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
Navigating Self-Doubt Through Tarot
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A powerful exploration of how tarot can be used for self-discovery and growth, guided by Teru Nakashima's insightful methods. We dive into a profound session and unpack the lessons learned about overcoming self-doubt and embracing personal challenges.
• Introduction to tarot and its transformative potential
• Breakdown of Nakashima's approach and the client’s situation
• Highlights of the Strength, Lovers, and Star cards and their significance
• Practical advice on managing tasks and seeking support
Remember to cultivate self-awareness, resilience, and compassion as you navigate your life's challenges!
Teru Nakashima, All about Self-esteem
All right , so get ready , because today we're diving into the world of tarot . Oh cool , but with a bit
Introduction to the World of Tarot
Speaker 1of a twist . Okay , you know you sent us this transcript of a session , and it's with Teru Nakashima .
Speaker 2Right , yeah , Nakashima .
Speaker 1Yeah , and you know , in Japan he's like huge for all his work on self-esteem , and so we're going to unpack how he actually uses tarot to work with a client , and this client is battling well two things really okay . Low confidence , right , and uh , a deadline that's coming up pretty fast oh , I know that feeling .
Speaker 1Yeah , everyone does so what's so interesting to me right off the bat yeah is that the whole session it's in japanese and you can just tell like right away that Nakashima he isn't focused on , you know , like predicting the future or anything .
Speaker 2It's not about fortune telling . No , not at all it seems like it's more about like using the cards to kind of guide the client towards action . You know helps them build their self-belief .
Speaker 1It's like he's using the cards almost as a way to have this conversation with the client , subconscious .
Speaker 2Yeah , you know , bringing all these hidden thoughts and feelings just up to the surface Totally , and you know what the client's situation is , something I think a lot of us can relate to . Oh , for sure you know they've been procrastinating on this task . The deadline is like right around the corner and their self-doubt is just spiraling .
Speaker 1Like a downward spiral .
Speaker 2Yeah .
Speaker 1And they even say to Nakashima like you know , I feel paralyzed , like the pressure is just too much . Yeah , but before they even get to the cards , nakashima has them do like breathing exercises Interesting . What do you think about that ?
Speaker 2I think it's smart . Yeah , think about that . I I think it's smart . Yeah , I mean , he clearly understands the connection between you know how we feel , like our emotional state and our ability to actually think clearly , right ? That feeling of I can't do this , you know , it's often rooted in anxiety , right ?
Speaker 1not a lack of capability yeah , so he's really trying to create like a sense of calm before they even like touch the cards .
Speaker 2Yeah , get them grounded , smart yeah .
Speaker 1Okay , so the first card he pulls yes Is strength , yeah , but it's reversed .
Speaker 2Ooh interesting . So what does that tell us ? What does he say ?
Speaker 1Classic indicator of , like you know , that inner strength is blocked .
Speaker 2Mm-hmm .
Speaker 1The clients , you know , their usual drive , their determination . It's all being kind of overshadowed by this urge to just like .
Speaker 2To just avoid it .
Speaker 1Yeah , withdraw , avoid the whole thing . And this is where I think Nakashima . Just , he uses this brilliant analogy of a tree . Oh so he describes the client's self-esteem as the roots of this tree , which you know , they're a little shaky right now but they're still anchored .
Speaker 2Still there .
Speaker 1What I love about that is that it's both accurate and de-reassuring at the same time .
Speaker 2Totally . He's not sugarcoating it right . I mean , the client is struggling , but he's emphasizing that even when you know , even when our self-esteem takes a hit , there's still that core strength that you can tap back into .
Speaker 1It's still there , so the roots are there , you just need a little TLC .
Speaker 2A little love .
Speaker 1Yeah , exactly .
Speaker 2So what's next ?
Speaker 1Okay , so next card is the lovers .
Speaker 2Okay .
Speaker 1Which you know , usually that has pretty positive connotations .
Speaker 2Yeah , sure Choice partnership .
Speaker 1you know , usually that has pretty positive connotations yeah sure Choice partnership .
Speaker 2You know connection Connection right .
Speaker 1So how does that work with this client situation ?
Speaker 2Well , what's interesting is Nakashima . He kind of picks up on this tendency .
Speaker 1Okay .
Speaker 2In the client to try and do everything solo . Oh yeah , Like they have to handle this all alone .
Speaker 1Right .
Speaker 2And so the lovers appearing here is a direct challenge to that mindset .
Speaker 1Interesting .
