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
Finding Meaning: What Viktor Frankl Taught Me About Self-Worth
1. What is the core idea behind Viktor Frankl's philosophy, and how can it help improve self-worth, even after difficult childhood experiences?
Viktor Frankl's core idea, as exemplified in his book "Man's Search for Meaning," is that humans possess the ultimate freedom to choose their attitude and perspective, regardless of their circumstances. Even in the face of immense suffering, such as that experienced in Nazi concentration camps, individuals can find meaning and purpose. This philosophy suggests that self-worth is not fixed by past experiences, including childhood trauma, but can be actively cultivated by finding meaning in life and choosing a positive perspective. By focusing on purpose and the value we can bring to the world, we can transcend the limitations of our past and reclaim our sense of self-worth.
2. How did Viktor Frankl's experiences in Nazi concentration camps influence his philosophy on finding meaning?
Frankl's experiences in the concentration camps were horrific, involving unimaginable suffering, including forced labor, torture, and the constant threat of death. Despite these circumstances, Frankl observed that those who maintained a sense of purpose, such as a desire to reunite with loved ones or complete a meaningful work, were more likely to survive. This led him to conclude that the will to find meaning is a primary motivational force in human beings and that discovering and embracing that meaning is crucial for psychological survival and well-being, even in the most extreme situations.
3. What is the "stonecutter" parable, and how does it illustrate Frankl's teachings on perspective and meaning?
The "stonecutter" parable describes two workers performing the same task, cutting stones. One sees it as a tedious, meaningless chore, while the other views it as contributing to the construction of a magnificent cathedral that will last for centuries. This illustrates how the same external circumstances can be experienced very differently depending on one's perspective. Frankl's teachings emphasize that meaning is not inherent in the task itself but is derived from the individual's interpretation and purpose. By choosing to see our actions as contributing to something larger than ourselves, we can transform mundane tasks into meaningful experiences, thus enhancing our sense of fulfillment and self-worth.
4. What are some practical exercises or techniques that can be used to help discover or create meaning in one's life, even after experiencing trauma?
Several practical exercises can help discover meaning and purpose:
- Meaning Journal: Writing down a moment from each day where you felt a sense of meaning, no matter how small, can help you become more aware of and appreciate the meaningful aspects of your life.
- Purpose Card: Contemplating the question, "If I survive this pain, what gift might I leave to the world?" and writing the answer on a card to carry with you can provide a constant reminder of your purpose and motivation.
- Perspective Shifting: Reinterpreting painful past events by asking, "What has this taught me?" can help you find new meaning and growth from your experiences, transforming suffering into strength.
Teru Nakashima, All about Self-esteem
Hello there, my name is Teru Nakashima. As you settle in and become comfortable listening to my voice, today, I'd like to invite you on a deeply personal journey, a journey into how one philosophy transformed my understanding of self-worth and human resilience.
Speaker 2:The first time I encountered Viktor Frankl's work was during the darkest period of my life, a time when my foster parents had abandoned me in the night, leaving me alone, completely withdrawn from the world. I suffered from a condition that made it impossible to venture far from my room. My world had become so small, so confined, and in that confined space I discovered a book called Man's Search for Meaning. Little did I know then how this book would become the key unlocking a completely new perspective on my existence.
Speaker 1:You've probably heard people say that our sense of self-worth is determined by our childhood experiences. Your self-esteem is fixed by how you were raised, they insist. But as you listen to my words now, let this truth sink deeply into your consciousness. This is absolutely false. No matter your age, no matter your past experiences, the path to reclaiming your sense of self-worth is always open to you, always waiting for you to discover it.
Speaker 1:Let me tell you about Viktor Frankl, a Jewish psychiatrist who, at the age of 37, was imprisoned by the Nazis for about three years during World War II. His book chronicles his experiences in concentration camps, places where human dignity was systematically stripped away. These were environments of unimaginable horror. Systematically stripped away. These were environments of unimaginable horror. Gas chamber, forced labor, torture, human experimentation and disease claimed countless lives. Yet Frankel, along with a few others, survived without losing hope for the future. What kept him going when everything was taken from him? It was his powerful sense of purpose, his unwavering commitment to publishing his work, if he ever made it out alive. This mission gave him something to live for, even in the darkest circumstances imaginable.
Speaker 1:I often share this parable in my workshops and as you hear it now, allow the images to form vividly in your mind. Two stonecutters were working side by side under the hot sun. When asked what they were doing, the first replied wearily I'm cutting stones. Day after day, just cutting stones. The second looked up with bright eyes and said I'm building a cathedral that will stand for a thousand years. Same task, entirely different perspectives and consequently, entirely different experiences of meaning and fulfillment. Can you feel the difference between these two mindsets as you picture them now? This is the essence of what Frankl taught us Even in the most horrific circumstances imaginable, our mindset, our worldview can reignite our passion for living. Our mindset, our worldview, can reignite our passion for living. The meaning we find doesn't come from external circumstances, but from the perspective we choose to adopt moment by moment, choice by choice.
Speaker 1:In my counseling practice I worked with a client. Let's call her Yuki. She carried deep childhood trauma from parents who constantly criticized her and rarely showed affection. To help her transform her relationship with her past, we engaged in specific practices that you might find valuable in your own journey. First, we began a meaning journal. Every night before sleep, yuki would write down one moment from her day, no matter how small, where she felt a sense of meaning. As you consider this practice, notice how your awareness shifts to start looking for these meaningful moments throughout your day. Next, we created a purpose card.
Speaker 1:Yuki contemplated the question if I survive this pain, what gift might I leave to the world? She wrote her answer on a small card and carried it everywhere. At first she couldn't answer, but gradually a thought crystallized If just one person with experiences like mine can find hope through me, this became her guiding star. We also practiced perspective shifting, reinterpreting painful past events by asking what has this taught me? While Yuki couldn't change the fact that her parents abandoned her, she could discover new meaning Through this suffering.
Speaker 1:I gained the strength to understand others' pain. As you reflect on your own challenges, notice how they might have shaped your unique gifts and sensitivities. Through these concrete practices, yuki gradually began to see her past as a source of meaning rather than just pain. Today, she volunteers with support groups for young people with similar experiences. Her suffering transformed into power to help others heal, and this is why I believe so deeply that, no matter how difficult your childhood was, no matter what traumatic experiences you've endured, you can significantly change your life and boost your self-worth through your mindset, the way you hold your heart, the way you perceive your experiences. These can profoundly transform your reality.
Speaker 1:As you continue listening to my voice, I invite you to try a simple step, beginning tonight Before sleeping, recall just one moment from today when you felt a sense of meaning. Let this become a small flame of hope that continues to illuminate your path forward. Remember, it's never too late to restart your life. Each day offers a new beginning. As Frankl would say, everything can be taken from a man but one thing the last of the human freedoms to choose one attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way. May today bring you moments of meaning and connection. Thank you for allowing these words to find a home in your consciousness. Your presence on this journey is a gift. This is Teru Nakashima, and I'm honored to walk this path alongside you as you continue to discover the deeper meaning that awaits in your own unique story.
