Such Different Vixens: Michelle Merrifield

Fierce and feminine.

If I only had two words to describe Michelle – those are the two I’d turn to. (Apart from the fact that they’re accurate and gorgeously compliment each other, I’m also a major sucker for alliteration).

Michelle’s got a beautiful, yogic handle on the how to intermingle ‘success’ with ‘soul’. From where I stand, she does it effortlessly, marrying her devotion to the ancient teachings of yoga (and alignment practices of Pilates), while unashamedly staking her claim in the world a as driven and hard-working entrepreneur.

She’s rooted in integrity. Driven by an undying urge to progress, to learn, to go deeper…

And then… there’s the ways in which she contributes to her society.

Is it staggering how generous this women is.

You only have to walk into her studio here on the Gold Coast, Essence of Living, and have a quick word or two to the girls undertaking Michelle’s yoga or Pilates courses to learn that her energy is addictive and that her presence is hypnotising.

I’ve experienced it myself too, in her classes. When Michelle is around, yogis pay attention, yogis sink a little deeper in their breath, yogis trust their bodies more, yogis surrender just that little bit further.

Need I say it, but that’s a rather lofty impact to be able to make on a room of dozens of people.

I’m only just getting to know Michelle now, but since the moment I’ve moved here to Burleigh, I’ve admired her from afar, mostly for how she balances sheer dedication and drive with a devout and grounding practice that practically radiates from her. What a pleasure it is, Michelle, to introduce you to ma peeps!

Michelle (right) with her sister, Clare.

:: SHARE YOUR SOUL ::

Sum up your mission in one sentence.

To inspire others to see their own divine light illuminating a path for others to see their true nature, creating a ripple effect of authenticity; igniting the beauty that shines within all of us.

Can you share with us one of your most vulnerable moments (and in hindsight, what made it so beautiful?).

Speaking my truth when it’s not what the other wants to hear. You can feel very vulnerable when you are being honest from your heart. However I always know I am honoring myself and living with integrity, which makes it easier to sail through life’s waves.

What turns you on – cranks your dial right the way UP?

I absolutely love learning and progress. I’m a natural creator so I love the ability my business gives me to grow and evolve, expressing my creative nature in new and exciting projects.

What makes your blood boil? (Honestly)

When people don’t treat others like they would like to be treated.

How do you define ‘peace’?

To me world peace can only be achieved once we have found peace in our minds. When we can cultivate a peaceful mind it will be centered, mindful, bright and joyous. We must find peace within ourselves if we have any chance to create peace in the world around us.

Outbursts of ecstasy – the kind of belly laughs that leave you crippling over in agony from the sheer joy of it… What’s one of these memories that stand out for you?

My boyfriend Brad has me laughing everyday; he is constantly playing tricks on me, telling me cheesy jokes and scaring my silly that I burst into laugher. He is so great for me as I can have a tendency to be more serious so he keeps me light and bright.

Looking back, how have you most GROWN?

That’s a very difficult question as I feel I have grown on so many levels, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. To say just one thing that defines how much I have grown isn’t possible. I think life has taught us all so many lessons and we grow when we are ready to rise to the next level of living. As we grow in one area naturally all the other areas of our lives shift, change and rearrange creating a step change holistically. Ultimately I feel like I’m growing and evolving everyday.

If we all looked up your name in a dictionary, what 5 words would we find to describe you?

Loving

Passionate

Hard working

Creative

Visionary

:: QUICK & SLICK ::

Combining my passions with a business I love makes me feel … Blessed

Few people know this about me, but I … love beautifully designed everything from fashion to furniture.

I secretly wish I could … be an ‘at home mum’ one day.

To me, the words ‘Such Different Skies’ mean … that we all have an opportunity to express our truth and live in our authentic state. We can only do this if we stop comparing on contrasting our lives with others, move into our hearts and be happy with who and where we are.

Michelle Merrifield is a catalyst for change. She shines a light on personal development and growth using the ancient art of yoga and transformational practices of Pilates. The owner and operator of the popular Essence of Living studio on the Gold Coast; she inspires over 2000 clients a week to be the best version of themselves inside and out. Michelle lives and breathes her passion of yoga & Pilates and has spread her love by creating Essence of Living TV – an online resource – published three books, DVDs that are sold around Australia in major retailers and hosts international retreats, teacher trainings and workshops.

She expresses both sides of the coin so beautifully, right?

Let’s shine some of Michelle’s light back to her in the comments. :)