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Briefing Document: Teru Nakashima - Discovering Your True Self Through Experiential Awareness

Author: Teru Nakashima (Psychological Counselor)

Main Theme: Discovering and appreciating one's true self by experiencing limitations and shifting focus to what one has rather than what one lacks. The core concept revolves around experiencing discomfort or limitations to gain a deeper understanding of oneself and others.

Key Ideas and Facts:

Becoming a Different Self Reveals the True Self: Nakashima advocates for activities that force individuals outside of their comfort zone to facilitate self-discovery.
Experiential Exercises to Reveal Limitations: The text provides two specific exercises designed to induce feelings of inadequacy or inconvenience:
Blindfolded Writing: Writing one's name on paper while blindfolded highlights the reliance on sight and the challenges faced without it. The expected result is a feeling of difficulty and a potential loss of spatial awareness.
Blindfolded Walking: Walking while blindfolded emphasizes the dependence on sight for navigation and the feeling of being restricted without it.
Focusing on Deficiencies: The core principle lies in generating the sensation of lacking something to cultivate empathy and shift perspective.
Empathy and Understanding Others: By experiencing personal limitations, individuals can better understand the challenges faced by others. This, in turn, fosters a deeper sense of self-awareness.
Shifting Focus from Lack to Abundance: When stress from work and lack of autonomy (self-determination) increases, individuals tend to concentrate on what they are missing. These exercises aim to re-direct the focus towards what they already possess and are grateful for.
Positive Behavioral Change: By shifting perspective, individuals can positively influence their actions and overall well-being.
Self-Empowerment: The text concludes with the idea that individuals have the power to alter their mental state.
- Why is it important to sometimes try to become a different version of myself?
- According to Teru Nakashima, intentionally becoming a different version of yourself, even temporarily, allows you to become aware of your true self. Stepping outside your normal routine and comfort zone creates an opportunity for self-discovery and a deeper understanding of your own identity.
- What is the purpose of the exercise involving writing my name with my eyes closed?
- This exercise is designed to make you aware of your limitations and the inherent difficulties we often overlook. By closing your eyes and trying to write, you experience a lack of control and precision. This highlights the "lack" or the challenges we face when deprived of a normally utilized sense, shifting your focus to what you often take for granted.
- How does walking with my eyes closed help me understand myself better?
- Walking with your eyes closed creates a feeling of vulnerability and dependence. It forces you to confront your reliance on sight and realize the freedom and ease it provides. Experiencing this "inconvenience" allows you to empathize with those who may face similar limitations on a daily basis, fostering a broader perspective.
- What is the key takeaway or sensation I should be feeling after completing these exercises?
- The primary sensation you should experience is an awareness of your "shortcomings" or deficiencies. The intention is to realize that while we may feel lacking in certain areas, we also possess many abilities and privileges that we often take for gran

Teru Nakashima, All about Self-esteem

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