Rafael (Veteran)

Rafael Rivera is an Army veteran who discovered yoga after returning home from a combat tour in Afghanistan. With the convergence of events including superstorm Sandy, a divorce, and PTSD, yoga helped “save him from himself”. The impact of yoga was so deep that he decided to get certified in yoga, and now teaches students from 2 to 102 years old. Rafael’s intention is to make yoga accessible to everyone, “If you can breath, you can do yoga.” He is a mental health advocate and teaches trauma informed yoga, Yoga Nidra, Yin, Restorative, Hatha, and flow yoga classes at Revolution Yoga and Samudra Yoga.

Rafael and this yoga greeting card highlight military members doing yoga. These classic green plastic army figurines are “Yoga Joes,” and were made in the spirit of spreading yoga to men, boys, and military members. This card acknowledges and celebrates the incredible strength, physically and mentally, of those who serve our country, particularly those that serve in and return from combat zones.

Music: Sol Rising
Videography: Sunship Films
Photography: Ty Mecham
Lifestyle Photography: Zack Taylor