🖤 Welcome to the Rebellion

Flirting with discomfort. Expanding into Self (together) Issue 01 | May 2025

Hey Rebels,

I’ve been thinking about starting a newsletter for a while—and to be honest, I resisted it. Teaching on the mat is my home base. It’s safe and familiar. I’ve done the reps, greased the groove. But writing? Sharing like this? It somehow feels more exposing.

So, I sat with it, and asked myself: How do I want to show up—for myself and for others? (A journal prompt I invite you to sit with, too.)

I’m a teacher, a seeker, and a woman navigating this beautifully chaotic (and sometimes turbulent) life. It’s messy and bumpy, layered and real— far more than the highlight reels we’re shown. And yet, that’s what I love about it. That’s where the lessons live. It’s where I’ve let layers of myself go (ego deaths and dark nights of the soul). It’s where I’ve grieved, cried and eventually found gratitude. It’s also where I’ve found parts of myself over and over again — through ritual, trainings, books, yoga, silence and svādhyāya (self-study).

I’m done playing small and safe. For myself and for others. I want to create, express, and connect. I want to be real—Vulnerable. Messy. Expansive. And feel alive.

When I think of the people who inspire me, they don’t hold back. So even when I’m nervous and uncomfortable, I’m choosing to show up, and do it anyway.

This space —Wellness Rebellion— is for that kind of honesty. It’s for exploring your edges—the ones that make you a little uneasy—and flirting with them. That’s where growth lives. Where we find our strength, meet our softness, stretch the mind, body and heart— and where we get radically honest with ourselves.

We grow by getting uncomfortable. By asking hard questions. By following joy, trusting truth, and trembling through it anyway. With strong spines and open hearts. 🖤

We do this for ourselves—and for those around us.

And you don’t have to do it alone.

In each newsletter, I’ll share what’s inspiring me: classes, conversations, practices, playlists, events, books, breath-work, and thoughts from the mat. My hope is that it reminds you that your path— however winding, raw, or wild yours is— that it’s precious. And it’s enough.

Thanks for being here. Let's get messy

With love + rebellion,
Kirra

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🌱 Class of the Month

CREATING SPACE — with Katie Wang

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, there’s a brand-new CREATING SPACE yin class live now on the Peloton app, featuring my incredible friend and fellow instructor Katie Wang. We dive into overwhelm, ADHD, anxiety, and the tools that help soften the terrain. It’s raw, real, and full of heart.

If you’re new to the series, there are already 5 classes up—starting with a solo session, followed by conversations with Denis Morton, Adrian Williams, Kirsten Ferguson, and Matty Maggiacomo. The goal? To help you feel seen and less alone through honest, vulnerable conversations.

If you’re struggling right now, please know this:
You are not broken. You are not a burden. You’re mind is just confused. You’re not meant to do it alone—so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

As a friend once told me:
"There are no obstacles, only terrain. If it’s on your path, it is your path. It doesn’t matter what’s in front of you—what matters is how we get through it, over it, around it, or past it.”

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💬 On the Mic

🎧 Set the Pace Podcast
This month I sat down with Becs Gentry on Set the Pace Podcast to talk about meditation, mindfulness, and taught a short meditation. If you’re feeling unsure about meditation—or just need a reminder of why it’s such a powerful tool for grounding, and clarity—this one’s for you.

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🔥 What’s Coming Up

Telluride Yoga Festival | June 26–29, 2025

I’m so excited (and honored) to be teaching at Telluride Yoga Festival in the middle of the stunning San Juan Mountains, Colorado.

4 days. Yoga. Epic nature. Breath-work. Hiking. Soulful classes. And a lineup of powerhouse instructors.

I’ll be teaching 4 classes between Fri-Sunday.

If you’ve been craving movement, connection, and a little mountain magic—this is it.

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🎧 What I’m Loving Right Now

• Playlist:

  May Mellow Feels✨

• Book:

  Meditations from the Mat by Rolf Gates & Katrina Kenison — A daily read I keep returning to

• Podcast:

  Know Thyself — RY X: How to Unleash Your Creativity, Heal Your Pain & Find Your Voice

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📌 Stay Connected

• 🧘‍♀️ Take class with me on Peloton

• 📸 Follow on Instagram @kirramichel

• 🌐 Connect + work with me: www.kirramichel.com

• 💌 Forward this to a friend who might need it