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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.

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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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