Human beings are very much like drops of water in an endless ocean.
Our worth comes from our role as distinct individuals,
As well as our role as an integral part of something larger than ourselves.
However,
Hearing a hurtful remark or receiving cold shoulders from someone from whom we expected support in times of trouble can impact how we feel about ourselves at a given moment in time.
This is our self-esteem.
And experiencing difficulty or a painful situation in a major way or at a micro level can damage our self-esteem.
Hi everyone.
Welcome to this meditation titled Enhancing Your Self-Esteem and Self-Acceptance through an understanding of your self-worth.
My name is Shamaila and I will guide you through this meditation today.
Let's begin by defining what self-esteem is and how it is different from self-worth.
Though much of who and what we are changes as we journey through life,
Our inherent worth remains constant.
While the term self-worth is often used interchangeably with self-esteem,
The two qualities are inherently different.
Your worth,
However,
Is not a product of your intelligence or your talent or your looks or your good works or how much you have accomplished.
Rather,
It is an immeasurable and unchanging manifestation of your eternal and infinite oneness with the universe.
It represents the cornerstone of the dual foundations of optimism and self-belief.
Your worth cannot be taken from you or damaged by life's breakers,
Yet it can easily be forgotten or even actively ignored.
During those periods when you have lost sight of your worth,
You will likely feel mired in depression,
Insecurity,
And a lack of confidence.
You will pursue a counterfeit worth based on judgment rather than the beauty that resides within.
When you feel worthy,
However,
You will accept yourself without hesitation.
It is your worth as an individual who is simultaneously interconnected with all living beings that allows you to be happy,
Confident,
And motivated.
Because your conception of your worth is not based on the fulfillment of expectations,
You will see your mistakes and failures as just another part of life's journey.
By regularly acknowledging your self-worth,
You can ensure that you never forget what an important,
Beloved,
And special part of the universe you are.
You are born worthy.
Your worth is intertwined with your very being.
Your concept of your own self-worth is thus reinforced by your actions.
Each time you endeavor to appreciate yourself,
Treat yourself kindly,
Define your personal boundaries,
Be proactive in seeing that your needs are met,
And broaden your horizons,
You express your recognition of your innate value.
On the other hand,
Self-esteem is the measure of how you feel about yourself at a given moment in time.
So let's get involved in a practice of enhancing our self-esteem by acknowledging our self-worth.
We will do this by tuning into ourselves and listening to what we need at this point in time.
When we begin tuning in mindfully to our experience,
We may also start to notice our difficulties and struggles that may be causing us to forget our inherent self-worth.
Part of mindfulness is recognizing what we need in these moments and responding in a way that promotes our well-being and freedom,
And not in a way that perpetuates our pain and suffering.
This mindfulness exercise offers a concrete way to pause and consider our needs in a given moment.
So sit up as straight as you are able and gently close your eyes.
Pick a location in the body where you can feel the body breathing and tune into the sensations of the breath for a couple of minutes.
Without falling too far into the story,
Acknowledge how this experience feels in the present moment.
With the memory and experience present in your consciousness,
Ask yourself,
What do you need in this moment?
Focus on general emotional needs like compassion,
Understanding,
And insight.
When a need pops up,
Say to yourself,
I need blank.
Continue to tune into other needs,
Really pausing to acknowledge each one.
After five minutes,
Turn your awareness to your experience in the present moment.
Refraining from stories and goals,
Ask yourself,
What do you need right now?
Let go of thoughts about getting stuff done,
Completing tasks,
And pleasing others.
Focus on your deeper needs of self-care,
Patience,
Or whatever is true for you in this moment.
Let's go through an inventory of needs.
I need compassion.
I need insight.
I need to be heard.
I need to be seen.
I need to be acknowledged for my hard work.
I need recognition.
I need strength.
I need purpose.
I need validation.
I need respect.
I need more money.
I need praise.
I need stability.
I need to speak up for myself.
I need a reliable source of income.
I need to stand firm.
I need to stand my ground.
I need more space.
I need love.
I need care.
I need justice.
I need safety.
I need support.
I need equity.
I need inclusion.
I need peace.
I need calmness.
I need serenity.
I need joy.
I need laughter.
I need energy.
I need vibrancy.
I need excitement.
I need exuberance.
I need adventure.
I need fresh air.
I need exercise.
I need healthy diet.
I need to spend more time in nature.
I need positive self-talk.
I need freedom from fear.
I need forgiveness.
I need equanimity.
Whatever your needs are,
Become mindful of these needs.
Now,
Reflect on your capacity to meet your needs.
Can you do something to meet those needs right now?
Are there any needs you have that are not within your power to fulfill?
Offer yourself self-care,
Compassion,
And patience.
Now,
Repeat these affirmations to remind yourself of your inherent self-worth.
I am a beautiful soul with one-of-a-kind gifts to offer the world.
I am a beautiful soul with one-of-a-kind gifts to offer the world.
When I acknowledge my value,
My uniqueness will emerge.
When I acknowledge my value,
My uniqueness will emerge.
When I acknowledge my value,
Events that are causing me to doubt myself will no longer have an effect on me.
When I acknowledge my value,
Events that are causing me to doubt myself will no longer have an effect on me.
Now,
To recap,
Your worth is not a product of your intelligence,
Your talents,
Your looks,
Or how much you have accomplished.
By regularly acknowledging your self-worth,
You can ensure that you never forget what an important,
Beloved,
And special part of the universe you are.
You are born worthy.
Your worth is intertwined with your very being.
And each time you endeavor to appreciate yourself,
Treat yourself kindly,
Define your personal boundaries,
Be proactive in seeing that your needs are met,
And broaden your horizons,
You express your recognition of your innate value.
Human beings are very much like drops of water in an endless ocean.
And our worth comes from our role as distinct individuals,
As well as our role as an integral part of something larger than ourselves.
Simply awakening to this concept can help us rediscover the copious and awe-inspiring worth within each and every one of us.
Thank you for joining me in this mindfulness practice today.
Sending you love and peace.
So long.
