In an age where self-esteem is a concern! Spirituality

 In an age where self-esteem is a concern! Spirituality

A Time When “Self-Esteem” Becomes a Central Concern

From a spiritual perspective, we may be living in an age where more and more people are struggling with the question of self-esteem.

According to Wikipedia, self-esteem is often defined as a sense of trust in oneself—“the feeling that it is okay to be who I am, even while living alongside others.”

In Japan, cultural history plays a unique role in shaping this. As a traditionally agrarian society, there has long been a strong emphasis on shared values and harmony within the group. The proverb “the nail that sticks out gets hammered down” reflects the tendency to suppress individuality for the sake of collective unity. As a result, people often hesitate to fully reveal their true selves.

Wikipedia also notes that Japanese children tend to rate their own self-worth lower than children in the United States, China, or South Korea. One possible reason lies in postwar education, which, after Japan’s defeat in World War II, emphasized self-criticism and the idea that “Japan was at fault.” Over time, such narratives may have fostered patterns of self-denial, making it more difficult for individuals to cultivate a healthy sense of self-esteem.

From a spiritual point of view, this struggle is not merely psychological but also energetic. A lack of self-esteem disconnects us from the natural flow of life-force and from the recognition of our soul’s inherent worth. When people begin to awaken to this, the pursuit of self-esteem is no longer just a personal issue—it becomes part of the collective spiritual journey of an entire society.

From Handmade Creativity to Passive Consumption: The Decline of Self-Expression and Self-Esteem

During Japan’s Shōwa era (1926–1989), there was a flourishing culture of handmade creativity. Children and adults alike took pride in building their own radio-controlled cars, crafting plastic models, or knitting clothing by hand. These activities were not just hobbies—they were outlets of self-expression, ways of affirming one’s individuality and creativity.

Today, however, the landscape looks very different. More children attend cram schools (juku) for intensive academic training, while leisure time is often filled with video games or other forms of passive entertainment. The opportunities for hands-on self-expression—where one’s unique personality and creativity can naturally shine—have diminished.

From a spiritual perspective, this shift has deep consequences. When the ability to express oneself weakens, the foundation of self-esteem also weakens. After all, self-esteem is not simply a matter of external validation; it is deeply tied to the soul’s ability to manifest its inner essence outwardly. Without channels for authentic self-expression, individuals may feel disconnected from their own creative spark, making it harder to sustain a healthy sense of self-worth.

In an era where self-esteem is a concern, “spirituality” is common among women.

A Time of Heightened Self-Esteem Awareness: Why It Often Appears More Strongly in Women

From a spiritual perspective, the current era has brought a heightened sensitivity around the theme of self-esteem—and this tends to appear more prominently in women than in men.

At the root of this lies a fundamental difference between male psychology and female psychology. Men are generally more inclined to direct their awareness outward—toward their work, their hobbies, or the external world—rather than seeking to be noticed themselves. Women, on the other hand, often carry a stronger desire to be seen, recognized, and valued. This polarity, in its natural balance, works like the attraction of two magnets—opposite tendencies drawing each other together, making it easier for men and women to form deep connections.

For men, the focus is primarily on what they can observe, pursue, or accomplish in the visible, material world. This outward focus leaves them with less concern for their own inner validation or self-worth.

For women, however, the desire to be seen and appreciated often translates into a stronger awareness of their own value and inner world. This naturally heightens their sensitivity to questions of self-esteem. The emphasis on relationships, beauty, and personal worth—often reflected in media, romance narratives, and social expectations—further amplifies this inner focus.

Thus, compared to men, women are more likely to find themselves reflecting on their sense of self-worth and seeking ways to affirm their value. Men, by contrast, are more easily absorbed by the external world, leaving the question of self-esteem less consciously examined.

In an age where self-esteem is a concern, “spirituality” and “spirituality”

Self-Esteem in Our Time: The Spiritual Link to Soul Growth and Spiritual Maturity

In today’s era, the rising concern around self-esteem cannot be fully understood without also considering the spiritual dimension of what is known as spiritual maturity (霊格). From a spiritual perspective, this is a key theme of our time.

I have spoken often about the concept of soul growth. Just as intellectual growth is built upon one moment of insight after another, so too is spiritual growth—the development of one’s spiritual maturity—founded upon a series of inner awakenings and realizations.

When one’s spiritual maturity rises, their presence in the world strengthens. They gain a greater creative power to uplift and enrich the hearts of others. The more “awakenings of the heart” one experiences, the wider their perspective becomes, allowing them to see beyond narrow self-interest. This is not an abstract or difficult idea—it simply means becoming a spiritual adult.

By contrast, when spiritual maturity is low, a person’s presence is weaker. Instead of seeking to fulfill others, they tend to prioritize satisfying their own unmet needs. With fewer awakenings of the heart, their perspective becomes narrower. In spiritual terms, this is simply the state of being a spiritual child.

In modern Japan, education places a strong emphasis only on intellectual insights—on accumulating knowledge and measurable skills. Parents, in turn, often encourage their children to pursue these same external achievements.

The result is that many people develop an imbalance: rich in intellectual knowledge, yet low in spiritual maturity. With a weaker sense of presence, they may struggle to trust themselves and feel secure in their own value. Inevitably, this gives rise to the modern phenomenon of people who are preoccupied with questions of self-esteem.