Advertise on podcast: Self Talk with Rachel Astarte

Send Rachel a text message. What if thinking about death could help you live more fully? In this episode of Self Talk, Rachel Astarte explores death, mortality, death anxiety, and the practice of remembering that life is temporary. Drawing from nature, memento mori traditions, Buddhism, and non-dual philosophy, Rachel invites us to look beneath our fear of death and ask a deeper question: What are we actually afraid of losing? Through the lens of the Foundation of Self, death becomes an opportunity to explore the difference between our temporary human identity and our deeper nature as Pure Consciousness and Awareness. Rachel also introduces a simple death practice designed to cultivate presence, clarify what matters, and help us live more consciously. This isn't about proving what happens after death. It's about becoming willing to look at mortality, question our identification with the ego, and discover how remembering death can teach us to live awake—with a foot in both worlds. EPISODE TIMELINE 00:00 Opening poem and Rachel’s dream about facing death02:20 Death as part of nature’s cycles05:35 Fear of death, the ego, and the loss of individual identity09:00 What the first law of thermodynamics says—and doesn’t say—about death12:20 Sri Ramana Maharshi and self-inquiry14:10 The wave and ocean metaphor for non-duality17:00 Memento mori and the value of remembering mortality18:55 A simple death practice and questions for reflection22:05 Living with a foot in both worlds; the closing reflection and next episode TeaserGot a question about your self? Send it to me at [email protected] and it may be featured on a future episode.  Support the show Work with Rachel > foundationofself.com • 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. Feeling burned out by healing, self-improvement, or spiritual growth? You may be trying too hard. In this episode of Self Talk, Rachel Astarte explores inner work burnout and the exhaustion that can arise when personal growth becomes another project to manage, master, or perfect. Sometimes the underdeveloped ego that once resisted our growth simply turns healing into another form of striving. Rachel offers a gentler path through the Foundation of Self, exploring why lasting transformation is ultimately experiential rather than intellectual and how awareness, nonjudgment, and gentleness can help us release unnecessary effort. Drawing on the self-inquiry of Sri Ramana Maharshi, listeners are invited to ask, “Who is having this thought?” and shift attention from the mind's activity to Awareness itself. This episode also introduces Rachel's “Magic Therapy Question”—How do I want to feel in this situation?—as a practical tool for recognizing misalignment and reconnecting with the wisdom of the Highest Self. If your inner work feels overwhelming, exhausting, or heavy, this conversation offers a simple reminder: You do not have to earn what you already are. Rest, listen inward, and remember that you are a unique expression of Pure Consciousness—an eternal Self living a fully human life. Listen to discover how to stop striving to become awakened and begin living awake. EPISODE TIMELINE 0:00 – Opening Quote & Theme Setup Jean Klein on “living stillness” and undoing conditioning; introduction to the episode and the Living Your Foundation of Self series.0:55 – Defining Inner Work Burnout Description of burnout as exhaustion from long-term inner work practices and the hidden expectation of “being further along” by now.2:05 – You Are Already Whole (Pure Consciousness) Re-centering on the core teaching: you are already whole, pure consciousness; inner work is about removing what you are not, not becoming “better.”3:05 – What Is Inner Work, Really? Revisit of the foundational definition: inner work as turning inward with awareness, curiosity, non-judgment, and gentleness rather than a self-improvement project.4:00 – The Mind as Tool vs. Obstacle The mind’s need for repetition and effort–reward loops; why this clashes with the non-linear, mysterious nature of genuine inner work.5:00 – How the Ego Co-opts Inner Work The underdeveloped ego’s fear of obliteration; turning inner work into a “project” with goals and milestones, setting you up for burnout.6:07 – Expectation, Measurement, and Failure The ego’s “measuring stick”: Have I done enough? Found the right teacher? Become ‘better’ yet? Why this project must fail from the ego’s perspective.7:10 – The Real Source of Exhaustion Clarifying that what drains you is not introspection itself, but striving to become a better, future self instead of accepting who you are now.8:05 – Stop Trying: From Mind-Work to Soul-Experience Invitation to pause effort, step out of “doing inner work,” and shift from intellectual understanding to direct, experiential being.8:55 – Self-Inquiry Practice (Ramana Maharshi) Guided explanation of asking “Who is having this thought?” and “Who am I?” to move attention from thoughts to pure awareness or “neutral space.”9:55 – The Magic Therapy Question Introduction of “How do I want to feel in this situation?” with real-life examples (partner, boss, parents) and reclaiming emotional choice.10:45 – Meeting Your Inner Guru (Sadguru) Framing the highest Self / inner Guru as innate wisdom that sees beyond fear and conditioning; how all this work returns you to your foundation