Today we’d like to introduce you to Poonam Patel.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, into a middle-class Indian family whose values were deeply rooted in Sanātana Dharma. That sacred foundation shaped my worldview and guided me toward a lifelong inquiry into the nature of the mind and spirit. This journey led me to the field of psychology, where I focused on behavioral neuroscience and mental health counseling, enriched by the study of religion and spirituality.
Relocating to North Carolina was transformative, offering me a life beyond my expectations. Although Bhakti yoga was always part of my spiritual practice, it was here that I embraced the physical aspect of yoga under the mentorship of Keval Kaur Khalsa. Influenced by Vedic wisdom and yogic philosophy, my practice integrates diverse traditions to cultivate balance, resilience, and a grounded sense of self. Anchored in devotion and guided by the teachings of my mentors, I walk a path shaped by seva (service), shraddhā (faith), and svādhyāya (self-inquiry).
My relationship with yoga is rooted in reverence for the sacred lineages and the gurus who have preserved its depth across generations. I view yoga not simply as a physical discipline, but as a spiritual framework for transformation—one that invites authenticity, inner awakening, and connection to the Divine.
Beyond my personal practice, I am dedicated to making yoga accessible to underserved communities, particularly as a teacher for Y.O.G.A. for Youth. I work to empower youth through yoga and meditation in schools, camps, and community programs. My goal is to help individuals navigate the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of the self through the wisdom of yoga.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The path has been incredibly meaningful, but it hasn’t always been smooth.
Relocating to North Carolina was a pivotal moment in my journey, yet it came with its own challenges. Leaving behind the familiarity of home meant starting over—building community, establishing support systems, and stepping into new opportunities without a clear roadmap. It required courage, trust, and a willingness to grow through uncertainty.
Professionally and personally, integrating my academic background in psychology and neuroscience with the intuitive, heart-centered teachings of yoga presented its own complexities. At times, I wrestled with how to bridge these worlds—how to honor both scientific rigor and spiritual depth without compromising either. That reconciliation has since become one of the most meaningful aspects of my work.
Working with underserved youth through Y.O.G.A. for Youth has also opened my eyes to systemic inequities and the barriers many communities face in accessing wellness resources. While deeply rewarding, this work can be emotionally demanding. It has required patience, adaptability, and a constant return to my own practice for nourishment and clarity.
There have been moments of burnout, periods of doubt, and the familiar tension of holding multiple roles as teacher, student, and space-holder. But each of these challenges has shaped my perspective and deepened my commitment. The road hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been profoundly real and for that, I’m grateful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sarva Shakti Yoga?
Recently, I embarked on a new endeavor with the establishment of Sarva Shakti Yoga, a space dedicated to empowering individuals to reconnect with their inner strength and creative potential. Inspired by the universal Shakti—the boundless energy within each of us—our mission is to create an inclusive, supportive, and authentic community. At Sarva Shakti Yoga, we honor the timeless wisdom of yoga, offering practices rooted in ancient traditions. We guide individuals on a journey to reclaim their power, live with purpose, and embrace true freedom.
At Sarva Shakti Yoga, we offer a range of practices designed to meet individuals at every stage of life. Our offerings include adult yoga classes, children’s yoga and prenatal yoga.
In addition to regular classes, we host special events that foster deeper connection and communal healing such as kirtan (devotional chanting), sound bowl meditations, and seasonal gatherings attuned to the rhythms of nature.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was a naturally curious and introspective child, drawn to understanding the “why” behind things. I carried a deep reverence for tradition and spiritual inquiry from an early age. I wasn’t the loudest in the room, but I observed everything. That quiet presence was never about shyness; it was about depth. I liked to reflect, to listen, to question. I found myself captivated by how the mind worked—how thoughts and behaviors shaped our experience of the world. This innate fascination with consciousness and human nature paved the way for my later studies in psychology. But even then, my curiosity wasn’t purely academic. It was soulful. I sensed there was a deeper thread weaving through the material and the mystical.
Bhakti was always in the background. Sometimes gently, sometimes with great intensity. I felt connected through music, ritual, mantra, and the stories of the deities that filled our home. There was a quiet devotion that anchored me, even when I couldn’t yet name it.
I was also someone who found meaning in service. Whether helping around the house or caring for others, there was always a strong pull toward being useful in a heartfelt way. That sense of seva, of giving, was less about duty and more about purpose.
I was reflective, intuitive, and quietly passionate. Drawn to big questions. Moved by beauty, meaning, and connection. Always a seeker, even before I knew I was on a path.
Pricing:
- 60 min- Asana Class $14
- 30 min- Pranayama & Dhyana $10
- 60 min- Prenatal Yoga $14
- 45 min- Children’s yoga $12
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sarvashaktiyoga.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarvashaktiyoga/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577303606136
