Functional Spirituality

In this episode, Ava explores the term privilege: how it’s been shaped, stretched, and sometimes misunderstood in today’s world. With honesty and depth, she opens a compassionate conversation about how we can move toward greater understanding, healing, and collective repair. We’d love to hear what this topic stirs or awakens in you!   Chapter markers:    00:00 – Introduction to the topic 02:42 – Why is privilege a non-sense term 03:50  - Privilege vs advantage 09:00 – Healing, repair, growth and dismantling unhealthy systems  12:09 - Functionality and intention  14:30 - Approaches that do not include you feeling shame, blame and guilt 16:55 - Recap Increasing accessibility to functional healing + non-dual spiritual oneness: www.functionalspirituality.com   Free resources: Newsletter sign-up:  A monthly update for me on new offers and the energy of the month. Community meditation: Join the Functional Spirituality Group and enjoy a free resource for meditators and yogis to connect to and enjoy a like-minded community.   Free training - 3 part method of Functional Spirituality: Learn the clear, practical framework for deep healing, emotional regulation, and spiritual integration. Connect on Socials Where you can hear from us in daily life Personal account & Functional Spirituality: @functionalspirituality  Studio: @spandaschool  Lavandula Botanicals: @lavandula.botanicals    

In this episode, Ava explores a listener’s question: “How do I deal with the terrifying fear of a loved one dying?” Moments of birth and death often stir deep reflections about our own mortality. This conversation offers insight and comfort for anyone who is grieving a loss or living in fear of losing someone they love. A gentle exploration of loss, death, and the path toward meeting them with greater awareness, compassion, and freedom from unnecessary fear and suffering.   Chapter markers:    00:00 – Introduction to the topic and update about Honey 04:30 – The power of death and how it pulls on fear and love 05:30 – What we need to accept: coming to terms with life and death 07:12 – How modern life distracts us from our mortality 08:42 – Grief as a reflection of love 09:58 – Key questions to ask yourself: grief vs. suffering 11:15 – Ava shares what she is learning to accept as Honey nears the end of her life 17:10 – What happens when we don’t fully allow ourselves to grieve 18:10 – Closing reflections and invitation to share your thoughts   Increasing accessibility to functional healing + non-dual spiritual oneness: www.functionalspirituality.com   Free resources: Newsletter sign-up:  A monthly update for me on new offers and the energy of the month. Community meditation: Join the Functional Spirituality Group and enjoy a free resource for meditators and yogis to connect to and enjoy a like-minded community.   Free training - 3 part method of Functional Spirituality: Learn the clear, practical framework for deep healing, emotional regulation, and spiritual integration. Connect on Socials Where you can hear from us in daily life Personal account & Functional Spirituality: @functionalspirituality  Studio: @spandaschool

Life constantly asks us to show up, give, and move forward. But to truly meet the world with fullness, we also need moments to return to ourselves. Without that inward pause, our energy scatters and we lose touch with balance, joy, and wellbeing. This meditation is an invitation to slow down, hold yourself gently, and reconnect with your inner-strength.   If you enjoy this audio you can save the link somewhere in your phone, or make a playlist for it so you have access to this practice with one click.   Increasing accessibility to functional healing + non-dual spiritual oneness: www.functionalspirituality.com   Free resources: Newsletter sign-up:  A monthly update for me on new offers and the energy of the month. Community meditation: Join the Functional Spirituality Group and enjoy a free resource for meditators and yogis to connect to and enjoy a like-minded community.   Free training - 3 part method of Functional Spirituality: Learn the clear, practical framework for deep healing, emotional regulation, and spiritual integration. Connect on Socials Where you can hear from us in daily life Personal account & Functional Spirituality: @functionalspirituality  Studio: @spandaschool

