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The issue of self-esteem is perhaps one of the
greatest determinates in creating a life of freedom and abundance, or feeling
inhibited and “just getting by“.
Self-esteem is defined as “a feeling of pride in
oneself“. It is how you feel in relation to yourself rather than how others
see you. It’s between you and, well… you. Therefore, it’s not necessary to be
so concerned about what others think to determine your level of self -esteem,
as the definition does not include any “others“, just you.
So where can you help yourself to better understand
you? There are so many aspects of you but one that is of great importance is
that of your mind.
In the ancient wisdom of Patanjali‘s Yoga Sutras,
there are five hindrances or afflictions of the mind that are collectively
known as the klesas. An understanding of each of these hindrances can help
play a part in the discovery of self, leading to a feeling of well-being,
connectivity , and greater self-esteem. The hindrances are as follows:
ignorance (avidya), egoism (asmita), attachment (raga), aversion (dvesa), and
clinging to life (abhinivesah). Encountering the afflictions without being
aware of them creates stumbling blocks on the path to self-realization. The
afflictions will arise at different times in life, but if one has spent time
studying them, one may be able to recognize them for what they are and move
through them with a certain level of personal understanding.
The first hindrance is ignorance of the true self
which is the building block for all of the other afflictions. It can be
described as an incorrect understanding of oneself that is the culmination of
years of unconscious actions, thoughts, and words that one has become
dependent upon as part of one’s being. Sound familiar? How many times have we
replayed old tapes over and over in our head until they become so embedded in
our persona that we begin to self-realize these false beliefs? From ignorance,
derives judgments of oneself and of others. By understanding the various
afflictions and where they originate, one may transcend a lifetime absorbed in
ignorance.
The second hindrance is egoism which is the
identification of the self with what one is not- the body, mind, personality,
emotions, senses, accomplishments, failures, and possessions, or lack thereof.
You may be thinking, “People with low self-esteem are certainly not showing an
ego problem.” Well, it actually is an ego problem, as the concern over what
others think dominates many choices and actions in daily life. In egoism, the
practice of remaining in the moment and being a non-judgmental witness comes
in handy. In truly observing what is happening in life as it is, rather than
placing violent judgments on self, others and situations, one may experience
life with a limited ignorance. Imagine viewing the world through a camera lens
and just seeing what is-nothing else.
The third hindrance is attachment which arises from
the ego’s idea that more is better and of the fear of losing what one already
has in his/her possession. Are you keeping up with the Jones’? Do you really
need to be? More stuff just means more upkeep; right? As one progresses on the
life path, experiences occur that cause feelings of great pleasure. One may
cling to these things in hopes of experiencing the feelings over and over
again. Attachment is looking outside of oneself for validation and bliss. The
reality is that external factors come and go; it is the internal true self
that remains a constant. “Happiness is found within“, is a timeless phrase and
it is unconditional and independent of any outside circumstances or people.
Freeing, isn’t it?
The fourth hindrance is aversion which is also a form of attachment, but in
the negative sense. The experiences or circumstances that one does not want to
have, or is repulsed by, comprise aversions. Aversions are typically based on
fear of the unknown, unfamiliar, or years of subconscious mechanical thought.
Fear plays a big role in issues of low self-esteem. Attachments and aversions
are both relative in that what is a good/bad experience or feeling for one may
not be so good/bad for another. Any attachment or aversion springs from the
imagination and can be construed as clinging, and therefore, in turn,
suffering. By practicing detachment to either aversions or attachments, one
can see a situation for what it is rather than what it is perceived to be.
Clinging to life or the fear of death is the final
hindrance. It is self-preservation and the fundamental will to live in one’s
body on this Earth. This affliction is said to be experienced even by the very
wise. It is ultimately the understanding of this affliction that will set us
free. Each individual would come to terms with this hindrance by their own
accord in relation to their own belief system regarding death and what happens
when we leave our physical body. It is my sense that we are eternal in spirit.
The klesas are complex and interwoven. By increasing
the understanding of each affliction, one may begin to identify them when they
surface in life. In knowing where the reaction, situation, or behavior is
derived, the individual may be better able to experience the true sense of the
moment in awareness and without judgment. By remaining open, one is able to
receive the perfection in every moment.
It is a daily process to connect with oneself in
understanding, but one that can create a life that is, for the most part,
joyous, peaceful, and full of love. With practice the sense of self-esteem
will continuously improve and the feelings of a life connectedness will
deepen. Try it for yourself as this all begins and ends with you. For, it’s
what you think that really matters.
“The mind is everything; what you think, you become.”
(Buddha)
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About the author:
Deborah L. Shipley, RYT
Deborah is a Registered Yoga Teacher and a writer of the free monthly e-zine
Self Esteem: Shining from Within. If you would like to her please visit
her website: www.quizforselfesteem.com, her blog hosted e-zine site:
www.quizforselfesteem.blogspot.com, or e-mail her at dlshipley@comcast.net.
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