of Self.11:29 – Returning to the Three Pillars Clear recap of the three pillars: awareness, non-judgment, gentleness—and how to use them when you feel burned out or “off track.”12:10 – Applying the Tools in the Moment Combining self-inquiry with the magic question (“How do I want to feel right now?”) to rest in neutrality and non-identification with thoughts.13:00 – You Are Already That Person Releasing the fantasy of a more spiritual future self; recognizing you are already the healed, spiritual being you’re trying to become.13:40 – Final Reminder: Ambassador of Source Closing reflection: you are a unique iteration of pure consciousness here to experience human life in all its complexity, beauty, difficulty, and wonder; gentle sign-off.Got a question about your self? Send it to me at [email protected] and it may be featured on a future episode.  Support the show Work with Rachel > foundationofself.com • 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. In this episode, Rachel explores the three natural phases of transformation: understanding, experience, and integration. Learn why real change isn’t measured by perfection, but by the gradual embodiment of new ways of thinking, feeling, and responding. You’ll discover how the three pillars of the Foundation of Self—Nonjudgment, Awareness, and Gentleness—help new habits become second nature, why triggers remain part of being human, and how lasting transformation unfolds one conscious choice at a time. Whether you’re beginning your healing journey or have been practicing inner work for years, this episode offers an encouraging reminder that growth happens gradually—and that you may be much farther along than you realize. 🌿 Bonus exercise for paid Substack subscribers EPISODE TIMELINE 00:00 – Opening Quote + Welcome Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj quote; Rachel introduces the episode “Give Yourself Grace” and the theme of inner work and growth.00:32 – The Trap of Goal-Oriented Inner Work How becoming hyper-focused on an “ideal self” can lead to self-judgment and forgetting how far one has come.01:33 – Recognizing Everyday Signs of Growth Subtle indicators of change: quicker recovery from disappointment, pausing before reacting, kinder self-talk, and healthier boundaries.02:40 – The Myth of the Ideal Self Reframing growth: already being where one needs to be, even as one makes changes.03:10 – Three Phases of Growth + Three Pillars of Self Overview of the three phases—conscious understanding, experience/practice, integration—and how they align with non-judgment, awareness, and gentleness.03:40 – Phase 1: Conscious Understanding ("Sunday Scaries" Example) Becoming aware that something is out of alignment, using “Sunday scaries” as an example, and celebrating awareness itself as growth.05:39 – Phase 2: Experience and Practice Remembering to use the tool vs. actually practicing it; repetition as learning, illustrated through students, therapy clients, and early childhood learning.07:15 – Practicing Non-Judgment + Ego Pushback Applying non-judgment to anxiety, working a “new muscle,” navigating ego resistance, and emphasizing gentleness during awkward phases.09:10 – Phase 3: Integration When tools become second nature, the nervous system recognizes alignment, and practices shift into lived experience.09:50 – Baby Bird Metaphor + Expanding Awareness Hatching as a metaphor for slow, natural growth; the need for gentleness; increased awareness as a sign of evolution, not “being more messed up.”11:10 – Closing Encouragement + Break Announcement Invitation to celebrate growth at every stage, continued gentleness, and Rachel’s note about taking August off and returning in September.• • • 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 [email protected] and it may be featured on a future episode.  Support the show Work with Rachel > foundationofself.com • 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. What if your thoughts and emotions are experiences you have, not the essence of who you are? In this episode, we explore: non-duality and the quantum fieldthe difference between awareness and identitywhy emotions rise and fall like waveshow to stop letting thoughts run the showa simple reflective exercise to reconnect with the eternal SelfThis is about reclaiming your power—not by suppressing emotion, but by remembering what remains aware beneath it all. 🌿 Bonus exercise for paid Substack subscribers EPISODE TIMELINE 0:00 – Opening Quote & Theme Ramana Maharshi quote introduces the core inquiry: if thoughts and feelings come and go, what remains? 0:19 – Welcome & Guiding Question Rachel welcomes listeners and shares a client’s question: “What is the emotion of the highest self?” This frames the episode’s central exploration. 0:47 – What Is the Highest Self? Clarification that the highest self does not “have” an emotion. It is non-dual presence, infinite potentiality—both all emotions and none of them. 1:22 – We Are Not Our Thoughts and Emotions Examination of how “I am” language (“I am angry,” “I am excited”) leads to identification with transient experiences instead of true self. 2:08 – Pure Consciousness and Chosen Experience Description of pure consciousness/quantum field “choosing” a potential feeling, which then appears in experience—without defining identity. 