In this episode, Ava opens up about some “real-life material” she’s currently moving through: a deep sadness rooted in an unmet childhood need. She shares her process honestly, in the hope that it may resonate with you and spark reflection on your own journey. We’d love to hear how this exploration touches you and the ways it shows up in your life.   Relevant links:  Guided meditations from Functional Spirituality   Chapter markers:    00:00 Introduction and update from Ava’s life 03:30 ‘I’m not good enough’ 6:30 A deep need for connection that hasn’t been met 9:00  Achieving the sense of enoughness and worthiness 10:40 Integrating the sadness  11:30 Attuning to the unmet needs as adults 12:47 What to do now? Increasing accessibility to functional healing + non-dual spiritual oneness: www.functionalspirituality.com   Free resources: Newsletter sign-up:  A monthly update for me on new offers and the energy of the month. Community meditation: Join the Functional Spirituality Group and enjoy a free resource for meditators and yogis to connect to and enjoy a like-minded community. Free training - 3 part method of Functional Spirituality: Learn the clear, practical framework for deep healing, emotional regulation, and spiritual integration. Connect on Socials Where you can hear from us in daily life Personal account & Functional Spirituality: @functionalspirituality  Studio: @spandaschool  Lavandula Botanicals: @lavandula.botanicals    

Living on the surface of language and concepts doesn’t truly serve us. To grow spiritually, we need to dive deeper — avoiding assumptions and quick conclusions. In this episode, Ava unpacks the confusion around what it really means to be an “awake teacher” and explores a functional approach to spirituality that invites thoughtful reflection. Tune in to deepen your understanding and shift how you relate to spirituality.   Chapter markers: 00:30 Introduction  01:24 What is an awake teacher? 03:51 Why I avoid the term awake 07:06 My problem with these terms 09:31 The problem is not the explanations  10:09 The rationalisation of inappropriate behaviour  12:03 Can’t I just loosen up? 13:12 Healthy scepticism  14:38 Why are people doing this 15:42 Is it wrong to praise teachers? 18:09 Conclusion  Increasing accessibility to functional healing + non-dual spiritual oneness: www.functionalspirituality.com   Free resources: Newsletter sign-up:  A monthly update for me on new offers and the energy of the month. Community meditation: Join the Functional Spirituality Group and enjoy a free resource for meditators and yogis to connect to and enjoy a like-minded community.   Free training - 3 part method of Functional Spirituality: Learn the clear, practical framework for deep healing, emotional regulation, and spiritual integration. Connect on Socials Where you can hear from us in daily life Personal account & Functional Spirituality: @functionalspirituality  Studio: @spandaschool  Lavandula Botanicals: @lavandula.botanicals

Ease into the evening with this gentle 10-minute bedtime meditation. Ava guides you into a calm, relaxed state so you can co-regulate and attune with your child as they settle to sleep. This simple, heartfelt practice invites connection, presence, and safety — a beautiful way to end the day, together. Play this recording to create a regulating, heart-opening and healing routine to support your child to go to sleep. Maybe they will continue the practice of meditation before bed into adulthood.   If you enjoy this audio you can save the link somewhere in your phone, or make a playlist for it so you have access to this practice with one click. Increasing accessibility to functional healing + non-dual spiritual oneness: www.functionalspirituality.com   Free resources: Newsletter sign-up:  A monthly update for me on new offers and the energy of the month. Community meditation: Join the Functional Spirituality Group and enjoy a free resource for meditators and yogis to connect to and enjoy a like-minded community.   Free training - 3 part method of Functional Spirituality: Learn the clear, practical framework for deep healing, emotional regulation, and spiritual integration. Connect on Socials Where you can hear from us in daily life Personal account & Functional Spirituality: @functionalspirituality  Studio: @spandaschool  Lavandula Botanicals: @lavandula.botanicals      

