Tap to follow so you can find this meditation whenever you need to be Softly Guided — and come back next week for the next pillar in this six-part series.
This meditation is Part 2 of a six-part series exploring the six pillars of self-esteem, based on Nathaniel Branden’s book The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem. If this series resonates with you, I highly recommend reading the book alongside it.
The second pillar is Self-Acceptance.
Self-acceptance doesn’t mean loving everything you do or giving up on growth. It means being able to acknowledge where you are right now without using your imperfections, mistakes, emotions, or habits as reasons to reject yourself.
You can want to change something and still accept yourself in the process. You can grow without shame. You can recognize where you have more to learn without deciding that there is something fundamentally wrong with you.
This meditation is designed to help you practice staying on your own side — meeting yourself with honesty, understanding, and compassion while still allowing yourself to grow.
Throughout the week, notice the moments when you begin criticizing, shaming, or rejecting yourself. Instead of forcing yourself into positive thinking, simply practice reminding yourself: I can acknowledge this without rejecting myself.
Return to this meditation as often as you need throughout the week, and come back next week as we continue moving through all six pillars of self-esteem together.
If you’re enjoying the series, please take a moment to rate the show. Meditation requests are always welcome in the comments.
Part 3 release date: September 18th, 2026 9:00AM PST / 12:00PM EST