2:39 – Not Suppression, Not Spiritual Bypass Important clarification that this work is not about numbing, detachment, or becoming emotionally unavailable, but about relating differently to experience. 3:09 – The Constant Presence of Awareness Introduction of awareness as the “something” that remains through every emotion and thought, pointing to the eternal, capital-S Self. 3:44 – Rethinking the Divine: Not ‘Up There’ Challenge to the belief that the divine or Source is distant or above, and question of where the individual self fits into that framework. 4:14 – Non-Dual View: Atman and Brahman Explanation of Advaita Vedanta’s teaching that Atman (deepest self) is not separate from Brahman (infinite field); the field is what one truly is. 4:57 – Individuation as Expression of the Field Reframing individuality as a precise, necessary expression of the universal field becoming conscious in this form, body, and life. 5:33 – Why Individuality Matters Emphasis that each life is a unique iteration of the whole, underscoring inherent worth and relevance in the broader field of consciousness. 5:58 – Nature of Thoughts: Events in Consciousness Discussion of the volume of daily thoughts and how many are conditioned narratives, not truth—just events passing through consciousness. 6:25 – Inquiry: Who Is Having This Thought? Introduction of the core self-inquiry question that reveals awareness as distinct from any single thought. 6:44 – Nature of Emotions: Waves in the Ocean Description of emotions as energetic experiences shaped by perception and interpretation, rising and falling like waves, never permanent. 7:22 – The Eternal Self Before the Story Pointing to the capital-S Self that exists prior to name, biography, and conditioning: soul, Atman, core being. 7:52 – Awareness as Observer and Origin Clarification that if something notices a thought or emotion, awareness cannot be identical with it; awareness is both observer and origin. 8:26 – Practical Example: Working with Anxiety Application of the teaching to anxiety—shifting from “I am anxious” to “Anxiety is present”—creating space between identity and experience. 9:01 – Host vs. Visitor: The Cottage Metaphor Use of the cottage and long wooden table image to illustrate hosting emotions as visitors rather than becoming them. 9:23 – Suffering Through Identification Explanation of how believing every thought and fusing with emotions increases unnecessary suffering and reactivity. 9:43 – From Reacting to Responding Illustration of how awareness softens reactivity, allowing more grounded, intentional responses to inner weather. 10:02 – The Three Pillars: Non-Judgment, Awareness, Gentleness Recap of the foundational pillars that support a healthy relationship to inner experience and to self. 10:32 – What the Goal Is—and Is Not Reaffirmation that the goal is not to transcend humanity, but to remember that what one truly is is larger than any passing state. 10:57 – Guided Practice: Meeting a Recent Emotion or Thought A brief practice inviting listeners to bring to mind a recent emotion or thought, and gently notice its presence. 11:35 – Self-Inquiry in Practice Questions offered for inner exploration: “Who is having this thought?” “Who is aware of this emotion?” “When it passes, what remains?” 12:10 – Discovering What Remains A pause to rest in whatever arises when the thought or emotion is allowed to move on, pointing again to awareness as the ground. 12:41 – Ocean and Waves: Core Metaphor of Awareness Reinforcement of the image of awareness as the ocean and emotions/thoughts as its waves, always moving, never the whole. 12:58 – Living from the Foundation of Self Integration of the teaching into daily life: thinking and feeling fully while not surrendering identity to temporary inner weather. 13:26 – Closing Reflection and Encouragement Final reminder that the “sky” is never harmed by the weather that passes through it—and neither is true self. Closing blessing to be gentle with oneself. 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 [email protected] and it may be featured on a future episode.  Support the show Work with Rachel > foundationofself.com • 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. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “doing manifestation wrong”… this might shift everything. In this episode, we move beyond vision boards and wishful thinking to explore a deeper truth: You are not separate from what you’re trying to manifest. We talk about:  • why traditional manifestation (think The Secret) can feel limiting • how non-dual awareness changes everything • why language matters (“wanting” vs. “being”) • how to actually work with the field instead of waiting on it • the power of synchronicities as confirmation—not coincidence This is manifestation without pressure, performance, or perfection. 🌿 Bonus exercise for paid Substack subscribers EPISODE TIMELINE [0:00:00] – Perception, Imagination, and the Nature of Reality Opening quotes and framing introduce manifestation as a way of understanding reality itself, not just as a technique for getting what is wanted.[0:00:34] – From Popular Manifestation to a Deeper Lens Manifestation is presented in its familiar, “thoughts create reality” form while also setting up the shift away from a transactional model with the universe.[0:02:29] – The Problem with “Me vs. the Universe” Rachel explores how seeing the universe as a gatekeeper creates anxiety, self-blame, and a sense of spiritual performance pressure.