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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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.”
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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 rachel@selftalkpodcast.com and it may be featured on a future episode. 

Support the show

Continue working with Rachel at foundationofself.com

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