What’s the real difference between moving through life with intention… and gripping on with control? In this episode, we explore how intention keeps us aligned and connected to our heart, while control often comes from unconscious pressure and fixation. When we’re out of touch with our true intention, motivation naturally fades — but when we’re in alignment, motivation flows effortlessly. Tune in to discover how to recognise the energy of control vs. intention, reconnect with your heart, and move forward with more ease and clarity.   Chapter markers  00:15 Introduction  00:35 What’s the difference between intention and control 01:10 Intention  03:28 Control 07:00 Awareness 09:00 Expressions of control 10:00 Functional modalities  11:35 Meditation example 14:41 Conclusion    Increasing accessibility to functional healing + non-dual spiritual oneness: www.functionalspirituality.com   Free resources: Newsletter sign-up:  A monthly update for me on new offers and the energy of the month. Community meditation: Join the Functional Spirituality Group and enjoy a free resource for meditators and yogis to connect to and enjoy a like-minded community.   Free training - 3 part method of Functional Spirituality: Learn the clear, practical framework for deep healing, emotional regulation, and spiritual integration. Connect on Socials Where you can hear from us in daily life Personal account & Functional Spirituality: @functionalspirituality  Studio: @spandaschool  Lavandula Botanicals: @lavandula.botanicals    

We are re-sharing this episode where Ava discusses what trauma is and what happens to our body when we experience a traumatic event. Listen in to understand  the mechanics of a healing process and the different ways of meeting traumatic material.      Relevant links:  Free resources Join our Therapeutic Embodiment trainings waitlist   Chapter markers:    00:00 A bit about Ava and Functional Spirituality podcast  01:43 Intro to today’s topic  04:05 Understanding the mechanics of a healing practice  05:24 What is trauma? 07:40 What happens when we experience a traumatic event? 11:06 What does healing from a traumatic event mean? 15:46 The idea of catharsis 19:50 Ways of meeting traumatic material  22:56 Disclaimer 23:25 Part 1 of the Functional Spirituality Method, free resources and upcoming trainings (please note this is a repurposed episode, the training dates are from previous years)   Increasing accessibility to functional healing + non-dual spiritual oneness: www.functionalspirituality.com     Newsletter sign-up:  A monthly update for me on new offers and the energy of the month.

As we get ready to begin our Therapeutic Embodiment training, Ava shares about what TE is, what happens inside a session and why this heartful approach involves a new paradigm for healing complex trauma. Therapeutic Embodiment works with the stress that builds up in our nervous system, using somatic principles and interoceptive reflection to help us reconnect, restore capacity, and heal. If you’re curious to go deeper, listen to this episode and follow this link to find all the details and join us in the training!   Course starts: 13th July 2025.   Relevant links:    Free workshop: The trauma healing breakthrough   Chapter markers:    00:00 Introduction to the topic, what is a TE session? 01:00 Complex trauma and the new paradigm of healing 03:00 TE practice vs yin yoga 04:48 Duration of this practice and how it can be woven into other modalities  5:43 What does a TE consist of? 7:52 Our society lives on the surface  11:20 Have you listened to our latest free online workshop? Increasing accessibility to functional healing + non-dual spiritual oneness: www.functionalspirituality.com   Free resources: Newsletter sign-up:  A monthly update for me on new offers and the energy of the month. Community meditation: Join the Functional Spirituality Group and enjoy a free resource for meditators and yogis to connect to and enjoy a like-minded community.   Free training - 3 part method of Functional Spirituality: Learn the clear, practical framework for deep healing, emotional regulation, and spiritual integration. Connect on Socials Where you can hear from us in daily life Personal account & Functional Spirituality: @functionalspirituality  Studio: @spandaschool  Lavandula Botanicals: @lavandula.botanicals

