Why Everyone Is Freaking Out Over This Bear

Meddy Teddy is basically the Snuggle bear but bendier — he's a toy designed to inspire kids to practice yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. But Meddy's getting lots of love on Instagram, with 10,000 followers and counting. 

[instagram ]https://www.instagram.com/p/BGZcUJSjF41/?taken-by=meddyteddy" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);" >​

[instagram ]https://www.instagram.com/p/BFDXP4vjF0T/?taken-by=meddyteddy" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);" >​

[instagram ]https://www.instagram.com/p/BF5fLU0jF_h/?taken-by=meddyteddy" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);" >​

[instagram ]https://www.instagram.com/p/BApSM_qDF9i/?taken-by=meddyteddy" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);" >​

Because you probably have a lot of questions about a bear who practices yoga, Cosmopolitan.com touched base with the rising star to see what it's really like to be a bear making strides in a saturated yoga scene:  

You've obviously a very special bear. Can any teddy bear do yoga?

Thank you! My limbs are bendable, allowing me to manipulate and transform my body into different yoga poses. You could say I'm more limber than the average bear, but we're all very special.

[instagram ]https://www.instagram.com/p/BFs14ldjF6k/?taken-by=meddyteddy" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);" >

Some of your poses are truly amazing! Do paws make inversions any easier?

Yes. Strength in the paws give you strength in your pose — and the same goes for humans with hands and feet. A paw inversion is similar to a human inversion performed with a rolled yoga mat held in each hand.

[instagram ]https://www.instagram.com/p/BEB3hWIDF6u/?taken-by=meddyteddy" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);" >​

[instagram ]https://www.instagram.com/p/BAqWoUwjF8V/?taken-by=meddyteddy" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);" >​

You always pose with your eyes closed. Why?

When your eyes are closed, the beauty of the world can be seen inside of you. I keep my eyes closed as a reminder to look within. It helps me find my inner Teddy.

[instagram ]https://www.instagram.com/p/BF26_wODF9Z/?taken-by=meddyteddy" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);" >​

[instagram ]https://www.instagram.com/p/BGTPwbTDF_A/?taken-by=meddyteddy" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);" >

[instagram ]https://www.instagram.com/p/BDmS1O0jFxV/?taken-by=meddyteddy" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);" >

What do you eat before yoga to fuel your practice without feeling stuffed? (I've heard you eat a lot of porridge, small children, etc.?)

Porridge is good, small children, not so much. I actually eat a pretty typical bear diet — lots of honey! Before yoga, I'll sometimes eat a raw fish with a slice of bread and honey. ​

[instagram ]https://www.instagram.com/p/BGhuTxnjF2Z/?taken-by=meddyteddy" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);" >​

You've always been very open about having a tail. Do you have to modify any poses to accommodate for it?

I was born with the tail, so I try to use it to my advantage. While it can look a little funny coming through my yoga pants, I think it enhances my balance, especially in my favorite pose: headstand. 

[instagram ]https://www.instagram.com/p/BEKcmjSDF6A/?taken-by=meddyteddy" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);" >​

Cat, cow, crow, and dolphin are a part of many standard vinyasas. Bear pose? You don't see it as frequently. Do you ever feel marginalized, being a bear in the yoga world? 

You can call a pose whatever you want, so I don't feel excluded from anything. And it just so happens bear pose is a difficult maneuver for many yogis.​ Being a bear in the yoga world is so exciting! I don't think many exist, so I consider myself lucky. 

[instagram ]https://www.instagram.com/p/BE30a9JjF-x/?taken-by=meddyteddy" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);" >​

Any tips for other bears who want to increase their Instagram following?

Pay attention to lighting, check out what other yogis are doing for inspiration, and be yourself — only you can make your Instagram feed look cool. And don't overdo it with special scenery, lighting, filters, and hashtags. It can get a little overbearing, if you know what I mean.

[instagram ]https://www.instagram.com/p/BG69150jF4z/?taken-by=meddyteddy" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);" >​