The cause of a poor self image is certainly understandable.
What I call the “identity error crisis” explains why people commonly suffer from a poor self-image. The result is insecurities that prevent us from connecting with others freely. This is a result of believing oneself small and insignificant, unworthy, un-lovable, a victim. Nothing is further from the truth.
Here’s some pointers to feel really good about yourself with an ever-increasing benefit.
Considering the inability for us to judge, we offer this judgment to ourselves and others without consideration that we are unable to judge since we cannot see the real meaning of anything. Our choice to exchange knowlege for perception has presented a dilemma where the one who is judging is also the one being judged. There is nothing in this world that is more depressing than an impossible learning situation.
Following the breakup of a personal relationship, after getting fired from a job, and upon finding out about a failed investment, are examples of times when one’s self-image can be at its lowest point. A real solution is needed! Don’t wait until the crisis to heal the problem. Instead, be prepared by doing these exercises before the crisis.
You are the Holy Child of God, and when addressed, deserve a capital for your name, a “proper” noun. This is a gentle reminder of the truth from each of your brothers, who know you (on some level) as the Holy Child of God, your true identity.
But getting to this point of knowledge is what spiritual work is for. There is a lot of forgiveness and miracle-work that will ensue before the identity crisis is solved once and for all.
Step #1: Reminders
Dwelling on failures, mistakes and disadvantages is quite counter-productive, and leads to a poor self-image. One way that helps to improve the self-image is through contemplating one’s abilities, one’s good points, and one’s successes. Much of the world suffers from this condition that is often supported by critical parents, and a competitive world which also suffers from a poor self-image.
Make a list of at least twenty items including your abilities, strong points, and successes. Review the list spending a bit of time on each before going to bed at night and upon waking for no less than two weeks. You will soon realize a strong self-image, and begin to feel worthy of the best that life has to offer. You’ll hold your head high, and with good reason. This gradually instills into the mind a new “tape” that replaces the one you got from your parents and peers, partners and co-workers that caused the doubt in yourself.
Step #2: Forgiveness
Indeed, it is necessary to understand the dynamic of projecting innocence, for to project guilt also produces the poor self-image. In other words, one must be interested, and to some degree, committed to assisting others in healing their poor self-image.
The exercises are all in the category of forgiveness, since we use a rather expanded meaning for this word. To the student/teacher, it means “to see beyond the illusions”. In this way, we are choosing to remember the Truth for ourselves as we think about all others. Each time another comes to mind, you will choose only to remember who they really are, innocent, and as God created them. Try to imagine them after they’ve succeeded at their journey from place to place through time, and become more and more aware of the power of their mind.
When we hold others in the light, we experience the light with them. This is a wonderful dynamic that holds all things in holiness when the holiness is offered them as a reminder.
Step #3: Encourage Others
There’s nothing more empowering than an environment of empowered people. Don’t expect them to get this way on their own — they NEED your encouragement. Even the strongest people will recognize your increased value to them as you empower them into being the best they can be — giving them permission to shine.
It’s true that what you put out comes back to you, so be sure to encourage all the people around you. Remind them that they can do anything they set their minds to, and that they’re the most valuable thing in the universe, and deserve the very best, that people love them and that they’re extremely important.
It’s true that the ego will take some of this praise and use it against the shared goal, but it’s more true that we do share a goal of peace together, and that as we encourage others and empower them, we move closer to our shared goals.
Step #4: Miracle Work (pay it forward)
Miracle work takes on a number of forms, impossible to predict. Your assignment for this day, today, is to ask 4 questions and wait for an answer. The questions are:
- Where would you have me go?
- What would you have me do?
- Who would you have me speak to?
- What would you have me tell them?
The questions only need be reviewed once before you begin the day.
Your miracle work may also include joining a group that has specifically focused on improving their self-image and self-esteem.
Whenever you’re ready, you can turn up the heat on your own personal growth. You can do this through joining in one of the popular experiential workshop training programs, which are typically very high-energy often run by some of the greatest motivational speakers. Examples are Legacy Center and Mindspring, though you may also find off-shoots of this type of personal development training with different names in your larger cities. The key element is that they use group psychology to assist you in having revelations about yourself.
Nothing replaces being around positive and supportive people. Though this is not always possible, it’s certainly a great idea to see how the “fortunate ones” choose to live their lives. Once you are fully-prepared for anything, you can confidently provide support to those who are temporarily less fortunate.
At wikipedia, self-esteem is described:
In sociology and psychology, self-esteem reflects a person’s overall subjective emotional evaluation of his or her own worth. It is a judgment of oneself as well as an attitude toward the self.
Step #5: Prayer and Meditation
For eons, the practice of prayer and meditation has been used to bring the mind to peace. It is also necessary once you have begun to program in the new suggestions that remind you of your tremendous value and importance in the world. You can use prayer and meditation to increase the benefits of knowing these truths. Additionally, through prayer, you can share them silently with others.
In quiet and humility, the Holy Spirit will remind you about your True worth in Heaven. Once this occurs, you could never doubt yourself again, nor would you doubt what you are capable of. Truly, the advantages of personal spiritual harmony are known through prayer and meditation. Revelation will enter your mind, and the grandeur that is your true inheritance will become manifest.
I really apricate this so much! I love this!! I want to make this a part of my mental self talk.
Where would you have me go?
What would you have me do?
Who would you have me speak to?
What would you have me tell them?
Thank you Anthony!