Functional Spirituality

Ava Irani
  • 4.9 (56)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Functional Spirituality

Hi, my name is Ava and I’m delighted to offer you “Functional Spirituality”. I invite you to integrate critical thinking into your heart, mystical and faith-based practices. I use an academic approach to investigate the roots of yoga and spirituality. I aim to reduce the dogma that has rendered so many schools and practices ineffective - and strange AF. Spirituality has a history of disempowering the individual, worshiping the guru or priest, without question. In this podcast, I aim to elevate the conversation around spirituality. I want to EMPOWER the meditator and yogi, and debunk the idea that the ‘ancient gurus’ had it all right. This places the power back in our hands, to live directly from our own experience. I hope you enjoy this collection of guided meditations, retreat talks and conversations.

  1. 4 HRS AGO

    What is the root cause of our toxic culture? With Priya, Ava and Anaid

    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

    52 min

  2. 20 APR

    Q: What is Kundalini?

    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

    31 min

  3. 13 APR

    Guided meditation: Taking a sacred pause

    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

    20 min

  4. 23 MAR

    Guided meditation: Embodying relaxation and joy

    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

    20 min

  5. 16 MAR

    Guided meditation: Embracing gratitude with ease

    "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

    21 min

  6. 9 MAR

    Guided meditation: Light RAIN technique

    Join Ava in this soothing meditation. We begin with a grounding practice, softening the tissues and melting tension away. We then gently tune into the heart space—the middle. Using a light RAIN technique, inspired by Tara Brach, this meditation guides you to recognise, allow, investigate, and nurture what is alive within you.   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 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

    14 min

  7. 2 MAR

    Guided meditation: 5-minute relax and clear

    Need a quick reset? This short yet powerful guided meditation, led by Ava, will help you relax, clear your mind, and find a sense of calm in just five minutes. Perfect for a midday pause or a gentle start to your day.   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.   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

    5 min

  8. 23 FEB

    The Natural Parent Fallacy

    In this episode, Ava dives into a topic that has been percolating for a while—the philosophy of the "natural parent" and how deeply held beliefs shape not just our parenting but our entire reality. This isn't just about parenting; it's about the way we form beliefs in natural health, medicine, and beyond—and how those beliefs interact with our nervous system and sense of self. Chapter markers:    00:00 Introduction and why is a functional philosophy so important? 05:30 The natural parent fallacy  16:30 Some ideals of natural parenting don’t actually fit into the context anymore 19:13 Shifting from natural to functional  21:00 Practical ideas to support our refining of our perspective  27:24 Trusting yourself, trusting the world and the importance of having space to process our experience 29:51 Parenting is a practice not a philosophy or a set of rules  31:47 Conclusion & 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 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 Personal account & Functional Spirituality: @functionalspirituality  Studio: @spandaschool  Lavandula Botanicals: @lavandula.botanicals

    33 min
See All (305)

4.9
out of 5
56 Ratings

About

Hi, my name is Ava and I’m delighted to offer you “Functional Spirituality”. I invite you to integrate critical thinking into your heart, mystical and faith-based practices. I use an academic approach to investigate the roots of yoga and spirituality. I aim to reduce the dogma that has rendered so many schools and practices ineffective - and strange AF. Spirituality has a history of disempowering the individual, worshiping the guru or priest, without question. In this podcast, I aim to elevate the conversation around spirituality. I want to EMPOWER the meditator and yogi, and debunk the idea that the ‘ancient gurus’ had it all right. This places the power back in our hands, to live directly from our own experience. I hope you enjoy this collection of guided meditations, retreat talks and conversations.

Information

  • Creator
    Ava Irani
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    305
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Functional Spirituality

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