Send Rachel a text message.

You are awareness. Awareness is another name for you. Since you are awareness there is no need to attain or cultivate it. All that you have to do is to give up being aware of other things; that is, of the not-Self. If one gives up being aware of them then pure awareness alone remains, and that is the Self.
—Ramana Maharshi

We continue our series on the Foundation of Self with the primary tool: Awareness. Awareness offers a pathway to understand both our conscious mind, behaviors, emotions, and our deeper universal connection to everything around us.

• Awareness is the conscious act of placing our attention on something with metaconsciousness

• Differentiating between the two selves: the small 's' ego self versus the capital 'S' true Self

• Body awareness (interoception) helps us feel sensations and emotions rather than just thinking about them

• All beings share the same universal consciousness, supported by concepts like quantum entanglement

• Awareness helps detect when we're out of alignment so we can course-correct without judgment

• The small 's' self speaks from fear while the capital 'S' Self offers compassionate perspective

• Integrating both selves creates "Zorba the Buddha" – being fully human while maintaining spiritual awareness

• We are generators of energy who create our world through how we choose to live in it

Here's the link to the free download of Ramana Maharshi's book, Who Am I?

Have a question? Comment? Email me at rachel@selftalkpodcast.com.

Don't forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and leave a review to spread the word.

xo RA

________________

Episode Breakdown

0:00:00 - 0:00:42 - Introduction

• Quote from Ramana Maharshi about awareness
• Podcast host Rachel Astarte introduces the topic

0:00:42 - 0:02:15 - Defining Awareness

• Explanation of awareness as consciously placing attention
• Meta-consciousness exercise with focusing on an object

0:02:15 - 0:07:47 - Types of Awareness

• Awareness of self (mind and body)
• Body awareness/interoception exercise
• Guided 30-second body awareness meditation

0:07:47 - 0:11:30 - Awareness of Interconnectedness

• Advaita Vedanta philosophy
• Quantum entanglement discussion
• Concept of unity and energy communication

0:11:30 - 0:15:30 - Awareness in Practice

• Non-judgment approach
• Distinguishing between small s self and capital S self
• Examples of ego-based vs. true self thinking

0:15:30 - 0:17:35 - Concluding Thoughts

• Balancing Zorba and Buddha concepts
• Being an ambassador of source
• Encouragement for inner work and self-awareness

0:17:35 - End Podcast Outro

• Invitation for listener emails and questions
• Teaser for next episode on gentleness

(Courtesy of Otter.ai)

Got a question about your self?
Send it to me at rachel@selftalkpodcast.com and it may be featured on a future episode.

Support the show

• Subscribe here, at youtube.com/@selftalkpodcast, or wherever you get podcasts. •

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

Send Rachel a text message.

For the wakeful, one whose mind is quiet, whose thoughts are undisturbed, who has relinquished judgment and blame, there is no fear.
—Buddha

Today's talk continues the deep dive into Foundation of Self work with an in-depth review of nonjudgment, the lifeblood of this inner work. We explore why humans judge (the need for safety), the different types of judgment (appearance, sociability, morality), and how judgment often stems from survival instincts and projection of our own hidden aspects.

You'll even have a chance to practice nonjudgment with yourself.

Have a question? Comment? Email me at rachel@selftalkpodcast.com.

Don't forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and leave a review to spread the word.

xo RA

________________

Episode Breakdown

0:00:25 - Episode Introduction

• Rachel introduces the topic of non-judgment

0:03:39 - Understanding Judgment

• Why humans judge and its survival purposes
• Three fundamental ways of judging: appearance, sociability, morality

0:05:00 - Carl Jung's Projection and Shadow Concept

• Explanation of how we project disowned parts of ourselves onto others

0:07:49 - Non-Judgment of Ourselves

Benefits of practicing non-judgment

• Avoiding comparison traps
• Creating connection with others
• Gaining clarity and peace of mind

0:11:16 - Imposter Syndrome and Self-Judgment

• Examples of negative self-talk
• Reframing techniques for self-judgment

0:14:14 - Why Non-Judgment is Vital in Self-Work

• How judgment stops personal progress
• Importance of gentle self-encouragement

0:16:41 - Non-Judgment Exercise

• Practical exercise for reframing self-judgmental thoughts
• Example of Rachel's personal reframing

0:17:50 - Closing Remarks

• Encouragement to be gentle with oneself
• Preview of next episode on awareness

(Courtesy of Otter.ai)

Write Your Self Open is a revolution in self-development that blends guided meditation, journaling, and supportive group discussion led by holistic psychotherapist Rachel Astarte.

It's all the benefits of personal transformation + community-building without the constraints of talk therapy.
Join anytime. No previous meditation or writing experience necessary.

http://writeyourselfopen.com

Got a question about your self?
Send it to me at rachel@selftalkpodcast.com and it may be featured on a future episode.

Support the show

• Subscribe here, at youtube.com/@selftalkpodcast, or wherever you get podcasts. •

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

Send Rachel a text message.

Asking yourself deeper questions opens up new ways of being in the world. It brings in a breath of fresh air. It makes life more joyful. The real trick to life is not to be in the know, but to be in the mystery.
—Fred Alan Wolf

You asked for more solo episodes, so here we go!

For the next few episodes, I'll share a deep inner work process called the Foundation of Self. In short:

When you have a strong foundation of self, you can manage life’s challenges with grace. You have the stability to know who you are, what you want, and your calling in this life. You stop doubting yourself and seeking external validation. You begin to see that your life is an essential part of the whole of existence and that all life around you is family.

Today's talk is a brief introduction to inner work—and how your individual life plays a vital role in the well-being of all around you.

Have a question? Comment? Email me at rachel@selftalkpodcast.com.

xo RA

________________________

Episode Breakdown

1. 0:00:35 Introduction to Foundation of Self
2. 0:01:02 Defining Inner Work
3. 0:01:38 Example Scenario: Dinner Party and Self-Doubt
4. 0:02:36 Benefits of a Strong Foundation of Self
5. 0:03:48 The Significance of Individual Energy
6. 0:04:59 Quantum Physics and Personal Impact on Reality
7. 0:05:30 Conclusion and Preview of Next Episode

(Courtesy of Otter.ai)

Write Your Self Open is a revolution in self-development that blends guided meditation, journaling, and supportive group discussion led by holistic psychotherapist Rachel Astarte.

It's all the benefits of personal transformation + community-building without the constraints of talk therapy.
Join anytime. No previous meditation or writing experience necessary.

http://writeyourselfopen.com

Got a question about your self?
Send it to me at rachel@selftalkpodcast.com and it may be featured on a future episode.

Support the show

• Subscribe here, at youtube.com/@selftalkpodcast, or wherever you get podcasts. •

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