Building Your Foundation of Self—You Are Your Highest Self

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The highest self isn't an idealized version of ourselves to strive for, but rather our preconditioned consciousness that has always been present within us.

• Our highest self is like a blank sheet of paper upon which our life experiences are written
• Reconnecting with our highest self shifts inner work from fixing ourselves to remembering who we truly are
• When connected to our highest self, we respond rather than react in relationships
• Four practices to reconnect: stillness, writing as dialogue, self-compassion, and presence in daily life
• Notice moments when you feel merged with your highest self—during calm moments, while in nature, or engaged in activities you love
• Inner work isn't about becoming someone else but remembering who you already are

Join us for Write Yourself Open every second and fourth Tuesday at 1pm Eastern to use meditation, writing, and community discussion to reconnect with your highest self. Learn more and register at writeyourselfopen.com or find it on foundationofself.com or rachelestartetherapy.com.

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Timeline:

0:00:00 Rachel introduces the concept that there is no "higher self" to search for; you are already your highest self, and the task is to let go of false ideas about yourself, a reference to Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, a spiritual teacher.

0:00:28 Host Rachel Astarte welcomes listeners and explains the ongoing "Building Your Foundation of Self" series, focusing today on the "highest self."

[0:01:00–0:05:27] Rachel defines the "highest self" as the pure, original consciousness within everyone—not an ideal to strive for, but the essence that is always present. She explains why reconnecting with the highest self is important for authentic inner work and avoiding burnout from constant self-improvement.

0:05:27 Transition to practical advice.

[0:05:28–0:08:01] Rachel shares four practical ways to reconnect with the highest self: stillness/meditation, writing as dialogue, self-compassion, and presence in daily life. She provides tips for each method.

[0:08:01–0:08:05] Encouragement to listen quietly for the answer from your highest self.

[0:08:05–0:11:50] Rachel gives examples of how listeners may have already experienced their highest self and invites them to notice and journal these moments. She emphasizes that inner work is about remembering who you are, not becoming someone else, and previews the topic of the next episode, the underdeveloped ego.

0:11:50 Rachel invites listeners to join the "Write Yourself Open" program for further exploration and support, providing details on how to join and

Got a question about your self?
Send it to me at [e-mail] and it may be featured on a future episode.

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Music:
"Ave Marimba"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0