Speaker 2You know , it's like the cards are saying hey , look around , you have support .
Speaker 1You don't have to do it all yourself .
Speaker 2Yeah , and it ties into that thing . We all think , you know , that asking for help is a sign of weakness .
Speaker 1Oh .
Speaker 2When actually it can be incredibly empowering .
Speaker 1Yes , and the lovers it also brings in , like that element of choice .
Speaker 2Right .
Speaker 1Right , and Nakashima emphasizes how each decision , even something small like choosing to work on the task for just 15 minutes .
Speaker 2Yeah , yeah Can shift the energy A little bit .
Speaker 1And break that procrastination cycle .
Speaker 2Momentum yeah .
Speaker 1It's like saying you are not a victim of your circumstances . You have agency Absolutely , which I mean . I think we all need to hear that sometime .
Speaker 2Oh for sure , Big time .
Speaker 1Right , it's a good reminder that we're not like passive bystanders in our own lives . Yeah , we have the power to make choices that move us forward .
Speaker 2You're in the driver's seat exactly all , right now the final card . Okay , the final card , drum roll that he pulls .
Speaker 1Yeah is the star the star and if you've ever seen this card , it's just , it's visually stunning oh , yeah , beautiful this bright , shining star in the night sky uh-huh and nakashima . He really leans into that whole image .
Speaker 2I bet .
Speaker 1Yeah , he points out how you know , just the literal brightness of the star right . It's like a representation of all this unseen potential that exists for the client .
Speaker 2Even though they're struggling .
Speaker 1Even amidst , yeah , all their current struggles . It's like he's saying look , things might feel dark right now , yeah , but there's a whole galaxy of possibility Of that Waiting for you .
Speaker 2Yes .
Speaker 1On the other side of this deadline .
Speaker 2Beautiful .
Speaker 1And he connects this so beautifully back to the client's situation .
Speaker 2Okay , how so ?
Speaker 1He's suggesting that by completing this task , the client they won't just experience , you know , relief .
Speaker 2It's more than just relief .
Speaker 1It's a renewed sense of self-belief .
Speaker 2Right .
Speaker 1You know , remember that tree .
Speaker 2Yeah .
Speaker 1It's like the leaves are starting to unfurl and flourish again .
Speaker 2I love that imagery .
Speaker 1Yeah .
Speaker 2It's so vivid .
Speaker 1It really is . He's painting this picture of , like this positive transformation . Yeah , and it's possible . It's not just about checking a box .
Speaker 2Right .
Speaker 1It's about restoring a sense of confidence , and agency , you got this . Exactly . And then you know , he encourages the client to actually visualize their own star .
Speaker 2Oh , wow .
Speaker 1To imagine like that feeling of accomplishment .
Speaker 2Yeah , yeah and inner peace , that's powerful .
Speaker 1That's waiting for them .
Speaker 2Yeah , what a great way to like shift the focus away from fear , yes , and towards a more positive outlook .
Speaker 1Exactly . It's interesting , though , like he doesn't just leave it at that Right With that hopeful image , you know , he actually gives the client some really practical advice .
Speaker 2Okay On how to get there , yeah .
Speaker 1While he suggests like breaking the task down .
Speaker 2Okay , yeah , into smaller steps .
Speaker 1Smaller steps , yeah To overcome that feeling of being overwhelmed .
Speaker 2Mm-hmm Classic advice .
Speaker 1Mm-hmm .
Speaker 2But it really works .
Speaker 1Right , it's so effective , it's so effective Because it shifts your focus . Yeah , yeah , yeah .
Speaker 2From this huge , daunting project .
Speaker 1Yeah .
Speaker 2To something manageable .
Speaker 1Yes , something manageable , yes , totally . It's like , instead of staring up at this like massive mountain , you're just focusing on taking that first step on the trail .
Speaker 2Exactly , yeah , and he also talks about support .
Speaker 1Oh yeah .
Speaker 2And not just practical help , but also like emotional support from people who believe in them .
Speaker 1Which goes back to , like you know , that lover's card and that whole idea that we don't have to do this alone .
Speaker 2We're not alone .
Speaker 1It's like he's giving the client permission to like lean on their network a little bit .
Speaker 2It's more than permission . I think it's encouragement .
Speaker 1Oh OK .
Speaker 2You know , it's like he's saying , hey , seeking support is a sign of strength , not weakness .
Speaker 1Oh , I like that .
Speaker 2And it's also a reminder that we all have blind spots .