Today’s topic is applicable to everybody, not just mothers or parents.   We often find ourselves complaining about life and unconsciously hoping that complaining will help us get our needs met. In reality, complaining signals our bodies and the people around us stress and resistance. This is not sustainable for ourselves and our relationships.  Listen in to hear Ava share insights from her life and how reframing things positively has supported her recently.  The intention of this episode is to inspire you to cultivate optimism in a healthy way. We recommend you to listen back to this podcast in a month or two to track and observe your progress.   Chapter markers:    00:00 Introduction to the topic and update from Ava  02:20 How the silent retreats have supported Ava during an important transition in her life  4:09 What is positively benefiting Ava and her relationships? 5:52 How does complaining affect our body and relationships?  8:45 An example where we can reframe our reality in a positive way and still being truthful to ourselves   14:00 Complaining as a strategy to try to get your needs met  15:48 Ava’s super power 17:00 Thank you for listening, if you have any topic ideas for this podcast please let us know by sending us an email: functionalspiritualityretreat@gmail.com  Increasing accessibility to functional healing + non-dual spiritual oneness: www.functionalspirituality.com     Free resources:   Newsletter sign-up:  A monthly update for me on new offers and the energy of the month.   Community meditation: Join the Functional Spirituality Group and enjoy a free resource for meditators and yogis to connect to and enjoy a like-minded community.   Free training - 3 part method of Functional Spirituality: Learn the clear, practical framework for deep healing, emotional regulation, and spiritual integration.

In this episode, Ava explores a question that’s been landing in her inbox more and more: Why are so many people turning to Christianity?   After hearing from at least five people in the last month alone, Ava takes a deeper look—sharing her own reflections, insights from recent conversations with those embracing Christianity, and stories from people who’ve stepped away from it.   She also unpacks why this topic can feel so charged and triggering, even in spiritual communities, and what this growing interest might reveal about our cultural and personal landscapes. Relevant links:    Four stages of spiritual seeking Free resources page   Chapter markers:    00:00 Introduction to the topic and disclaimer 02:43 Ava’s experience with religion 06:08  What are some of the things that feel 'disturbing’ for us when we talk about religion 11:00 Why Christianity? 16:14 Why are people turning towards it? 19:00 Conclusion Increasing accessibility to functional healing + non-dual spiritual oneness: www.functionalspirituality.com   Free resources: Newsletter sign-up:  A monthly update for me on new offers and the energy of the month. Community meditation: Join the Functional Spirituality Group and enjoy a free resource for meditators and yogis to connect to and enjoy a like-minded community.   Free training - 3 part method of Functional Spirituality: Learn the clear, practical framework for deep healing, emotional regulation, and spiritual integration. Connect on Socials Where you can hear from us in daily life Personal account & Functional Spirituality: @functionalspirituality  Studio: @spandaschool  Lavandula Botanicals: @lavandula.botanicals    

In this episode, Ava shares a personal glimpse into her journey and how the 3-Part Method of Functional Spirituality was born. What makes this approach so unique and effective? Tune in to discover the foundations that set Functional Spirituality apart. Relevant links:    The new paradigm of healing  Free resources page   Chapter markers:    00:00 Introduction to the topic  02:00  Ava’s story: Bikram yoga, Agama and Hridaya schools.  10:45 The origin story of the 3 part method.  14:20 The three intentions that we may have in our spiritual practice.  20:00 The difference between Awakening and Deconditioning tools.  23:30 The importance of intention.  26:08 Conclusion  28:18 Thank you for listening, if you have any questions and comments please let us know. Increasing accessibility to functional healing + non-dual spiritual oneness: www.functionalspirituality.com   Free resources: Newsletter sign-up:  A monthly update for me on new offers and the energy of the month. Community meditation: Join the Functional Spirituality Group and enjoy a free resource for meditators and yogis to connect to and enjoy a like-minded community.   Free training - 3 part method of Functional Spirituality: Learn the clear, practical framework for deep healing, emotional regulation, and spiritual integration. Connect on Socials Where you can hear from us in daily life Personal account & Functional Spirituality: @functionalspirituality  Studio: @spandaschool  Lavandula Botanicals: @lavandula.botanicals

Gift yourself 15 minutes of your day and join Ava in this healing practice cultivating the energy of gratitude. Gratitude can be a healing tool as it helps us connect back to the feelings of joy, love, openness and presence. If you enjoy this audio you can save the link somewhere in your phone, or make a playlist for it on your Spotify so you have access to this practice with one click"     Increasing accessibility to functional healing + non-dual spiritual oneness: www.functionalspirituality.com   Free resources: Newsletter sign-up:  A monthly update for me on new offers and the energy of the month. Community meditation: Join the Functional Spirituality Group and enjoy a free resource for meditators and yogis to connect to and enjoy a like-minded community.   Free training - 3 part method of Functional Spirituality: Learn the clear, practical framework for deep healing, emotional regulation, and spiritual integration. Connect on Socials Where you can hear from us in daily life Personal account & Functional Spirituality: @functionalspirituality  Studio: @spandaschool

