Description

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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

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. 

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• 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