Pam McCarthy

As a corporate executive in the mid 90's I began pursuing yoga as a way to cope with the
stress and relieve the aches and pains of sitting, talking on the phone and using the computer.
After 2 babies I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and ended up in physical therapy with severe
neck pain and tendinitis. Bad posture and old gymnastic injuries also had their effects. Yoga
became my alternative to medications and a way to wear life's responsibilities as a loose
garment. My body began to feel better, the stress got more manageable and I began to
rediscover myself. It was transformational, I began to practice it more and more and knew I had
to share this gift. Certified in 2003 by Yoga Alliance, I studied with the beautiful and inspiring
Stephanie Keach at Asheville Yoga Center. I have been teaching and sharing yoga in the Holly
Springs area ever since. From 3 year olds to 80 year olds... My philosophy is this... as long as
you are able to breathe, you are able to do yoga. My vision is to use yoga as a catalyst to help
others to live more fully and consciously. I approach the mat with a light heart, compassion and
sense of humor.
Michelle Waltz

Michelle is committed to sharing her passion of the therapeutic benefits of yoga with the
community.  She enjoys sharing the experiences she’s discovered in her personal practice
to help deepen and encourage the practice of her students. Her techniques emphasize
listening to the body’s innate intuition as an integral part of yoga. Michelle started
practicing yoga in early 2000 and completed Chandra Om’s Yoga Teacher Training at the
North Carolina School of Yoga in 2008.  In 2009, she returned to the school to receive her
Prenatal Yoga Certification. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) with Yoga Alliance.
Michelle is grateful for the many wonderful people who continue to guide her on her yogic
journey.  She has practiced with, and is particularly grateful to Chandra Om and the Om
family, Dharma Mittra, Rodney Yee and Seane Corn.
Holly Springs School of Dance, (*Map*)
136 Oakhall Dr. Holly Springs, NC 27540
phone: 919-219-1711.  alt: 919-363-0683
yogapam@yogapam.com
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Yoga originated in India and is a psycho-physical discipline with roots going back over 5,000 years.  Today, most yoga practices in the
West focuses on the physical postures called "asanas," breathing exercises called "pranayama," and meditation.  However, there's
more to it than that, and the deeper you go the richer and more diverse the tradition becomes.

The word "yoga" means union.  Linguistically, it is related to the Old English "yoke."  Traditionally, the goal of yoga is union with the
Absolute, known as Brahman, or with Atman, the true self.  These days the focus is often on the more down to earth benefits of yoga,
including improved physical fitness, mental clarity, greater self understanding, stress control and general well being. Spirituality,
however, is a strong underlying theme to most practices.  The beauty of yoga is in its versatility, allowing practitioners to focus on the
physical, psychological or spiritual, or a combination of all three.

Hatha Yoga is the most popular form of yoga practiced throughout the world according to according to yogasite.com . The word Hatha
is derived from "ha" meaning Sun, and "tha", meaning Moon. So Hatha Yoga is the practice of balancing our sun and moon aspects, in
other words, Hatha yoga will bring balance to all aspects of ourselves. How do you bring balance?  Through physical postures (asanas)
that develop strength, suppleness, and endurance; as well as deep breathing exercises and meditation.  It also promotes physical and
mental/emotional health with students often reporting relief from pain, stress and anxiety

Variations of Hatha Yoga
    Iyengar Yoga:  The most widely recognized approach to Hatha yoga.  It was created by B.K.S. Iyengar.  The poses are typically
    held for some time with the aid of various props, such as blocks, blankets and straps.
    Vini Yoga:  Works with what is called "sequential process" or viniyasa-krama.  The emphasis is on practicing a posture according
    to one's individual needs and capacity.  The breath is coordinated with the postural movement.
    Anusara Yoga:  Emphasis is on gentleness and compassion along with Iyengar like detail.
    Flow Yoga:  is linking the breath with the pose in a smooth and easy  manner.
    Kundalini Yoga:  purpose is to awaken the serpent power by means of posture, breath control, chanting, and meditation.