Enjoy our most popular guided meditation on the Functional Spirituality podcast! Allow this soothing deep sleep meditation to send a message of comfort and safety to your nervous system. Invite a deeper sense of calmness into every cell in your body as you settle your body into a deep state of relaxation. Increasing accessibility to functional healing + non-dual spiritual oneness: www.functionalspirituality.com   Free resources: Newsletter sign-up:  A monthly update for me on new offers and the energy of the month. Community meditation: Join the Functional Spirituality Group and enjoy a free resource for meditators and yogis to connect to and enjoy a like-minded community.   Free training - 3 part method of Functional Spirituality: Learn the clear, practical framework for deep healing, emotional regulation, and spiritual integration. Connect on Socials Where you can hear from us in daily life Personal account & Functional Spirituality: @functionalspirituality  Studio: @spandaschool

In this episode, Ava shares the powerful and raw story of her second daughter Leila’s birth on May 9th of this year. While deeply beautiful and transformative, this birth story includes graphic details, so please listen with care. Ava opens up about the intensity, the magic, and the awe of bringing Leila into this world, offering an intimate glimpse into one of the most profound moments of her life.   Relevant links and resources:    Our intense birth story    Chapter markers:    00:00 Introduction to the topic and warning 03:00 When labor began 07:55 When things started to escalate 17:50 When the baby is about to come out 25:00 Moments after birth 28:00 When things went  ‘crazy’ 37:00 How she is feeling now Increasing accessibility to functional healing + non-dual spiritual oneness: www.functionalspirituality.com   Free resources: Newsletter sign-up:  A monthly update for me on new offers and the energy of the month. Community meditation: Join the Functional Spirituality Group and enjoy a free resource for meditators and yogis to connect to and enjoy a like-minded community.   Free training - 3 part method of Functional Spirituality: Learn the clear, practical framework for deep healing, emotional regulation, and spiritual integration.  

In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Priya, Ava, and Anaid dive deep into the roots of our toxic culture. Together, they explore the roles that disconnection, collective trauma, and survival-driven conditioning play in shaping the way we live and relate.  Is our detachment from nature part of the problem? Could it be that our nervous systems — biologically wired for survival — are still operating in modes of protection, fueling cycles of fear and burnout? Or is there a missing piece we’ve yet to uncover?   Relevant links and resources:   Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind  by Yuval Noah Harari The Molecule of More by Daniel Z. Lieberman and Michael E. Long   Increasing accessibility to functional healing + non-dual spiritual oneness: www.functionalspirituality.com   Free resources: Newsletter sign-up:  A monthly update for me on new offers and the energy of the month. Community meditation: Join the Functional Spirituality Group and enjoy a free resource for meditators and yogis to connect to and enjoy a like-minded community.   Free training - 3 part method of Functional Spirituality: Learn the clear, practical framework for deep healing, emotional regulation, and spiritual integration. Connect on Socials Where you can hear from us in daily life Personal account & Functional Spirituality: @functionalspirituality  Studio: @spandaschool        

