Self-esteem does not depend on your environment, personal history or external recognition. It is built from the internal relationship that each person establishes with themselves: how they perceive themselves, how they speak to themselves, how they treat themselves and how much they recognise themselves. In this sense, self-esteem is not something that is obtained from outside, but something that is cultivated within.

From the Rebirthing approach, we understand that we are organic, living beings in constant transformation. Life expresses itself in us through our breath, our body and our emotions. Learning to listen to ourselves on these levels allows us to broaden our view of our own resources and reconnect with our essence.

Much of our personal devaluation does not arise in the present, but has its origin in early experiences. These are learned beliefs and messages that were recorded in the body and in the breath at times when we did not have the necessary resources to sustain ourselves emotionally. Rebirthing invites us to observe these patterns without judgement and to release, through conscious breathing, the associated emotional burdens.

We often look at our history from the perspective of failure or error, forgetting to honour the path we have travelled. Every experience has contributed to our development and strengthened internal resources that are now available to us. Recognising our strengths and lessons learned is a fundamental act of self-esteem that allows us to look to the future with greater confidence and serenity.

Many people live disconnected from their true identity, trapped in limiting beliefs, guilt and self-imposed demands. Recovering the connection with our essence — that intact and vital inner space — is key to emotional well-being. Loving ourselves is not an ideal, but a daily practice that is sustained by awareness and breathing.

When self-esteem is healthy, the emotional system regulates itself in a more balanced way. States of confidence, motivation and openness arise that favour experiences consistent with our well-being. Through Rebirthing, we learn to take responsibility for our inner world and choose how to respond to what life presents us with.Our thoughts and emotions are directly reflected in the body. Breathing acts as a bridge between the mind, emotions and the physical. By transforming unconscious breathing patterns, a profound change in self-perception occurs. The body is not the cause of discomfort, but the messenger.

We are not victims of our history or mere observers of our lives. We are active participants in the process, especially in how we choose to deal with it. In that capacity for conscious choice lies our true freedom.

Replacing complaint with gratitude is a powerful therapeutic practice. Gratitude brings us back to the present, reinforces confidence and connects us with what is already available within us. Leaving behind guilt and reproach is to open ourselves to a fuller life, breathed and lived from a place of authenticity.