Upbuilding The Self

If you’ve spent time in New York City, or many other cities around the world, you’ve likely seen monks on street corners or in subways, holding out books and trying to spark conversations. This sacred practice is known as Book Distribution. In this episode, Hari Prasada and Rasanath share what it was like to engage in this practice during their early days in a New York City monastery. They tell stories, some funny, some more serious, and speak about the deeper purpose behind Book Distribution. With honesty and reflection, they reveal how the experience challenged their egos, tested their intentions, and opened them to unexpected moments of grace. Without having to walk the streets of New York book in hand (though we hope one day you will!), they give you a taste of the experience and accompanying lessons.Links Enneagram Certification Program Upbuild Coaching Certification Training (starts in October) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Each of us is wired with a specific hierarchy of three core instinctual drives, shaping how we move through the world. The Instincts (sometimes referred to as Instinctual Variants) is part of the Enneagram framework and plays a powerful role in how our personalities form. One Instinct tends to dominate and demands most of our attention, a second supports it, while a third gets neglected and becomes a Blind Spot. In this episode, Michael, Hari, and Rasanath unpack the three Instincts—Self-Preservation, Sexual, and Social—and how they show up in our daily lives. They explore the energy behind each, how these Instincts function at their healthiest, and how they can create suffering. By understanding your “Instinctual Stack,” you can begin to shift from automatic patterns to conscious integration, creating space for real growth and movement toward the best version of yourself.Links Enneagram Certification Program Upbuild Coaching Certification Training (starts in October) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Many of us pride ourselves on our ability to compartmentalize. We like to keep our personal and professional lives separate, push aside difficult emotions, and stay productive in the face of whatever comes our way. But what if this “skill” we value so highly is quietly cutting us off from our own hearts? In this episode, Hari Prasada, Rasanath, and Vipin examine why compartmentalization seems helpful but ultimately prevents us from being our best self. They distinguish between presence and suppression, explore how disconnection from the heart affects our relationships, and discuss what it takes to return to the emotions we've long set aside.Links Enneagram Certification Program Upbuild Coaching Certification Training (starts in October) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Most of us are terrible at feedback. It’s awkward, forced, or worse, completely ineffective. In this episode, Michael, Hari, and Vipin break down why that is and how to fix it. They draw from their own journeys at places like McKinsey, MTV, Goldman Sachs, and Upbuild to show how feedback can be an act of ego…or a gateway to growth, trust, and real connection. They unpack what makes feedback land (or fall flat), why intention matters more than anything else, and how to make feedback human again.Links Enneagram Certification Program Upbuild Coaching Certification Training (starts in October) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Why do we blame even when we know it’s harmful? It’s a behavior so woven into our daily experience that most of us hardly notice it, let alone question it. In this episode, Michael and Hari Prasada unpack the inner workings of blame, exploring how it arises from the ego's desire to control and enjoy. They examine its seductive emotional appeal, the false sense of order it provides, and the ways it damages our relationships and cultures. With real-life examples and practical tools, they highlight how we can shift from reactive blame to conscious accountability.Links Enneagram Certification Program Upbuild Coaching Certification Training (starts in October) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Most of us spend the majority of our waking hours at work, yet so many people feel dissatisfied with their jobs. In this episode, Michael, Vipin, and Hari Prasada explore why work so often feels disconnected from meaning and how the ego plays a central role in this struggle. They break down the financial insecurities, self-limiting beliefs, and social pressures that keep us stuck in unfulfilling careers. The conversation also challenges the modern assumption that work should be our primary source of purpose.Links Enneagram Certification Program Upbuild Coaching Certification Training (starts in October) Upbuild Website Instagram: @upbuildnycFacebook: UpbuildLinkedIn: Upbuild

Discover the intriguing differences between coaching and therapy, and how each facilitates self-discovery. Hear about a transformative journey from a fast-paced corporate life to a deeper exploration of spirituality and authenticity. The conversation navigates the tension between ego and personal growth, highlighting the importance of self-awareness in leadership. Learn how recognizing ego can lead to a more fulfilling life, alongside practical exercises for personal development and a compassionate approach to self-improvement.

Compliments are more than mere-kind words; they're a crucial part of our desire for love and validation. Yet many struggle with accepting praise, often rejecting what they crave. The discussion dives into the psychological complexities behind this dynamic, revealing how personal insecurities impact our relationships. Practical tips are shared for both giving and receiving compliments meaningfully, emphasizing the need for emotional vulnerability. Ultimately, genuine appreciation is framed as a pathway to deeper connections and personal growth.

The conversation dives deep into the intricacies of guilt, exploring its role as a reflection of our conscience and its dangerous dance with shame. They discuss common reactions to guilt, like suppression and avoidance, while offering insights on transforming it into a tool for personal growth. Personal stories highlight the emotional complexities of unintentional choices and the weight of moral awareness in a suffering world. Ultimately, they reveal how embracing guilt can foster humility and ignite profound self-reflection.

Moral superiority is a trap we often fall into, driven by our ego and the desire to feel 'better' than others. Personal anecdotes reveal how it can hinder relationships and mask unresolved emotions. The conversation highlights the thin line between genuine values and ego-driven behavior, urging self-reflection. Advocacy is balanced with humility, while true worth is declared to come from within rather than external validation. Ultimately, listeners are encouraged to pursue self-realization over superficial judgments.