STEP 3: Accept Yourself
embrace every part of yourself
Most of us have developed habits to highlight the ‘good’ things about ourselves and either ignore or live in shame about the parts of us that are not where we want them to ‘ideally’ be. The result quite often is low self-esteem and a skewed self-image. Both outcomes sap away our ability for joy and vitality. By taking an honest inventory of where we are without judgment, we can decide to make changes over time. In fact, we are more likely to make positive changes in our lives by seeking self-acceptance since this gives us more information, more courage and the ability to strive further.
This course is designed to help you come to terms with your complete self-image; who you think you are, who you think you should be and what it means to wholly accept yourself as you truly are. You will need the tools gathered in Steps 1 and 2 to continue onto this third Step of The Path.
What you get
- Explore how you see yourself including your strengths and weaknesses
- Tap into who you wish you were and how you currently measure up to this ideal
- Find ways to celebrate who you are
- Discover tools to let go of judgments attached to failures
- Practice revealing your whole self
How we do it
Trained facilitators will guide you in individual, partnered, and group setting. The environment will be judgment-free and empathetic with encouragement to stay true to yourself and know and trust your own process. Carefully designed activities include the following:
- Interactive discussions and demonstrations rather than lectures
- Visualizations to gently tap into your self-image
- Visual art exercises to express without words
- Movement exercises to integrate experiences fully
- Expressive writing exercises to internalize and explore experiences
- Tools to integrate what you learn into your everyday life