[0:03:26] – Nondual Field of Consciousness and True Manifestation Nondual philosophies are introduced to reframe manifestation as aligning with a field of consciousness one is already part of, rather than asking an external force for favors.[0:04:24] – Negative Thoughts, Neutrality, and Integration Negative or limiting thoughts are reframed as invitations to be processed neutrally rather than suppressed, allowing them to dissolve and lose their power.[0:05:56] – Language, State, and the Reality of Completion Intentions like “my debts are paid” are shown to align with a state of completion, emphasizing that the field reflects one’s embodied state rather than one’s wishes.[0:07:30] – Co-Creation, Action, and the Path Unfolding Through the bagel example, Rachel illustrates that manifestation is co-creative, where action and the availability of conditions meet in a collaborative unfolding.[0:08:29] – When Manifestation “Fails” but Alignment Deepens The Jed McKenna story and the job example demonstrate how apparent failures can actually reveal deeper alignment with the true essence of a desire.[0:10:29] – Synchronicity as the Field Moving Through Self Synchronicities are described as natural expressions of coherence in the field, serving as quiet confirmations of connection and collaboration.[0:11:44] – A Simple Practice of Aligned Manifestation Rachel offers a concise framework—set a clear intention, take aligned action, then release control—to practice manifestation as participation in an intelligent field.[0:12:26] – Remembering Identity as the Field and Closing Blessing The episode closes by affirming that one is the field experiencing itself and inviting ongoing gentleness and trust in the unfolding of reality.Got a question about your self? Send it to me at [email protected] and it may be featured on a future episode.  Support the show Work with Rachel > foundationofself.com • 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. Feeling exhausted, but not from what you actually did? You might be leaking energy. In this episode, we explore: how we unconsciously give our energy awaywhy it leaves us anxious, foggy, and burned outhow to gently call it backand how to avoid leaking energy in the first placeThis is where awareness becomes power. Your energy doesn’t need to be chased, controlled, or protected. It just needs to be brought home. 🌿 Bonus guided meditation for paid Substack subscribers EPISODE TIMELINE 0:00 – What Is “Leaking Energy”? A psychic/emotional drain caused by pouring attention into things you can’t control, often without noticing. 0:45 – Signs Your Energy Is Leaking Hyper-focusing on others, overextending yourself, seeking validation, anxiety, irritation, and feeling scattered. 2:00 – Body Signals + Interoception How tightness, shallow breathing, restlessness, and feeling “pulled outward” show that your energy isn’t centered in you. 3:30 – Step 1: Awareness Noticing “Oh, my energy is leaking” is already the beginning of reclaiming it—no force, just seeing clearly. 4:30 – Step 2: Non-Judgment Reframing leaks as learned safety patterns, not failures; dropping self-blame so shame doesn’t deepen the pattern. 6:00 – Step 3: Calling Your Energy Back A gentle inner practice of visualizing your energy—threads or light—coming back from people, stories, or future scenarios. 7:30 – Example: Storm Anxiety + The News How consuming fear-based news about a snowstorm led to unconscious anxiety and an energy drain, and how Rachel reclaimed it. 9:00 – Step 4: External Alignment + Boundaries Making outer changes—like turning off the news, reprioritizing, or setting boundaries—to support your reclaimed energy. 10:30 – Projection, Relationships + Energy Leaks How obsessing over a partner’s behavior can reveal unmet needs within yourself for listening, love, and support. 12:30 – The Three Pillars in Action + Invitation Using non-judgment, awareness, and gentleness to stabilize your energy—and an invitation to notice leaks and welcome your energy home. 16:56 – Write Your Self Open Program Invitation Information about the ongoing community, the new Monday cohort (April 13, 2026), and how to join for a deeper foundation of self-work. 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 [email protected] and it may be featured on a future episode.  Support the show Work with Rachel > foundationofself.com • 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. Meditation practice isn’t about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better. It’s about befriending who we are already. — Pema Chödrön In this episode of Self Talk, we redefine what meditation can be—beyond rules, shame, and “shoulds.” We'll explore why so many of us resist meditating, debunk the myth that meditation is about “reaching enlightenment,” and reframe practice as a personal check‑in with Source.  You’ll learn simple, accessible ways to make meditation your own, including a 60‑second drop‑in, a daily self‑alignment practice, and turning everyday activities into a mindfulness practice.  