Living in my hometown Phoenix, Az in May 2007. I was two weeks out of detox for prescription drug treatment and I was desperate to go back to using. I had been going to NA meetings and church trying to keep myself sober but it was not helping me much. I was more depressed clean and sober than I was when I was using. I got down on my knees and prayed to God to help me one night. I was very close to going back to using if something didn’t change quickly. I expressed to God my distress and plans to return to drug use. The very next day a friend asked me if I would go to a Hot Yoga class with her. I had never done Yoga and was very apprehensive but decided that I would try it out. I attended a Hot Yoga class at Sumits Yoga. The class was extremely challenging but I could feel the presence of God in the room so I knew that it was the answer to my prayers the night before. Sumit's unique approach to yoga ignited a spark within me, providing a safe space for healing and growth. Everyday I had a Sanctuary that I could retreat to. My mental health quickly improved along with my physical health. I had gotten my life back on track in a very short time. Sumits Yoga and teachings became the catalyst that allowed me to maintain a life of sobriety, peace. balance and self discovery. 

Inspired by the profound impact that Sumits Yoga had on my own life, I felt a calling to share this gift with others. Eager to deepen my knowledge and understanding of yoga, I enrolled in the Fall 2008, 200 hour yoga teacher training program at Scottsdale Community College. This training served as my initial stepping stone, equipping me with the necessary tools to guide students on their own transformative journeys. I completed 5 semesters in their program and began teaching private Yoga lessons.

Seeking new experiences and perspectives, In 2013 I moved to Carlsbad, California. I found home at a beautiful family owned studio called Yoga Tropics in Encinitas, California, a mecca for yoga and spiritual exploration. This studio was directly across the street from Paramahansa Yogananda’s Self Realization Fellowship and Meditation Gardens, where I spent much time deepening my meditation practice. It was there that I completed the Yoga Tropics 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training, immersing myself in a vibrant community of fellow seekers. This training further broadened my understanding of different yoga styles and philosophies, enriching my teaching repertoire.

Drawn back to my roots in Arizona, I embarked on a new chapter in my yoga journey. In 2018 I completed the rigorous Sumits Hot Yoga Teacher Training, honing my skills and deepening my understanding of Sumit's unique sequencing and healing methodologies. Sumit gave me the confidence and ability to teach to large groups of students. Equipped with this specialized knowledge, I began teaching Sumits Sequence, the very sequence that had played an instrumental role in my own healing process. My time spent teaching at Sumits Yoga Scottsdale not only molded me into a confident, knowledgeable and passionate Teacher but also immersed me in the skills necessary to run my own Yoga Studio. Eventually my beloved Teacher Sumit would leave Sumits Yoga Scottsdale to embark on his own life’s journey. It was at this point that I also left and decided to spend some time furthering my Yogic studies and expanding my knowledge in other Yogic paths. I began to study the Path of Tantra. 

During my Teacher Training with Sumit he introduced to me the teachings of Osho. This lit a fire within me and sparked my interest in Tantra. Guided by my prayers, The Universe would bring into my life another great Guru Paras Sandy, who would teach me the path and wisdom of Tantra Yoga. I spent the next 2 years studying Tantra and learning the deep profound wisdom of Yogini Tantra, Yoni Tantra, The Kamakhya Tantra, The Mahanirvana Tantra, Yoni Puja as well as Kundalini Yoga. 

Fuelled by a passion to create a nurturing space for others to embark on their own transformative journeys, I took a leap of faith and established my own yoga studio in July of 2020. During the pandemic which removed community Yoga from almost every community, I decided that Yoga must be made accessible to the public again. Being a strong stand up Wombman, I opened up my own Yoga studio Tha Nude Guru Yoga & Tantra. I stood firm against government mandates and successfully allowed my community to practice Yoga in person without the restrictions of masks, vaccines or social distancing. This endeavor allowed me to earn the respect of my Yoga community as well as fuse my personal experiences with the teachings of Sumits Yoga, providing a sanctuary where individuals could find healing, strength, bravery and community. I would also create a powerful and healing group Nude Yoga class where hundreds of individuals came together to sweat, flow and heal, in a safe, empowering space completely in The BUFF! 

Seeking to deepen my understanding of yoga and further refine my teaching skills, I pursued an advanced 500-hour certification with Wise Owl Wellness. This comprehensive training delved into the intricacies of anatomy, philosophy, and advanced asana practice, empowering me to guide students with a newfound depth and wisdom. Today I am proud to say that I am an E-RYT 500 YACEP. With my new certifications this allowed me to begin my own Yoga Alliance Registered School with 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Trainings. This allowed me to share this gift of teaching with others and equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to also become Yoga Teachers. Today, I personally have lead 6, In Person, 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Trainings and certified 21 Yoga Teachers. 

In January of 2024, I would decide to close my Yoga Studio and return to Teaching Yoga at my original Yoga Home where my journey first began, Sumits Yoga Scottsdale. Here I am currently teaching The Sumit Sequence as well as Bikram Yoga. This has proven to be an amazing gift and a perfect decision to allow myself the time and space to fulfill all of my family responsibilities as a mother of 5 and still continue to share this precious gift of Yoga with my community. Sumit is an incredible Guru, leader and spiritual guide and it warms my heart to be able to come home and continue my Teaching journey with the very first Guru who exposed me to this life changing and healing path, when I was in such a place of despair. I will forever be indebted to this great man for sharing this powerful practice with me that saved my Life!

Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the transformative power of yoga and the incredible teachers who have guided me along the way. From discovering Sumits Yoga to completing various Teacher Trainings and establishing my own studio, each step has shaped me into the Yoga Teacher I am today. My commitment to sharing the healing potential of yoga continues to grow, as I empower others to embark on their own transformative journeys of self-discovery and healing.

 Today I am now offering the gift of a 200 Hour online Yoga Teacher Training course to allow students with various life commitments and responsibilities the opportunity to become a Yoga Alliance Certified, RYT- 200 Yoga Teacher from the comfort of their own homes. Allowing them the time and space needed to complete this certification and still continue to attend to all of life’s dharma. 

Sumits Yoga, Scottsdale Community College, Yoga Tropics Encinitas, Wise Owl Wellness and Paras Sandy have all played integral roles in my personal and professional growth. Through their teachings, I have discovered the transformative power of yoga and its ability to heal, nurture, and empower. With gratitude in my heart, I continue to guide students, fostering a safe space for exploration, self-discovery, and healing. 

I invite you to take part in this powerful Yoga journey today by signing up for Shakti School of Yoga, 200 Hour RYS Yoga Teacher Training! Practice and all is coming!

Namaste 

Jennifer Bridwell, aka SHAKTI 🖤