Get ready to be inspired by Kirra Michel‘s incredible journey of personal growth and transformation! Recently featured in a Yoga Journal article by Michelle Konstantinovsky, Kirra’s story will leave you feeling motivated and empowered.

From a young age in Australia, Kirra was an athletic powerhouse, excelling in rhythmic gymnastics, surfing, and dance. Her hard work was always recognized and praised by her parents, creating a strong connection between her self-worth and physical achievements. By the time she moved to New York City at 16 after a difficult childhood, Kirra’s life had taken a dark turn. She battled with an eating disorder, exercise addiction, workaholism, and self-isolation.

Everything changed when Kirra stumbled upon Noah Levine’s book, Dharma Punx. Inspired by Levine’s words, Kirra found herself joining a Dharma Punx meditation group and discovered that she had been meditating all along without even realizing it. This newfound practice led her to yoga, an activity she had thought before wasn’t athletic enough. Surprisingly, Kirra fell in love with yoga for its focus on balance and grounding, taking a step back instead of pushing harder.

Despite finding financial stability as a Peloton instructor in 2021, which helped her pull back from overworking, Kirra still faced a different kind of challenge – depression. However, with the help of therapy, yogic practices, and self-reflection, she has cultivated a healthier mindset and built authentic, meaningful relationships. Kirra also attributes her growth to embracing her soft, feminine energy and trusting herself.

Kirra’s journey is guided by key yoga principles. She seeks a balanced state, known as sattva, which represents the consciousness between stillness and activity. One of her mantras, “atha yoga anushasanam” or “now, the practice of yoga begins,” reminds her that progress is about timing rather than speed. Additionally, the tenet “Yogas chitta vritti nirodha,” or “Yoga is the ceasing or settling of the over-analytical mind,” helps Kirra and her students understand the purpose behind their practice. For Kirra, consistency over time is more important than extreme effort when it comes to mastering challenging yoga asanas, as emphasized in the mantra “sa tu dīrghakāla nairantarya satkāra-ādara-āsevito dṛḍhabhūmiḥ.” Finally, Pratyahara, the conscious withdrawal of energy from the senses, plays a crucial role in shifting Kirra’s mindset away from a “work harder” mentality towards one that is accepting and compassionate.

By following these principles, engaging in self-examination, practicing meditation, and connecting with others on similar journeys, Kirra has gained a newfound perspective on societal expectations. She advocates for finding a middle ground, a place of inner peace between activity and passivity.

Kirra Michael’s story is a testament to the power of personal growth and the transformative effects of meditation and yoga. Be inspired to embark on your own journey of self-discovery and find your place of balance and peace.

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