You're also invited to join Write Your Self Open, a guided meditation and reflective writing course that supports your ongoing inner work—and invites you to be lovingly, radically gentle with yourself. EPISODE TIMELINE 00:00 – What Meditation Really Is Pema Chödrön quote, intro to the episode, and why so many of us resist meditation or feel guilty about not doing it.01:08 – Rachel’s First Meditation Attempt as a Child Story of Rachel’s early experience with meditation, boredom, shame, and how that shaped her later practice.03:18 – Common Blocks: Shame, “Shoulds,” and Comparison How meditation becomes another item on the to‑do list, the comparison trap, and the fear of “doing it wrong.”05:23 – Fear of Thoughts and the Quiet Mind A client’s fear of being alone with his thoughts, why quieting the mind can feel scary, and how self‑work helps.06:21 – Why We Don’t Meditate: Enlightenment Myths Why chasing enlightenment through meditation is problematic, non‑duality, and the limits of the ego in this pursuit.08:00 – Real Benefits of Meditation (Mind, Body, Spirit) Nervous system regulation, stress reduction, better sleep, improved focus, and meditation as a “phone call home” to Source.10:45 – No Rules: Making Meditation Your Own Letting go of shame and rigid rules; reframing meditation as a personal check‑in rather than a performance.11:19 – Simple Practices You Can Start Today The 60‑second drop‑in body scan, daily self‑alignment meditation, and “whatever you’re doing, do it” mindfulness in everyday life.15:51 – Guided Meditation & ‘Write Your Self Open’ How guided meditation and reflective writing work in Rachel’s “Write Your Self Open” course, plus details about the new Monday cohort beginning April 13.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 [email protected] and it may be featured on a future episode.  Support the show Work with Rachel > foundationofself.com • 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. It’s not that you must be free from fear… What is needed rather than running away or controlling or suppressing or any other resistance is understanding fear; that means watch it; learn about it; come directly into contact with it. —J. Krishnamurti What if fear isn’t something to eliminate—but something asking to be seen? In this episode of Self Talk, we explore the transformative practice of bringing our fears closer rather than avoiding them. When fear is met with presence and curiosity, it loses its power to hijack our inner world and instead becomes a source of insight, integration, and self-trust. Together, we’ll look at why we avoid fear, how avoidance quietly shapes our behavior, and how welcoming even the most uncomfortable parts of ourselves creates inner transparency and resilience.  At the heart of it all is the Foundation of Self: the understanding that each of us is a unique expression of Pure Consciousness—and nothing within us is separate or unworthy of belonging. EPISODE TIMELINE [0:00:00 – 0:00:38] Opening & Theme Krishnamurti quote on understanding fear and brief introduction to the season’s focus on practicing the foundation of self. The core theme of “bringing fear closer” is introduced. [0:00:38 – 0:03:10] Fear as Protection Fear is framed as an evolutionary protection mechanism. Its role in the nervous system and its destabilizing psychological impact are outlined. [0:03:10 – 0:05:40] Underdeveloped Ego & Avoidance The underdeveloped ego is described as equating fear with danger and annihilation. Common avoidance patterns—distraction, overworking, numbing, and spiritual bypassing—are named. [0:05:40 – 0:07:50] Unnamed Fear & Anxiety Unacknowledged fear is shown to become anxiety and other symptoms like irritability and self-sabotage. A client story illustrates how vague fear can be clarified into a specific, workable concern. [0:07:50 – 0:09:40] Fear as a Frightened Child Fear is reimagined as a frightened child seeking reassurance. “Bringing it closer” is presented as turning toward fear with steadiness and curiosity, held by the larger Self. [0:09:40 – 0:12:20] Naming & Integrating Fear The importance of naming and feeling fear without judgment is highlighted. Fear is shown to carry old stories that can be updated when brought into conscious awareness. [0:12:20 – 0:15:00] Wholeness & Congruency Healing is framed as integrating, not eliminating, inner parts. The “cottage of the self” metaphor illustrates welcoming all parts to create congruency between inner and outer life. [0:15:00 – 0:18:00] Consciousness & Belonging Each person is described as a unique expression of pure consciousness. From this view, nothing within is foreign, and fear loses power to enforce a sense of isolation. [0:18:00 – 0:20:00] Daily Practice Invitation Listeners are invited to notice one moment of fear and gently bring it closer. Simple witnessing with non-judgment is offered as a daily integrative practice. [0:20:00 – End] Course Mention & Closing Brief invitation to the Write Yourself Open course with basic schedule and contact information. The episode ends with a reminder to meet oneself with gentleness. 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://www.writeyourselfopen.com Got a question about your self? Send it to me at [email protected] and it may be featured on a future episode.  Support the show Work with Rachel > foundationofself.com • 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. You have built your Foundation of Self; now it's time to start living it. In this episode of Self Talk, we talk about Genuine Curiosity—the foundational tool at the heart of the Foundation of Self framework. We'll revisit the three core pillars of the work—non-judgment, awareness, and gentleness—and explain why genuine curiosity is the guide you'll return to time and again as you continue to develop your Self. Shift from self-judgment to self-understanding, using curiosity to explore thoughts, emotions, patterns, and relationships with compassion and clarity.  