Speaker 1Mm-hmm .
Speaker 2Sometimes we need that outside perspective to see things clearly .
Speaker 1Absolutely .
Speaker 2And then , of course , there's the whole piece about you know , cultivating hope .
Speaker 1Yeah .
Speaker 2Yeah , which can feel a little abstract .
Speaker 1It can , yeah , a little bit , but he brings it back to the tree .
Speaker 2Yes , he does , he ties it back beautifully . Yeah , he reminds the client like , even when the leaves are all withered , the roots are still there . You know , yeah , gathering strength , they're still there . And that consistent effort , yes , even in small doses .
Speaker 1Yeah , yeah .
Speaker 2It'll nourish those roots .
Speaker 1It'll nourish those roots .
Speaker 2And'll nourish those roots and lead to new growth . It's such a powerful metaphor it is for like the resilience of the human spirit .
Speaker 1Yeah , absolutely . You know , it's not just about getting through this one deadline . It's about building that foundation .
Speaker 2Yes , of self-belief yes .
Speaker 1That can carry you through anything .
Speaker 2Exactly yeah . You know what I find so compelling about Nakashima's approach .
Speaker 1What's that Exactly ? Yeah , you know what I find so compelling about Nakashima's approach .
Speaker 2What's that ?
Speaker 1He never dictates .
Speaker 2Oh , interesting .
Speaker 1He guides , he uses the cards as this framework for self-discovery , not as this set of rigid rules .
Speaker 2It's like . Here are some tools and insights .
Speaker 1Yes .
Speaker 2Now you create your own path forward , exactly . I love that .
Speaker 1And it's clear from the client's responses in the transcript that they're like feeling empowered by this whole process . They're starting to see themselves as capable of overcoming this challenge . Yeah , and maybe even like growing from it .
Speaker 2I love that Right . This session really highlights what tarot can be yes when it's used in this way . Yes , it's not about you know fortune telling . It's about self-reflection .
Speaker 1Yeah , personal growth , and I think it speaks to like that deeper human need for meaning and guidance .
Speaker 2We all need a little guidance sometimes .
Speaker 1Right , we all face challenges , oh yeah , in life , and sometimes we need a little help navigating those .
Speaker 2The rough waters .
Speaker 1Those rough waters , the choppy seas of life . And what's so fascinating is that the cards themselves they don't actually provide the answers .
Speaker 2Right , no , no , they're prompts . They're prompts To help you go inward .
Speaker 1Yes .
Speaker 2To trigger introspection and insight .
Speaker 1It's like they're holding up a mirror .
Speaker 2Yeah , I love that .
Speaker 1Reflecting back what's already inside of us , but maybe hidden beneath the surface .
Speaker 2Absolutely , and that's where the reader comes in .
Speaker 1Yes , you know , this is key .
Speaker 2Someone like Nakashima . They can interpret those cards within the context of what the client's going through . Yes , you know offering insights and guidance .
Speaker 1That go deeper .
Speaker 2That go beyond just the like traditional meanings of the cards .
Speaker 1Yes , which is why it's so important to find a reader who , like , really resonates with you .
Speaker 2Yeah .
Speaker 1Someone who can hold space for your vulnerability and guide you with like compassion and wisdom .
Speaker 2Absolutely . It's not just about the cards .
Speaker 1It's not .
Speaker 2It's about the connection .
Speaker 1Yes .
Speaker 2And the trust .
Speaker 1Yes .
Speaker 2Between the reader and the seeker .
Speaker 1Okay , so we've talked a lot about this specific reading , but , like , what do you think this tells us about tarot in general ? Like , is this something everyone should try ?
Speaker 2You know , I wouldn't say it's for everyone .
Speaker 1OK .
Speaker 2But I do think anyone who's curious about exploring their inner world , yeah , understanding their patterns , mm hmm , gaining a new perspective on their challenges .
Speaker 1Yeah .
Speaker 2Could benefit from it .
Speaker 1And it's not about giving away your power to the cards , right ? No , no , you're still in control . You're the one in control With your voices and your actions .
Speaker 2Totally , it's a tool for self-discovery . Yes , not a crystal ball , right , you know ?
Speaker 1Yes .
Speaker 2The cards can offer insights and guidance .
Speaker 1Uh-huh . But ultimately , Like you decide .
Speaker 2You decide what to do with that .
Speaker 1So it's more about sparking that internal dialogue that conversation with your intuition .
Speaker 2Exactly .
