Raika Nasirullah-Patterson

She is passionate about combining yoga with her social justice work. She works to bring yoga to underserved communities that have limited access to yoga and has taught classes for local non-profit organizations such as Women and Girls Thriving in Brookline and Hands to Heart Center in Boston. Through teacher training, Raika discovered the power of self-exploration with the support of a gracious and loving community. Yoga has taught her how to explore her perceived physical and mental limitations as well as to appreciate the beauty of being a student. Her teaching encourages her students to discover the power of self-exploration through breath and movement. Raika's classes are shaped by her compassionate touch and are characterized by a balance of restorative poses and mindful vinyasa movement. She encourages a slower pace and longer holds so that students can incorporate attention to alignment and integrity in the asanas. Raika also incorporates restorative or gentle yoga poses to encourage students to relax and renew, as time on the mat is the truest form of self-care. Through her teaching, Raika hopes to convey that all movement (mind and body) can be fueled and supported by the breath. Raika completed her 200-hour teacher training in 2016 with the New School of Yogic Arts at Coolidge Corner Yoga under the guidance and instruction of Laura Ahrens and Andrew Tanner. Her yoga practice and approach to teaching are also inspired by Nadine Channaoui and aspects of Forrest Yoga and Yin. She completed a 20-hour Restorative Yoga training in 2019 with Nicole Clark and Kate Robinson and a 25-hour Yin Yoga training with Jo Phee in 2023.