Fitting Out with Kirra Michel

Welcome to this episode of the Kintsugi Podcast, where we explore stories of connection and resilience. Today, we're joined by Kirra Michel from One Peloton, and we talk about her journey and how, by not fitting in, she found where she belongs. It's a powerful story of connection.

Disclaimer time: my executive coaching company is called Peloton Executive Coaching , and Kirra is One Peloton's yoga and meditation instructor. These are two separate companies and are unrelated, although I love their bike, and Kirra is one of my yoga instructions, as you will hear. So, we are not related; we just appreciate the connection of a strong peloton. Okay, now, back to the episode.

Conversation Highlights:

1. Life's Unfairness: A Starting Point - Kirra opens the episode with a powerful message about life's unfairness, emphasizing that while we cannot control the circumstances of our birth or the challenges we face, we can move forward with what we have. She draws upon the symbolism of the yin and yang, highlighting the balance of light and darkness in life.
2. The Journey of Self-Discovery - Kirra shares her personal story, from her battle with depression and eating disorders to her transformative journey around the world. She discusses how her experiences led her to embrace yoga and meditation, not as a physical practice but as a path to inner peace and self-awareness.
3. The Impact of Community and Sangha - We discuss the importance of community (Sangha) in the journey of healing and growth. Kirra credits her participation in Dharma Punx NYC and her connection with teacher, Josh Korda, as pivotal in her spiritual journey, offering a space for relatable, meaningful engagement with mindfulness and Buddhism.
4. Teaching with Authenticity and Vulnerability - Kirra reflects on her role as a teacher on Peloton, where she strives to make yoga and meditation relatable and accessible. She shares the challenges of connecting deeply with her audience through digital platforms and the importance of setting boundaries to preserve her well-being.
5. Living the Kintsugi Spirit - The conversation circles back to the Kintsugi philosophy, with Kirra expressing how embracing our flaws, traumas, and struggles can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling life. She emphasizes the power of self-compassion, community support, and the continuous journey of self-discovery.

Key Kirra Quotes:

• "Life is unfair... Can we move forward with what we have and what you have from there?"
• "It's not the physical Asana practice that defines an advanced practitioner; it's the correlation of mindfulness, compassion, and awareness."
• "Hurt people hurt people, and heal people heal people... if my words can resonate in some way that helps you, then that's my purpose."
• "You guys water me just as much as I water you." - Kirra, on the mutual inspiration between her and her students.

How to Connect with Kirra: 

Instagram and her website

Conclusion:

Kirra's story is a testament to the transformative power of yoga and meditation, not just as practices but as pathways to understanding and accepting our true selves. Join us as we explore how to live a life that celebrates our imperfections and finds beauty in our struggles.