complicated Sanskrit required, no mystical promises, and definitely no need to take ourselves too seriously.
A chance to question who we think we are, what we’re holding on to, and whether there’s anything we actually need to do to be here.
From the Haçienda to the Himalayas, via Manchester.
A fitting end to a day of movement, music, conversation and curiosity.
⸻
A Little Bit of Everything
This isn’t about reinventing yoga or throwing tradition out of the window.
It’s about exploring the connections between different practices, questioning our habits, having a bit of fun and perhaps discovering something new in something familiar.
From Zen to Ashtanga, the Haçienda to Tai Chi, clothing to charity, chanting to silence.
A day to practise, explore, question, listen and get a little Loose.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 81.96
