The bumblebee shouldn’t be able to fly. Aerodynamically, it’s impossible. But the bumblebee doesn’t know that. It just flies.

I practiced yoga on and off for years. When I finally committed to my practice, I found myself in a body that was bigger, older, and dealing with fibromyalgia pain and stiffness. Teachers didn’t know what to do with me. They told me to hang out in child’s pose or to use a prop when I needed it, but I had never used yoga props before and didn’t know how.

When I started yoga teacher training, I had no intention of becoming a teacher. I was looking for ways to adapt yoga to fit my body. Along the way I discovered that there is a big need for teachers with my experience and perspective leading at the front of the room. I sought out and trained with teachers who focus on accessibility and inclusivity. And now I take everything they showed me and share it with my students.

If you have a non-traditional yoga body—whether its due to an injury, illness, age or size—I may be the yoga teacher for you.