We'll also explore how genuine curiosity transforms our interactions with others, reduces ego-driven narratives, and helps us remember our deeper connection to one another and to Source itself. Be more curious than defensive. —Brené Brown EPISODE TIMELINE Opening Quote & Welcome (0:00–0:02) Brené Brown’s reminder to “be more curious than defensive” sets the tone as Rachel introduces this season’s focus: living the foundation of self.Foundation of Self & Genuine Curiosity (0:02–0:04) A brief recap of last season’s foundation work and an introduction to genuine curiosity as the base layer for relating to self, others, and reality without judgment.The Three Pillars Recap (0:04–0:07) Non-judgment, awareness, and gentleness are revisited as the core pillars that allow genuine curiosity to function without collapsing into criticism or control.What Genuine Curiosity Sounds Like (0:07–0:12) Rachel models how genuine curiosity sounds in inner dialogue and explains how it differs from judgment, emphasizing suspension of shaming “othering.”Curiosity in Inner Work – Examples (0:12–0:18) Through real-life examples (repeating relationship patterns, “I hate everybody,” and not progressing fast enough), she shows how to investigate the origins of thoughts and behaviors as an objective observer.Curiosity in Relationships (0:18–0:24) Genuine curiosity is applied to interactions with others, helping us not take things personally, widen our lens, and create space for compassion and connection.Deeper Truth & Sacred Curiosity (0:24–0:28) Rachel frames us as ambassadors of source—unique expressions of consciousness—and describes curiosity as a sacred way that awareness comes to know itself.Daily Practice Invitation (0:28–0:32) Listeners are invited to notice at least one moment each day when they choose curiosity over judgment and to meet their discoveries with gentleness.Closing & Offerings (0:32–0:36) Rachel shares opportunities to go deeper via the Write Your Self Open class and one-on-one work.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 [email protected] and it may be featured on a future episode.  Support the show Work with Rachel > foundationofself.com • 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. In this episode, we explore interoception—the inner sense that lets us feel and understand what’s happening inside the body. This often-overlooked skill forms the foundation of emotional intelligence, intuition, self-trust, and conscious decision-making. You’ll learn why the underdeveloped ego resists inner sensation, how interoception connects us to our Highest Self, and simple daily practices to help you strengthen this essential inner-listening skill. We'll also practice a short guided exercise to help you return to your body gently and begin building a deeper, more compassionate relationship with your inner world. This is a grounding episode for anyone seeking clarity, alignment, or a more embodied path forward. ✨ Bonus for Listeners Paid subscribers to Rachel’s Substack, Foundation of Self, will receive exclusive access to her four-session video course: Interoception: Your Body's Gift for Personal Transformation.  As a thank-you for tuning in today, Rachel is offering a free 3-month paid subscription so you can experience the work deeply and at your own pace. Claim it here: http://rachelastarte.substack.com/selftalk Timeline 00:00 – Introduction & Framing Beginning thoughts on tuning into the body, the concept of interoception, and episode intentions.01:16 – What is Interoception? Defining interoception and its distinction from exteroception and proprioception.Its role in sensing inner truth and emotional awareness.02:18 – Why Interoception Matters Interoception as the root of self-awareness.Physical signals as first messengers for emotion and intuition.04:10 – Obstacles to Interoception Stories about ignoring or distrusting the body.Client experience of "living from the neck up."The underdeveloped ego’s resistance to inner sensation.06:13 – Working with the Ego Understanding why the ego fears inner growth.Reframing the ego as something to develop rather than suppress.08:00 – Building Interoceptive Skills Everyday practices: daily check-ins, mindful movement, dialoguing with sensations, and inviting the highest self’s guidance.10:11 – Benefits of Interoception Grounding, greater confidence, better decisions, and feeling safe within oneself.11:05 – Guided Practice Brief interoceptive pause: bringing attention to sensation, breathing, movement, and asking for inner guidance.13:16 – Integration & Closing Thoughts Interoception as a bridge between body, mind, and spirit.Coming home to one’s true nature.14:14 – Community Invitation Information and invitation to join the "Write Yourself Open" course for continued group and individual work. Got a question about your self? Send it to me at [email protected] and it may be featured on a future episode.  Support the show Work with Rachel > foundationofself.com • 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. In this episode of Self Talk, we discuss the true purpose of healthy boundaries—and why they’re actually acts of compassion, not separation.  