Speaker 1Okay now , yeah , before we wrap up this whole deep dive , okay , I want to leave you with a question . All right , hit me . That's been like swirling in my mind ever since I read this transcript . I love a good question . You know how we always hear that phrase , like what doesn't kill you makes you stronger . But what if , instead of seeing obstacles as like these threats , we viewed them as like opportunities to strengthen our roots ?
Speaker 2I like that .
Speaker 1You know , like those trees that Nakashima was talking about .
Speaker 2That's a really interesting way to look at it Right . It shifts the focus , you know , from fear and avoidance to growth , yes , and resilience .
Speaker 1And it aligns perfectly with Nakashima's approach .
Speaker 2It does .
Speaker 1Of using challenges as these catalysts for self-discovery .
Speaker 2And personal development .
Speaker 1Yeah , it's like saying , okay , this is tough , but it's also a chance for me to like dig deeper . Yeah , Learn something learn something new about myself and come out the other side stronger .
Speaker 2I love it , embrace it all . Yes , the good and the bad , the good the bad , knowing that , even the difficult , stuff .
Speaker 1it can help us grow , it can help us evolve .
Speaker 2Yes .
Speaker 1And that brings us back to you , the listener .
Speaker 2Oh yeah .
Speaker 1Think about like a challenge that you're facing right now . What if , instead of you know , letting it just drain all your energy ? And feed your doubts , right yeah . What if you saw it as this opportunity ?
Speaker 2Okay , to strengthen your own inner roots .
Speaker 1Like we were talking about with the tree .
Speaker 2Exactly Like those trees .
Speaker 1Yeah , it's a powerful way to shift your perspective it is . It's not about , you know , pretending things are fine , no , or denying that it's hard .
Speaker 2No , it's about acknowledging that there's potential for growth even within like the struggle .
Speaker 1Yeah , it reminds me of that roomie quote . Oh yeah , the wound is the place where the light enters you .
Speaker 2Oh wow , I like that you know it's . It's sometimes through those really tough experiences that we we discover our greatest strength yes and resilience and going back to nakashima's approach yeah I think what's so beautiful about it is that it's just , it's infused with this like deep sense of compassion .
Speaker 1It really is .
Speaker 2You know he's not like judging the client for their struggles . He's meeting them where they are .
Speaker 1Right where they are .
Speaker 2Offering tools for healing and growth .
Speaker 1And that's something we could all use a little more of right .
Speaker 2Yes .
Speaker 1Self-compassion , especially when we're feeling like stuck or overwhelmed it's it's so easy to be hard on ourselves oh , it's the easiest thing in the world you know and focus on our flaws yeah , our shortcomings shortcomings , like all the things we think we're not doing right exactly .
Speaker 2but what if we , what if we treated ourselves with the same kindness that we would offer to a friend ? You know , yes . Who was going through something tough .
Speaker 1I think that's a really great takeaway from this whole deep dive .
Speaker 2It's a good one . You know , it's not .
Speaker 1It's not just about the cards .
Speaker 2It's about cultivating this mindset of self-awareness , resilience and compassion . And compassion , yes , for yourself and for others .
Speaker 1Self-awareness , yes . Resilience and compassion and compassion , yes , for yourself and for others , and remembering that we all have this capacity to grow and evolve .
Speaker 2Yeah , even when our leaves are wilting right .
Speaker 1Yes , exactly .
Speaker 2There's always that potential for new growth , a new beginning .
Speaker 1A new beginning . So the next time you're feeling , you know this self-doubt creep in . Remember the tree , the tree . Remember that you have strong roots those roots , even if you can't see them they're there right now they're there down remember that you have the power to choose you do how you respond to those challenges it's all about choice it is you have the power it's about tapping into that inner strength , seeking support when you need it .
Speaker 2It's okay to ask for help .
Speaker 1And trusting that you have everything you need .
Speaker 2You do .
Speaker 1To navigate the journey .
Speaker 2The journey of life .
Speaker 1Beautifully said Thank you . And thank you for joining us .
Speaker 2Yes .
Speaker 1On this deep dive .
Speaker 2It's fun .
Speaker 1Into the world of tarot and self-discovery . I love tarot and to our listener , remember you have the strength within you .
Speaker 2You do .
Speaker 1Trust the journey .
Speaker 2Trust it .
Speaker 1Embrace those challenges .
Speaker 2Embrace them .
Speaker 1And never stop believing in your ability to blossom Never stop Until next time .
Speaker 2See you later .
Speaker 1Keep exploring .
