Listen "Is there a huge problem with Vinyasa?"
Episode Synopsis
So many people step into a yoga class expecting an ancient practice, yet most modern vinyasa is actually a recent aesthetic invention.
In this episode, Ava unpacks the toxic patterns shaping the modern yoga industry, why students often hand their authority over without realising it, and what a body led, trauma-informed practice looks and feels like in comparison.
If you love yoga, teach yoga, or care about spiritual integrity, this conversation offers clarity, context and a deeper understanding of what you are truly practicing.
Listen in and share how this information lands for you. Whether you agree or disagree, we welcome your reflections.
Relevant links:
Podcast episode: 4 stages of spiritual seeking
Functional Flow Yoga Teacher Training
Chapter markers:
00:00 Introduction to the topic
01:43 Setting the context for this conversation
07:00 Why Ava is positioned to speak on these topics
12:10 What modern vinyasa actually is and the goals behind it
15:44 The core issues within this style of practice
20:45 A body led, trauma-informed approach compared with the medicalised yoga model
26:16 The origins of Hatha Yoga and a summary of key points
30:50 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
Lavandula Botanicals: @lavandula.botanicals
In this episode, Ava unpacks the toxic patterns shaping the modern yoga industry, why students often hand their authority over without realising it, and what a body led, trauma-informed practice looks and feels like in comparison.
If you love yoga, teach yoga, or care about spiritual integrity, this conversation offers clarity, context and a deeper understanding of what you are truly practicing.
Listen in and share how this information lands for you. Whether you agree or disagree, we welcome your reflections.
Relevant links:
Podcast episode: 4 stages of spiritual seeking
Functional Flow Yoga Teacher Training
Chapter markers:
00:00 Introduction to the topic
01:43 Setting the context for this conversation
07:00 Why Ava is positioned to speak on these topics
12:10 What modern vinyasa actually is and the goals behind it
15:44 The core issues within this style of practice
20:45 A body led, trauma-informed approach compared with the medicalised yoga model
26:16 The origins of Hatha Yoga and a summary of key points
30:50 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
Lavandula Botanicals: @lavandula.botanicals
More episodes of the podcast Functional Spirituality
Privilege vs. Advantage
20/10/2025
Guided meditation: Coming home to yourself
29/09/2025
I'm not good enough
15/09/2025
What is an AWAKE teacher?
18/08/2025
Intention vs control
28/07/2025
How to heal from a traumatic event
21/07/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.