Beginning with the core mantra, “My boundaries benefit both of us,” we'll reframe boundaries as soulful practices that protect our inner peace while deepening authentic connection. We'll also unpack the difference between walls and boundaries, the role of the underdeveloped ego in boundary resistance, and how consulting our Highest Self can transform difficult exchanges into moments of clarity, honesty, and mutual respect. You'll walk away with a clearer understanding of what boundaries are, how to recognize when one is needed, and simple, compassionate steps for setting limits rooted in love—for self and others. ✨ Bonus for Listeners Paid subscribers to Rachel’s Substack, Foundation of Self, will receive exclusive access to her full one-hour Boundaries, Not Walls training video. And as a thank-you for tuning in today, Rachel is offering a free 3-month paid subscription so you can experience the work deeply and at your own pace. Claim it here: http://rachelastarte.substack.com/selftalk A heart-centered, grounding conversation for anyone ready to build healthier relationships through clarity, compassion, and courage. Timeline: [0:00:00] IntroductionQuote on boundaries and the value of self.[0:00:24] Applying Inner Work ExternallySetting the tone: using non-judgment, awareness, and gentleness in interactions with others.[0:01:08] Boundaries Mantra Shared“My boundaries benefit both of us.”[0:01:18] Traditional Understanding vs. True PurposeBoundaries as bridges (not walls).[0:02:02] Definition of BoundariesBoundaries as acts of self-respect and relational respect. [0:02:52] Consequences of Lack of BoundariesPeople-pleasing, burnout, building unhealthy walls vs. healthy boundaries.[0:03:25] When to Set BoundariesSignals that a boundary is needed (feeling drained, resentful, anxious, guilty).[0:04:16] Inner Resistance and the “Small s Self”Addressing fear voices, moving to listen to the Highest Self for healthier boundaries.[0:05:38] How to Build Healthy Boundaries — 3 Steps[0:07:19] When Others Don’t Honor Your BoundariesStep-by-step response[0:10:16] Personal and Relational BenefitsIncreased freedom, confidence, authenticity; deeper relationships.[0:10:58] Addressing People-PleasersImportance of boundaries for even the most compassionate individuals.[0:11:41] Example: Jesus and the Money ChangersBiblical illustration emphasizing strong and compassionate boundaries.[0:13:01] Closing InvitationEncouragement to practice loving boundaries.Got a question about your self? Send it to me at [email protected] and it may be featured on a future episode.  Support the show Work with Rachel > foundationofself.com • 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. In this episode, we explore the underdeveloped ego—the "small s self" that keeps us playing small, doubting our worth, and resisting change. You’ll learn what the underdeveloped ego is, how it shows up as negative self-talk and impostor syndrome, and why it fears your awakening. We'll talk about how the ego’s resistance isn’t the enemy—it’s a sign that growth is happening. Through understanding, compassion, and conscious evolution, the underdeveloped ego can mature into a developed one: a balanced, integrated self that serves your Highest purpose rather than fighting against it. Transformation isn’t about killing the ego—it’s about teaching it to grow with you. 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. • • • Timeline: 0:00:00 – Introduction Rachel Astarte opens the episode, introduces the season’s theme of building a foundation of self, and presents the topic: the underdeveloped ego.0:01:00 – What is the Underdeveloped Ego? Explanation of the ego’s role, referencing Carol S. Pearson.Introduction of the “small s self” or primitive ego and its need for validation and safety.0:03:00 – How the Underdeveloped Ego Manifests Discussion of negative self-talk, imposter syndrome, anxiety, and depression as signs of the underdeveloped ego.Examples of how the ego tries to protect us but keeps us small.0:06:23 – The Ego’s Deepest Fear The primitive ego’s fear of “obliteration” or ego death.How this fear leads to resistance against personal growth and awakening.0:08:00 – Differentiating the Small Self and Highest Self How to recognize the voice of the underdeveloped ego versus the higher self.Physical and emotional cues for each.0:09:39 – Transforming the Ego The goal is not to destroy the ego but to help it evolve into a balanced, developed ego.The developed ego as a bridge between human identity and pure consciousness.0:10:30 – Practical Steps for Ego Development Awareness: noticing when the small self is speaking.Dialog: compassionate conversation with the ego.Compassionate reframing: seeing fear as a sign of growth.Integration: bringing moments of higher self-awareness into daily life.0:12:00 – Benefits of a Developed Ego Greater inner peace, authentic relationships, confidence, and freedom to live from one’s essence.0:13:00 – Recap and Closing Summary of key points: nurturing the underdeveloped ego, allowing it to evolve.Invitation to join the “Write Yourself Open” class and Rachel’s Substack for further exploration and resources.End of Episode – Final thoughts and gentle encouragement to listeners. 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 [email protected] and it may be featured on a future episode.  