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Hi, my name is Ava and I’m delighted to offer you “Functional Spirituality”, a free resource of talks, trainings and guided meditations. I use an academic approach to invite critical thinking into energetic, mystical and heart-based practices. Spirituality has a history of disempowering the individual and worshiping the guru or priest, without question. In this podcast, I aim to reduce the dogma that has rendered so many schools and practices ineffective - (and strange AF) - and to elevate the conversation around spirituality. I want to EMPOWER the meditator and yogi, to place the power back in our hands, to live directly from our own experience. I hope you enjoy! For Q&A questions, topic suggestions email Ava at functionalspiritualityretreat@gmail.com Visit www.functionalspirituality.com Follow us @FunctionalSpirituality or @avairani_ and our Yoga Studio at @spandaschool
Episodes
Wednesday Feb 04, 2026
Wednesday Feb 04, 2026
In this conversational episode, Emma and Ava explore what it really means to “drop in” before any meaningful work, practice, or conversation. They unpack how embodiment shifts us from surface-level survival mode into deeper presence, clarity, and connection. Ava shares the moment she knew silent retreats would be her life’s work, and how her teaching evolved over time, from transcendence-focused awakening practices toward a more balanced approach that includes nervous system education, trauma awareness, and functional integration.
Together, they speak candidly about burnout, the dangers of “spiritual perfection” promises, and why some tools help in one season of life but fall short in another.
The episode also highlights the power of community and emotional safety, how being with others in a regulated, intentional space can create profound healing and belonging.
Chapter markers:
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The “drop in” and why it changes everything [00:00]
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How Ava knew silent retreats were her path [00:10]
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Awakening practices vs nervous system healing [00:18]
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Burnout: what happened and what it taught her [00:27]
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The “spiritual perfection” trap and one-size-fits-all promises [00:38]
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Is Ava “channeling,” or is it skill + environment + group energy? [00:52]
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Community, emotional safety, and why “sangha” matters [01:03]
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Yin vs yang in business and living in regenerative mode [01:14]
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
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