In this episode, Ava answers a listener's question: "What is Kundalini?" She takes you on a journey from the Sanskrit origins of the word to its cultural context in India and the modern science surrounding it. Ava also shares her personal experiences with Kundalini and explores why it fascinates so many people.   Relevant links and resources:  Roots of Yoga - James Mallinson & Mark Singleton    Chapter markers:    00:00 Introduction to Functional Spirituality Podcast 03:30 Introduction to Kundalini 8:55 Is there any science behind Kundalini? 13:44 What is Kundalini  18:25 Why are people obsessed with Kundalini? 22:20 What happens inside of our bodies when we experience Kundalini awakening? 26:00 Ava’s experience  29:44 Thank you for listening Increasing accessibility to functional healing + non-dual spiritual oneness: www.functionalspirituality.com   Free resources: Newsletter sign-up:  A monthly update for me on new offers and the energy of the month. Community meditation: Join the Functional Spirituality Group and enjoy a free resource for meditators and yogis to connect to and enjoy a like-minded community. Free training - 3 part method of Functional Spirituality: Learn the clear, practical framework for deep healing, emotional regulation, and spiritual integration. Connect on Socials Where you can hear from us in daily life Personal account & Functional Spirituality: @functionalspirituality  Studio: @spandaschool  Lavandula Botanicals: @lavandula.botanicals

Welcome back to our guided meditations. In this meditation, Anaid gently invites you to return to yourself with presence and care. This is your sacred pause, a moment to simply be… and rest. With curiosity, we explore the inner landscape, allowing tension to melt and awareness to ground fully in the present moment. From this place of stillness, we journey inward to meet what lives at the core of your essence.   If you enjoy this audio you can save the link somewhere in your phone, or make a playlist for it so you have access to this practice with one click.   Increasing accessibility to functional healing + non-dual spiritual oneness. www.functionalspirituality.com   Free resources: Newsletter sign up:  A monthly update for me on new offers and the energy of the month. Community meditation: Join the Functional Spirituality Group and enjoy a free resource for meditators and yogis to connect to and enjoy a like-minded community. Free workshop: Holding Safer Spaces A free workshop that replaces the old, dogmatic, unsustainable paradigm of healing that burns out our community. Explore how to deepen your presence in both personal and professional spheres. A new, simpler and functional approach to being trauma-informed  

Welcome to this spacious guided meditation to relax your body and explore joy. Take a deep breath, settle into stillness, and allow a sense of peacefulness and gratitude to gently flow through you. This meditation invites you to soften, open your heart, and reconnect with the simple, radiant joy within.   If you enjoy this audio you can save the link somewhere in your phone, or make a playlist for it so you have access to this practice with one click.   Increasing accessibility to functional healing + non-dual spiritual oneness. www.functionalspirituality.com   Free resources: Newsletter sign up:  A monthly update for me on new offers and the energy of the month. Community meditation: Join the Functional Spirituality Group and enjoy a free resource for meditators and yogis to connect to and enjoy a like-minded community. Free workshop: Holding Safer Spaces A free workshop that replaces the old, dogmatic, unsustainable paradigm of healing that burns out our community. Explore how to deepen your presence in both personal and professional spheres. A new, simpler and functional approach to being trauma-informed Connect on Socials Where you can hear from us in daily life Functional Spirituality & Personal account:@functionalspirituality  Studio: @spandaschool   

"Gratitude arises from paying attention, from being awake in the presence of everything that lives within and without and beside us." — David Whyte   Join Kate in this gentle guided meditation, where gratitude becomes a doorway to ease and presence. As you breathe in gratitude, feel it soften your mind, relax your body, and open your heart to peace. Whether you're setting an intention for the day or unwinding in quiet reflection, this practice will help you cultivate deep appreciation and effortless presence.   If you enjoy this audio you can save the link somewhere in your phone, or make a playlist for it so you have access to this practice with one click.   Increasing accessibility to functional healing + non-dual spiritual oneness. www.functionalspirituality.com   Free resources: Newsletter sign up:  A monthly update for me on new offers and the energy of the month. Community meditation: Join the Functional Spirituality Group and enjoy a free resource for meditators and yogis to connect to and enjoy a like-minded community. Free workshop: Holding Safer Spaces A free workshop that replaces the old, dogmatic, unsustainable paradigm of healing that burns out our community. Explore how to deepen your presence in both personal and professional spheres. A new, simpler and functional approach to being trauma-informed Connect on Socials Where you can hear from us in daily life Functional Spirituality & Personal account:@functionalspirituality  Studio: @spandaschool