In this month’s Healer Profile, we will meet one of our amazing, multi-talented, and multi-dimensional teacher/instructor/mentor/coach, Matthieu Caldwell. At 31, Matthew has already achieved so much and has established himself on his path of phenomenal growth. He proudly serves as a father to two remarkable boys, Kairo and Ezekiel, and cherishes his role as a devoted husband to his beautiful wife, Seyanna.
He carries the legacy of his ancestors and family members who have served as veterans with deep reverence. Matthieu is not only a dedicated teacher but also an accomplished writer, poet, runner, philosopher, and creative spirit. Beyond the confines of labels and roles, his driving force lies in a relentless pursuit of knowledge, which he seamlessly integrates into his lifelong journey as a healer. Let’s find out some more about this remarkable man.
What is a passion/work project you are most fond/proud of?
Teaching prison yoga with the Center for Trauma and Resilience is a profound calling for me. I believe deeply that I was meant to be a yoga teacher, not merely to adhere to the Western commercialization of the practice, but to spread its true essence and teachings far beyond those boundaries. Working with incarcerated individuals has revealed to me some of the most dedicated and enthusiastic students I’ve encountered. I take immense pride in serving this community through teachings aimed at fostering resilience, inner peace, and heightened awareness. My goal is to equip them with tools to navigate the challenges they face both within the confines of prison and beyond, empowering them to find calm and strength amidst adversity.
What systems of oppression impact health, healing, and safety for Black people? How do you internalize these systems? How are you transforming them?
Capitalism and militarism have had profound detrimental effects on me personally as a black man. The pervasive belief that my worth is tied to my productivity is especially harmful to black individuals, with roots that can be directly traced back to the era of chattel slavery. While I take pride in my lineage as a veteran, I’ve come to recognize a disturbing intergenerational pattern among black communities that presents a false dichotomy: “military or prison.” This belief system perpetuates the notion that the military is the only viable option for black men to succeed in society.
In my journey of healing, I am confronting and dismantling these toxic beliefs by embracing my feelings about work without feeling compelled to sugarcoat them. I prioritize self-care and make a conscious effort to honor my well-being. As a father of black boys, I am deeply committed to breaking these destructive patterns and not projecting my own beliefs onto my children. Instead, I strive to empower them to follow their passions and dreams, assuring them that they can thrive in this world while remaining true to themselves. It’s a vital part of my role as a parent to foster a sense of safety and security for my children as they navigate their own paths.
We hope you seek out an opportunity to meet, learn from, and grow with Mattheiu. He has a great amount of knowledge and experience in yoga, healing, and community outreach. We are fortunate he has chosen to call Urban Sanctuary a home.
April 1, 2024
Be the first to comment