In the timeless dance of existence, where spirituality meets the every day, we find ourselves in today's episode welcoming the radiant Emily Fletcher. Emily's journey from Broadway performer to meditation teacher is nothing short of transformative. Her transition, born out of necessity and curiosity, has led her to discover profound truths about the human condition and the potential for growth through meditation and self-awareness. Emily begins by sharing her unlikely journey. Once a Broadway performer, she faced the high demands of understudying multiple lead roles, leading to severe stress and insomnia. “I meditate,” a fellow performer confided in her, sparking Emily's initial skepticism. Yet, desperation led her to try it, and on the first day of her meditation course, she experienced a profound shift in consciousness.

This newfound practice cured her insomnia, stopped her from getting sick, and reignited her passion for her career. She felt a calling to share this life-changing practice with others, leading her to train intensively in India and ultimately start her own meditation school, Ziva. Emily Fletcher eloquently explains the essence of meditation and its common misconceptions. Many people believe that the goal of meditation is to clear the mind, which can be daunting and seemingly impossible. She emphasizes that meditation is not about achieving a quiet mind but about accessing a unique state of consciousness where the body can rest deeply and heal itself. “We meditate to get good at life, not to get good at meditation,” she asserts. In this state, the body releases accumulated stress, which she likens to a deep, cellular cleanse.

A significant portion of Emily's teaching revolves around the concept of pleasure and its often misunderstood relationship with spirituality. She discusses how our genetic code is influenced by our epigenetics, which are changeable based on our lifestyle choices. Activities such as meditation, exercise, and even laughter can turn on healthy gene expressions, while stress and unhealthy habits can have the opposite effect. By embracing pleasure as a form of self-care and spiritual practice, individuals can transform their lives and enhance their well-being.

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