“Conditional self-esteem is based on approval: outside evaluations and outcomes that determine your worth. Mindful self-esteem, on the other hand, is based on self-acceptance and self-compassion: the ability to embrace all parts of yourself in warmth, without distinction. With mindful self-esteem, even though you recognize your limitations, it doesn’t get in the way of unconditionally accepting who you are” (Marotta, 2013, 110).
Inquiry
What parts of yourself do you reject or deny? How would your life be different if you allowed your whole self to be held in unconditional acceptance?
Practice
Visualize being in the presence of someone or something, imagined or real, that emanates pure love and acceptance. Breathe in from your heart and out from your heart. With each in breath feel the heart expanding and with each out breath release anything that doesn’t serve you. Feel yourself held in unconditional love and acceptance.
This post is part of a series. If you haven’t already, please read my introduction to “Mindful Self-Esteem“.
