All about Self-esteem by Teru Nakashima, Japan
Teru Nakashima: A Pioneer in Self-Esteem Psychology
# Teru Nakashima: Leading Voice in Self-Esteem Psychology
Teru Nakashima is a prominent Japanese psychological counselor, author, and public speaker who developed "Natural Psychology," an approach to enhancing self-acceptance and transforming lives. After overcoming severe personal struggles, including a decade as a hikikomori (social recluse) and multiple suicide attempts, he independently studied psychology and therapy, developing methods that led to his own recovery and eventually helping others.
## Core Theory and Methodology
Nakashima's theory of self-acceptance centers on six fundamental elements:
- Sense of Existence: Feeling one's life has value
- Sense of Competence: Believing in one's abilities
- Sense of Belonging: Feeling accepted in society
- Sense of Security: Having a safe space
- Self-Trust: Being reliable and dependable
- Self-Esteem: Recognizing one's inherent worth
His methodology follows three key steps:
1. Self-Recognition: Acknowledging all aspects of oneself
2. Self-Acceptance: Embracing one's complete self
3. Self-Affirmation: Recognizing one's inherent value
## Impact and Work
Nakashima has authored several bestselling books, including "Three Steps to Enhance Self-Acceptance" and "How to Love Yourself." He conducts training sessions nationwide for corporations, educational institutions, and hospitals. His YouTube channel and daily newsletter provide practical guidance on self-acceptance and personal growth.
His unique contribution includes the concept of "mental brakes" - unconscious blocks formed from past trauma and negative thought patterns. He teaches that true self-acceptance isn't about forced positivity but embracing one's authentic self completely. Nakashima also introduces "fudoshin" (immovable mind) as the ultimate state of self-acceptance - maintaining inner stability regardless of external circumstances.
His work particularly resonates in Japanese society, where issues of self-worth and social pressure are prevalent. Through seminars, books, digital content, and counseling sessions, Nakashima continues to provide hope and practical guidance to those struggling with self-acceptance, while his principles are increasingly applied in organizational development to improve workplace relationships and employee well-being.
All about Self-esteem by Teru Nakashima, Japan
The Secret Garden of Self-Affirmation: Nourishing Your Spirit
Words hold immense power; they shape our perceptions and influence our realities. In this enlightening episode, we guide you on a transformative journey toward understanding your inner dialogue. Through a soothing meditation, we’ll explore how the words you use can either hinder you or empower you, demonstrating the direct impact they have on your self-worth and personal development.
As you settle in, we invite you to visualize a tree representing your potential and self-affirmation. Experience how the roots symbolize your self-worth, the trunk stands for self-acceptance, and the branches reflect your capabilities. We will gently guide you to recognize limiting phrases and help you transform them into positive affirmations that foster growth and empowerment.
This episode not only emphasizes the internal language that shapes your thoughts and feelings but also encourages a compassionate approach to how you express yourself to others. We create an awareness of the nurturing words we can choose and the gentle conversations we can have with ourselves. It’s a powerful reminder that the narratives we cultivate shape our futures.
Join us on this profound journey into the garden of your inner words, and learn to weave a future story rich with growth, possibility, and joy. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and let us know how your inner dialogue influences your life!
Teru Nakashima, All about Self-esteem
Words weaving your future story. A guided meditation setting the intention. Find a comfortable position, whether sitting or lying down, allowing your body to be fully supported. Take a moment to settle in adjusting anything that needs adjusting. Notice the weight of your body against the surface beneath you, feel the points of contact where you are supported. Begin to deepen your breath, inhaling slowly through your nose and exhaling completely through your mouth. Let each breath be a little deeper than the one before creating space within your body, within your mind. We're about to explore the garden of words that lives within you, words that shape your reality, words that create your future, words that weave the beautiful tapestry of your life story. The journey inward. As you continue breathing deeply, allow your awareness to turn inward. Notice the constant stream of words flowing through your mind. There's no need to change anything yet. Just observe with gentle curiosity. What words do you hear? What stories are they telling? What feelings do they evoke? Notice, without judgement, simply witnessing the power these inner words hold With each breath, allow yourself to become more aware of how these words affect your body. Perhaps tension appears with certain phrases. Perhaps ease flows with others.
