Meet Bernadette and Trust The Candle in Your Head
Bernadette was born and raised in Montana, where her early calling to education shaped her path. With few teaching opportunities available locally, she took a leap of faith and moved to Texas, where she spent five years teaching. Eventually, her journey brought her to Tucson, Arizona, in search of new teaching opportunities—and unexpectedly, a new chapter in life.
In Tucson, Bernadette met her husband, Philip—also known as Satnam Singh—at the Bodhisattva Institute. Together, they embraced the warmth of the sangha community and meditations rooted in loving-kindness and compassion. Through Philip, Bernadette discovered Kundalini Yoga. She was drawn to its energetic and physical practices.
A lifelong educator, Bernadette later became a school counselor, continuing to uplift young people. She helped bring yoga into the schools where she worked by inviting Philip to teach classes—a beautiful merging of their professional and spiritual lives.
Bernadette’s Buddhist practice continues to guide her, rooted in the belief that everything we need to awaken lies within us. She attended classes in Tucson and continued her practice at home with Philip.
When Philip passed away in November 2023, Bernadette entered a season of deep healing. With the support of a friend, she began attending Egoscue classes several times a week with Barb (Sant Saroop), using physical reconnection as a way to return to herself. Though she hadn’t practiced Kundalini Yoga in over a decade, she began attending Barb’s Sunday classes in January 2025 with a spirit of openness. These moments were both healing and tender—she could sometimes feel Philip’s presence strongly during her practice.
In spring 2025, Bernadette attended the Spring Equinox retreat. It was a turning point. For the first time, she practiced Kundalini Yoga solely for herself—not in memory of Philip, not as his student or partner, but as her own person. She experienced the meditative aspect of the practice for the first time and embraced a mindset of openness and presence. letting go of expectations.
Though raised Catholic, Bernadette never felt aligned with any religious dogma. Over time, she’s come to understand that all spiritual paths carry threads of truth. She continues to practice Buddhism while remaining open to other traditions, avoiding labels and choosing instead to walk her path with an open heart.
As a child, Bernadette believed we each have a candle inside our heads—a light we must learn to trust. For her, that inner light is more important than any spiritual lineage. It reminds her that everything she needs is already within.
