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

Send Rachel a text message.

Shelly Starks is the President & CEO of Inline Consulting Services. Her mission is to help businesses overcome internal and external communication barriers with clear and concise tools that align with the organization’s vision to position them for scalable growth.

In this episode, Shelly and I share insights from our respective careers on how to best communicate with one another. As a therapist, my interest is in learning how my clients' minds process information. In the corporate world, it's not that dissimilar. Shelly stresses that sales is not just about making the sale; it's about learning how to connect with the person you're speaking with.

That's a tool that benefits all of us.


More from Shelly:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-starks/

Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/ShellyStarksICS/

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.

Dr. Natalie Marr is a Clinical Psychologist who offers nationwide coaching and educational services through LearnToLoveYourStory.com. She has sat across the couch from clients for thousands of hours over the past two decades, helping her clients learn to love their stories.

Her vast expertise in a variety of evidence-based approaches is eclipsed only by her intuitive ability to cultivate one’s own curiosity, growth, and wisdom. Dr. Natalie provides significant insights that foster an understanding of oneself. When we understand ourselves and what brought us here, it leads to more kindness, more peace, and more compassion for our own stories.

In this episode, Dr. Natalie and I consider the meaning of empowerment and how it lies at the root of our ability to choose the emotional or behavioral paths we take—no matter what is happening in our lives. And if you've ever wondered about the difference between life coaching and therapy, you'll want to tune in!


More from Dr. Natalie:
Website: https://LearnToLoveYourStory.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LearnToLoveYourStory or @LearnToLoveYourStory

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-m-marr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learntoloveyourstory

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learn_to_love_your_story_

Podcast: Midlife Crisis to a Centered Life Thriving

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dr-nataliemidlifecoach

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.

Isabelle Fortin is a dynamic sales management strategist who seamlessly blends military discipline with a rebellious spirit. As the founder of Rebel Sales, a consulting firm specializing in supporting sales team managers through MINDSET, Isabelle challenges conventions and encourages leaders to rethink their management methods.

In this special episode, we cross the bridge from the inner world to the outer world. Isabelle shares her reflections on how we can use an outwardly rebellious spirit to unleash our inner magic at work and our personal lives.

More from Isabelle:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabellemfortin/

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.

Jason Medlock is the best-selling author of the groundbreaking book Empowered by Consciousness. He is also a Level 2 Quantum Healing Hypnotist and highly sought-after mindset coach who brings a transformative experience to audiences nationwide. Having worked extensively with a diverse clientele, including business owners and athletes, Jason has perfected an integrative approach to personal development and self-discovery.

From childhood aspirations to become a public speaker to a current thought leader in consciousness, personal development, quantum healing hypnosis, and mindset performance, Jason's journey is a testament to the transformative power of a strong mindset. He empowers individuals to unlock their infinite potential and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Join us for this exceptional talk as Jason and I take a deep dive into the power of your Self.

More from Jason:
Mindset Coach: Mindset Performance Coach

Author: “Empowered by Consciousness”

Founder: Expansion of Consciousness

Podcast: Expansion of Consciousness The Podcast

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.

Troy Hadeed is a yoga teacher, author, and social entrepreneur who is continuously excavating the human experience while aiming to make God more accessible, discover what it truly means to embody love, and aid humanity in realizing that we are far more connected than we have been led to believe.

He has walked coast-to-coast across Central America, navigated the world on a ship, spent prolonged periods in silence and darkness, and continuously sought to make sense of the human experience.

Troy is the author of My Name is Love: We’re Not All That Different, a book about universal love and how we can get out of our own way so that it can come through us.

In this episode, we do some heavy God-talk, so get your notebook and favorite warm beverage. This is an intense conversation you won't want to miss.

Note: Troy recorded from Trinidad and had some connectivity issues, so there are a few drop-outs.

More from Troy

Troy Hadeed Website
https://troyhadeed.com/

Amazon Book Link: My Name Is Love by Troy Hadeed

https://a.co/d/d9QxgZI

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/troyhadeed/?hl=en

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/troyhadeedofficial/

Linkedin
www.linkedin.com/in/troy-hadeed-love

YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@troyhadeed5915

Online Yoga Studio / BeyondYogaTv.com (30-day free trial)
https://beyondyogatv.com/

Free Online Classes & Content w/newsletter sign-up
https://page.co/2d8ntB

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