UPBUILDING THE SELF

Is Compartmentalization Really a Good Thing?

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.

Podcast Hosts: Hari Prasada, Rasanath and Vipin

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform

Highlights

  • [02:00] What is compartmentalization and its dangers

  • [05:20] Rasanath’s personal experience with compartmentalizing shame

  • [08:00] The importance of conscious acknowledgment vs. suppression

  • [10:50] The difference between setting aside emotions and compartmentalizing

  • [16:10] Losing touch with the heart

  • [19:50] The myth of clean compartmentalization

  • [22:40] Rasanath’s 5-year-old daughter and the experience of shame

  • [28:00] How compartmentalization erodes our sense of self and relational capacity

  • [33:10] The culture of compartmentalization

  • [35:00] Integrating the different parts of our lives in a healthy way

  • [45:30] Actionable steps to reconnect with our hearts

Quotes

  • “Compartmentalization has to do with challenging emotions that we experience internally, and when we don't return back to integrate them…it means we are living a disintegrated life.” - Rasanath

  • “Shame itself is happening all the time…The question is, how is it affecting us and are we aware of it?” - Hari Prasada

  • “Our whole world is made up of people compartmentalizing and being rewarded for it, and blocking out the shame of not being who I think I should be as my ego.” - Hari Prasada

  • “We have become such a compartmentalized society where we look at family, school, and work as separate compartments. The common thread in this is that it's a human being across the board. And the more we continue to look at that as separate, the more we will reinforce compartmentalization.” - Rasanath

For first timers, welcome to Upbuilding the Self

About the podcast: Two former monks, a former startup founder and CEO, and a former equity derivatives trader dive into how to be our best selves, free from the ego. Our egos are the identities we create for ourselves and wish the world to validate, but when we are not seen as we want to be, we feel insecure. This podcast lives at the intersection of leadership and spirituality. It will help you understand your ego and shed light on your inner world so that you can act with greater clarity, compassion, and the freedom to be your best self.

We also have three upcoming programs. Please reserve your spot ASAP.