Michael Ward

Contact Information   
Email: jovialyogi@mac.com
Phone: (336) 338-0398
Website: www.yogawithmichael.com


Schedule  
Vault Yoga 
234 Fayetteville St
Raleigh, North Carolina 27601

Day Time Additional Notes
Monday 7:00pm - 8:15pm Open Level- 1.5 hr CE NCBTMB
Thursday 5:30pm - 6:45pm Open Level- 1.5 hr CE NCBTMB


Events  
No events found.


Professional Background  
I graduated UNC-G (business) in 1999 only to find myself a misfit within corporate America. Frustrated to bring meaning to my life, I decided to shift gears and attended massage therapy school. My frustrations subsided once I discovered the transformative power of Anusara Yoga. I practice neuromuscular therapy, integrated with Anusara Yoga therapy principles.

At home, I breed and show champion Miniature Schnauzer dogs, kayak/canoe, garden, and relish times spent with loved ones. I am fortunate to have a home studio where I teach privately and in small groups.

NCBTMB Approved Provider # 452018-12

Follow me on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/jovialyogi



Yoga Background  
November 11, 2002, I started yoga to help me cope with the self-destructive path my life was taking. I was angry; I thought the world was angry. Luckily, I discovered that all of creation is an expansion of supreme consciousness; we all are intrinsically good. I started seeing the beauty in everything and everyone. I offered myself into service to share this revelation with whoever wants to receive it. My yoga practice helps me connect deeper to my heart and my potential. Connecting with your authentic-self is essential to offering yourself fully to your industry, family and the supreme.

Most importantly, I attribute my skills as a practitioner and teacher to Marc St. Pierre, Paul & Sommer Sobin, Desiree Rumbaugh, Terry Brown, and of course, John Friend.


Questions and Answers   

Q: What other hobbies do you have aside from yoga practice?
A: I love to travel, entertain, read and play with my pets (dogs & cats). I enjoy horseback riding, hiking and camping, but prefer the comforts of a bed over a sleeping bag on the ground (RV wins over tent). My favorite hobby is gourmet cooking.

Q: What is the title of a book that you have read recently that you could strongly recommend?
A: I love the Harry Potter series and the Twilight series. I enjoy sci-fi, thrillers and fantasy. I'm a slow reader; however, I've recently discovered I enjoy reading for pleasure. I'm sure my tastes will mature as I do.

Q: What is one of your all-time favorite movies?
A: Shawshank Redemption, all of the Star Treks, The American President, I'm a sucker for Harry Potter and Kung Fu Panda.

Q: What is one place that you would like to visit in the world? Why?
A: I've traveled extensively throughout Europe, Africa, South America as well as the wonders of North America. My spiritual connection to yoga began on Maui, HI. That's where I go when I meditate. I know I'll visit much more of the world in my lifetime, but Maui is where my heart lies.

Q: What's your favorite color?
A: Red

Q: What award in high school should you have won?
A: Most Underestimated (I'm so grateful those horrid years are over)

Q: What is one of the funniest incidents that occurred in one of your yoga classes?
A: This was the first class taught in the city in which I live since 2007 and my "debut" as a newly certified teacher. Present was a young man 14-17 years old. I instructed the class to "claw their mats with their paws." After the asana sequence, I asked if there were questions or comments. The young guy said that it reminded him of a "stubborn dragon" and that's how he connected with the principle. We had fun with that metaphor for the rest of the class and I won't forget that student.