High Self-esteem
This is a unique spiritual state, in which we sense high inherent worth. This is how we present ourselves to the world. We radiate self-confidence, importance and closeness to the other and feel free and at ease. In this state, we lose many of our spiritual disturbances and imperfections. This brings us to develop and function in a far more proper and efficient manner. Our high self-esteem also brings us to see the other as possessing a similar inherent worth, and thus leads us to appreciate him, respect him, desire his company and assist him in every way (see also the sub-chapter “Know who you are” further on in this chapter).
Reaching a stage at which we efficiently develop mentally and spiritually, with no undue resistance and in a positive direction, is no small feat. This is man’s greatest accomplishment in his path towards the realization of his purpose and of-course, the greatest improvement his self-image achieves through a single, relatively simple spiritual process. It may be said that in a person of high self-esteem, a significant part of his divine content (which most of us believe exists), is revealed.
A person’s high self-esteem and the spiritual status he acquires significantly affects the type of feelings he experiences. A person’s emotional system is not indifferent to his self-image’s dramatic improvement. These feelings are an integral part of that characteristic displayed by this kind of person. They also form an integral part of the full and happy life, which a person of this status experiences. If the level of positive emotions which a person experiences in his everyday life is a function of his positive activity, it could be said that in acting from a position of high self-esteem, a person experiences a very high level of positive feelings.
The divine expression “return to me” to communal activity after purification (raising self-worth) as specified in the chapter “Yom Kippur” (”Day of Atonement”), comprises a confirmation by the highest source to the impressive potential functioning and degree of status gained by whoever attains a high self-esteem. This dramatic improvement by a significant proportion of a nation will also result in outstanding social improvement, with all its implications. Humanity’s acting from this status will certainly bring about the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, by which human wars and conflicts shall cease.
Is there a qualitative advantage to a high self-esteem which is gained through God’s declaration about man’s being, to a similarly high self-esteem gained in another manner? It seems to me the former does have an advantage, in that in addition to the expression of appreciation, there is an expression of holiness towards the person with whom he comes into contact. This advantage brings about the appearance of further positive qualities and following that, to a more perfected elevation of self-esteem.
We have a need to posses a high self-esteem. This expresses itself by our wish to be important. Receiving certain spiritual sustenance from the other satisfies this need. We are dealing not only with words of unique content, but also with constructive, positive energy, which includes affirmation and recognition of our importance. With the sincere acceptance of this nourishment, both these products come into expression.
Facts on the ground point to the personality of low self-esteem, being mostly on the receiving side of this nourishment, while that of high self-esteem is mostly on the giving side. This explains why the low self-esteem personality seeks out the closeness of the other.
A person with high self-esteem has an urge to supply this sustenance to the other. This urge is so powerful with some that they actively seek out ways of approaching the needy in order to provide this food, and have no greater satisfaction than when they succeed in this task. So nature closes another glorious and very special circle for the mutual raising of self-esteem in human society. These facts have brought about the appearance of techniques for obtaining and providing such food. These are called techniques for improved human relations.
Abraham Adar, the author of the book
www.adar-publishing.com
Tags: self-image, confidence