In this episode of The Mindful Journey, host Sana talks with registered nurses turned holistic healers J'Nai Danielle Zugates and Stephanie Thorpe, co-founders of The Meraki Way / Meraki Functional Reset. They unpack how chronic stress, long COVID, autoimmune symptoms and emotional overload show up as inflammation, gut issues, exhaustion and so called mystery pain that standard tests often miss. Drawing on functional testing, nervous system regulation, holographic memory resolution and energy work, J'Nai Danielle and Stephanie break down how the body’s alarm system, cortisol and old emotional imprints can keep you stuck in survival mode. This is not about rejecting traditional medicine. It is about integrating science, biology and energy so your body actually feels safe enough to heal. If you have ever felt gaslit by the healthcare system, told your labs are normal while your life is falling apart, this conversation gives you language, context and a practical roadmap to start reclaiming your health from the inside out. About The Guests: J'Nai Danielle Zugates is an ER nurse who developed long COVID with significant heart, lung, nerve and joint damage. After being told she would never run again and being placed on 15 medications, she turned to energy work, meditation, holographic memory resolution and functional support. She went from oxygen and near collapse to running a marathon, and now helps clients rewire trauma, panic and chronic pain so their brains finally register safety. Stephanie Thorpe is a registered nurse and functional practitioner who spent 15 years inside conventional healthcare while battling her own autoimmune and inflammatory symptoms. Crushed by medication costs and still unwell, she shifted to functional lab testing, gut repair, hormone balance and lifestyle reset. Today she combines evidence based testing with nervous system aware coaching to help high achieving women calm inflammation, regulate cortisol and exit burnout in a structured, science backed way. Together they created The Meraki Way, a 90 day mind body spirit reset that blends functional medicine, nervous system work and energy practices so clients stop feeling broken and start feeling in control again. Key Takeaways: Chronic inflammation is often the body’s alarm system saying I do not feel safe, not a random failure. Cortisol resistance from long term stress lets inflammation run wild. Stress becomes biochemical. Micromanaging bosses, perfectionism and living out of alignment can quietly dysregulate hormones, gut health, sleep and immunity even when your labs look normal. Holographic memory resolution uses neuroscience and stored sensory imprints to show the brain that traumatic moments are over. When the brain feels safe, pain and symptoms can finally shift. Many clients are not difficult patients. They are chronically dismissed. The Meraki Way centers listening, personalized data and nervous system repair instead of cookie cutter protocols. Completing the stress cycle with movement, like the Meraki Walk, helps discharge survival energy. Walking, shaking, stretching or dancing tells your brain the danger has passed. True healing is not a one time fix. It is an ongoing dialogue between body, mind and energy where you learn your own manual and stop outsourcing every decision to the system. Connect With J'Nai Danielle Zugates & Stephanie Thorpe: Website. https://merakifunctionalreset.comLearn about The Meraki Way, their 90 day program and sign up for the free Meraki Walk nervous system reset practice. Email: meraki.sacred.healing.co@gmail.comReach out to share your story, inquire about working with them, or ask questions about functional testing, holographic memory resolution, long COVID recovery and nervous system regulation. They support high achieving women and sensitive leaders who are tired of being told it is all in your head and are ready for data driven, soul aware healing. Want to be a guest on Healthy