Speaker 1:The tree of self-affirmation. Now imagine before you a small seed, a seed containing all your potential. With each nurturing breath, watch as this seed begins to sprout. This is the beginning of your tree of self-affirmation. First emerging are the roots, extending deep into the earth. These roots represent your self-worth, your inherent value. Silently repeat I deserve to be here. My existence has meaning. Now the trunk begins to form, growing stronger with each breath. This trunk represents your self-acceptance. Gently whisper to yourself I accept all parts of me. I am perfectly imperfect. Branches now extend outward in all directions. These are your capabilities, your self-efficacy. Allow yourself to hear I am capable, I can navigate life's challenges. Leaves begin to unfurl, reaching toward the light. These represent your self-reliance, your trust in yourself. Softly acknowledge I trust my inner wisdom, I can depend on myself. I trust my inner wisdom, I can depend on myself. Observe how these words of trust create vibrance and vitality. Beautiful blossoms now appear among the leaves. These flowers represent your self-determination. Affirm within I choose my path. I create my reality. Feel how these words strengthen the roots, how they provide a solid foundation. Notice how these words of acceptance create stability and strength. Feel how these affirming words create expansion and possibility. Feel the freedom these words bring, the sense of empowerment. Finally, notice the fruits beginning to form, representing your self-usefulness, your gifts to the world. Embrace the truth I contribute, value. My presence makes a difference. Experience the fulfillment these words of purpose bring, transforming your inner language.
Speaker 1:As you gaze upon this magnificent tree that represents your whole self, become aware of any negative words that might wither its leaves or weaken its branches. With compassionate awareness, notice one limiting phrase that often appears in your mind. See it clearly, acknowledge its presence without judgment. Now imagine gently lifting this phrase from your mind, holding it before you with care and beginning to transform it into something nurturing. If the phrase was I always fail. It might become. I am continuously learning and growing. If it was I'm not good enough, it might transform to I am exactly where I need to be on my journey. If it was, nobody understands me where I need to be on my journey. If it was, nobody understands me, it could shift to. I am developing new ways to express my authentic self.
Speaker 1:Take a moment to feel the difference between these phrases in your body. Notice how the transformed words create expansion, possibility, lightness, expansion, possibility, lightness, planting new seeds With each breath. Now imagine planting these transformed words back into the soil around your tree. See them as luminous seeds, glowing with potential. As you inhale, draw in the nourishment of positive language. As you exhale, release any words that no longer serve your growth. Inhale Acceptance, exhale Judgment. Inhale Possibility, exhale Limitation, inhale Compassion. Exhale, exhale limitation. Inhale compassion, exhale criticism. Feel your entire being resonating with this new language of self-affirmation, each cell awakening to its vibration, your consciousness expanding with its wisdom, returning with intention.
Speaker 1:As we begin to draw this meditation to a close, imagine your tree of self-affirmation standing strong within you. Its roots deep, its branches reaching wide, its fruits abundant. Know that this tree is always within you. You can return to it whenever you need strength, guidance or renewal. Make a gentle commitment to yourself To notice the words you use internally and externally, to choose words that nurture rather than diminish, to speak to yourself with the same kindness you would offer a beloved friend. Gradually begin to deepen your breath once more, bringing gentle movement back to your fingers and toes, reconnecting with the physical space around you. Carry with you this awareness of the power of your words, knowing that with each mindful choice, you continue weaving a future story of growth, possibility and joy. When you're ready, slowly open your eyes, returning to this moment, renewed and present. Thank you for this sacred time of connection with your inner wisdom. May the words you choose light your path forward with clarity and compassion.
