Filtering Negative and Capturing Positive Influences
“Most people have a need for the approval of others. The Initiate, in contrast, merely enjoys the approval of others. You can enjoy ice-cream, without needing it. I hope that you can see the big difference between these two stances.
To become an Initiate, you must eliminate the need for the approval of others.
Personally, I love getting approval and admiration from other people. It’s a great feeling knowing that others like and admire you, but I don’t need it. If I get it – then fine, but if I don’t get it – then that’s fine too. This is another characteristic of an Initiate. He or she will capture any positive influence which comes their way, but reject any negative input. In this way, if someone shows you approval or admiration, you can capture the positive benefit and use this to re-enforce all of the good feelings you have about yourself. But if they withhold approval, or give strong signals of disapproval, then you simply filter-out these negative influences, and they have absolutely no effect on your feeling of well-being.
This is an incredibly powerful technique which will bring rich rewards in your life. Imagine! Never feeling the need for the approval of others ever again! Imagine filtering-out all negative influences which emanate from other people. Imagine capturing only the positive influences, and using these to build your feeling of self-esteem and worth!”
- Inner Circle Philosophy (Stuart Goldsmith)
