What does accessible yoga look like to you?

I can describe accessible yoga in three words: options, empowerment, and love. As a yoga teacher, if your students know they have options, you freely give them the power to do what’s best for them. If you offer options no matter what their capability may be, you provide an opportunity for healing. If you do your best to offer an option but still can’t find something that works for them, maybe love is the answer.

Following my first experience with a yoga class I vowed to never return to one again. I guess you can say I wasn’t ready. After about 8 years later, the gym I was attending offered a free yoga class and I thought I’d give it another try. The experience was much better but I still had difficulty with the physical aspect of the practice (At the time, I thought it was all a physical practice…silly me). This weekly yoga class ultimately led me to a yoga studio, following a friend’s recommendation. This decision proved to be a life-altering one. I connected with the community at I Am Yoga in Turlock, CA, and could identify with the male presence at this beautiful space. From there, I haven’t looked back.

I was given a new set of eyes and a new heart after becoming a parent, which led me to pursue my 200 HR yoga teacher certification at I Am Yoga. My teacher training was yet another transformative experience and where I discovered (I mean, really dove into) the other “limbs” of yoga.

Following the completion of my yoga certification, I founded my own business under the name The Wellness Within, where I offer services and products with yoga, aromatherapy, and connection. Soon after, I pursued a certification in Chair Yoga and now incorporate a chair in about half of the classes I have or currently teach at various facilities including a church, a senior apartment complex, and a senior center.

“My mission is to share my experience as a yoga instructor with anyone who’s willing to experience it with me. I will always make space for you.”

Through the magic of social media, I found myself at the Accessible Yoga Conference in San Francisco where Jivana Heyman and his team have created an organization of “my people.” Their mission was so impactful, I pursued an Accessible Yoga Teacher Training following the conference. I whole-heartedly try and bring my flavor of accessible yoga wherever I teach. The universe has led me towards a path involving trauma-informed yoga and has connected me with other studios and organizations that I’m blessed to be a part of.

Who are your accessible yoga role models?