Support the show Work with Rachel > foundationofself.com • 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. 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. • • • 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 where to find more information. Got a question about your self? Send it to me at [email protected] and it may be featured on a future episode.  Support the show Work with Rachel > foundationofself.com • 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. Be mindful of your self-talk, it’s a conversation with the Universe. —David James Lees This podcast episode focuses on negative self-talk, exploring how destructive internal dialogues are learned, not inherent.  Rachel provides a four-step process to transform negative self-talk: 1.        Awareness without judgment: Notice the critical inner voice without self-criticism 2.        Identify the source: Recognize that negative thoughts often come from external influences, not your true self 3.        Call in the Highest Self: Connect with your inner wisdom and eternal consciousness 4.        Rewrite the script: Replace negative thoughts with compassionate, validating statements The episode emphasizes that the inner critic is not bad, but scared, and should be met with curiosity and compassion.  Rachel uses the Cherokee tale of two wolves to illustrate how we choose which internal voice to "feed"—the one of fear or the one of love. Key Message You are not your negative thoughts. Your highest self is wise, loving, and connected to collective consciousness.   Link to Rachel's Substack, Foundation of Self Link to 3-month free paid subscription. "The Story of Two Wolves" courtesy of Lakota Circles of Hope  Music: "Journey Circle Song" written and performed by Rachel Astarte   • • • Timeline: 0:00:00 - Introduction begins, quote about self-talk 0:00:21 - Rachel Astarte welcomes listeners to the episode 0:01:21 - Explanation of how negative self-talk is learned 0:02:34 - Step one: Awareness without judgment 0:03:31 - Transition to step two 0:03:37 - Step two: Identify the source of negative self-talk 0:04:51 - Step three: Calling in the foundation of self 0:05:16 - Detailed explanation of the highest self 0:07:09 - Step four: Rewriting the script 0:08:38 - Cherokee tale of two wolves begins 0:10:29 - Conclusion of the two wolves story 0:11:05 - Wrapping up the main discussion 0:11:14 - Mention of August break 0:12:28 - Final closing remarks 0:12:30 - End of 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 [email protected] and it may be featured on a future episode.  Support the show Work with Rachel > foundationofself.com • 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. Who looks outside dreams; who looks inside awakes. —Carl Jung In this episode, we explore the concept of awakening—a profound shift in consciousness where you recognize your interconnectedness with all existence. We'll delve into the spiritual and psychological dimensions of awakening, drawing from traditions like Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism. Most importantly, we'll look at how awakening transforms personal perception, challenging the ego's self-centered worldview. We'll also address the inevitable changes in relationships that happen once we set foot on the awakened path, the importance of inner work, and the need for nonjudgment and gentleness during personal growth. Key Highlights Awakening is a perceptional shift in consciousnessThe ego resists understanding of interconnectednessRelationships naturally change during personal transformationInner work requires patience and self-compassionIndividual growth contributes to collective consciousnessAwareness is the primary tool for personal developmentOne cannot force awakening in othersPersonal healing impacts the broader communitySpiritual growth is a continuous, lifelong journeyUnderstanding interconnectedness leads to a more expansive worldviewTimeline: 0:00:00 - Opening quote by Carl Jung about looking inside to awaken 0:00:21 - Introduction to the concept of awakening Defined as a perceptional shift in consciousnessUnderstanding interconnectedness with all things0:01:42 - Exploration of awakening across different spiritual traditions Zen Buddhism (Satori)Taoism (Primal unified awareness)Hinduism (Sat Chit Ananda)0:02:24 - Two key things that happen during awakening: Realizing interconnectednessEgo's resistance to this new awareness0:05:50 - Relationships change during awakening Existing relationships may end or transform0:06:07 - Systems theory explanation Disruption of homeostasis in relationships Others may resist or react to one's personal transformation0:08:37 - Key insights on personal growth: Cannot force awakening in othersNeed to be present and lovingRespect others' individual journeys0:10:00 - Being on the awakened path means: Shifting worldviewContinuous inner workClearing personal misalignments0:11:51 - Practical approach to awakening: Non-judgmentAwarenessGentlenessPatience with personal growth0:15:20 - Concluding message: Individual contribution is essential to the wholePersonal inner work impacts community healthGot a question about your self? Send it to me at [email protected] and it may be featured on a future episode.  Support the show Work with Rachel > foundationofself.com • 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