Subject: Der Alter [Der Alter] 7/21/2005 06:53:20 PM - msg#00253

From the Der Alter Googlegroup:
consider perhaps the concept of self-acceptance as a "wider and more
satisfying concept" than self esteem....and perhaps more jewish as well.

"self esteem" has the inherent difficulty of tying the individual's
sense of self to his/her accomplishments, skills, etc.... this can be
problematic... it is fine when you're doing well, succeeding, etc. but
what happens when you mess up time after time.. do you then become
"no good"?... which leads to the question... .

... the alternative concept of "self-acceptance" eliminates this
"rating" of self and advocates that one can and advisably ought to
recognize that one has value because every person is created in the
image of G-d and is always worthwhile. A human being is too complex
to "rate" as an entity... if, instead, we stick to rating our deeds,
accomplishments, but not ourselves, we can succeed or fail at things,
but always understand that win, or lose, we always have value as children
of G-d and can always strive to improve and do better. .

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Posted by Der Alter to Der Alter at 7/21/2005 06:53:20 PM