In this episode, Ava Arani is joined by Ryan Hassan from The Centre for Healing for a grounded conversation on what happens when a core wound becomes active and how it can be met with compassion rather than self judgment. Ava shares a recent retreat experience in India where she noticed a persistent unsettled feeling that she first assumed was guilt, but later recognised as “not enoughness.” Through the lens of Internal Family Systems and the book No Bad Parts, they explore protector and exile parts, why there are no bad parts within us, and how healing can happen through contact, kindness, and the right kind of inner support. They also discuss why meditation can feel hard to commit to, how guided practice reduces resistance, and what trauma informed meditation looks like when the intention is healing rather than chasing transcendence.

Increasing accessibility to functional healing + non-dual spiritual oneness:

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Community meditation:

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Relax and let Ava softly guide you into a felt sense of love, safety, and ease within your body. Through slow, steady breaths, you are invited to soften, open the heart, and reconnect with the body as a place of warmth and belonging.

This is a nourishing self love meditation with music that supports nervous system settling, embodiment, and gentle integration. A space to rest, receive, and meet your body with kindness, pleasure, and care.

Allow each breath to bring you closer to peace, presence, and a deeper relationship with your inner space.

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

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:

• The “drop in” and why it changes everything [00:00]

• How Ava knew silent retreats were her path [00:10]

• Awakening practices vs nervous system healing [00:18]

• Burnout: what happened and what it taught her [00:27]

• The “spiritual perfection” trap and one-size-fits-all promises [00:38]

• Is Ava “channeling,” or is it skill + environment + group energy? [00:52]

• Community, emotional safety, and why “sangha” matters [01:03]

• 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