“Extending” and “Receiving” are two dynamics of actualizing personal power. They are also two personality projection types with greatly different first impression consequences. As with most qualities, a balance and working knowledge of both sides of the equation is required.
Contemporary society predominately holds the power of control/extension of oneself/celebrity/alpha dog in the highest regard. However there are those who value non-manipulative traits of receiving/acceptance/perseverance as more substancial.
Balancing the “giving and acceptance”; or establishing either one as a priority of response affects personality types. Actions/responses are projected/determined/programed. Which we want, or don’t want. Useful are the telegraphed, subconscious connections which we emanate.
The good aspect is that image and dependability is created. A pitfall is that stimulus/response operation leads to being helplessly manipulated.
Segments of society place value on the diversity of human responses and the personal power of interaction. And, some factors involve both the giving/receiving.
For example:
Extending/Giving:
* Leadership.
* Command.
* Control.
* Domination.
* Generosity.
* Love.
* Friendship.
Receiving/Accepting:
* Teamwork.
* Perseverance.
* Tolerance.
* Love.
* Friendship.
Important is that “power/control/dominion” is often thought of as the desirous trait to obtain.
However, there are nuances of information that can be obtained from the “receiving/accepting” response that cannot be learned any other way. Plus, the ability to “tolerate and persevere” and then “move on” is most often the most advantageous aspect of long term success, self-actualization, and good health.
The ability to allow oneself to experience the power of others, accept it, control it, and then use it for one’s own gain is the most elusive trait of successful personal development. Of most importance is: not having this skill/trait can become a major shortfall to success and happiness.
Athletic competition, martial arts, debate, etc. are all activities that on the surface appear as though the extending/giving of power is the most sought after for training.
The use of these mediums as a source in working with power, especially excessive, is how to train and integrate the control of “offense.” Experiencing the other side, “receiving” the offensive power is how it can be more accurately analyzed. Resisting or withdrawal will not allow the learning experience to take place.
Only learning to “give out” cuts off the benefits obtained by “receiving.”
Reframing into a positive, life building personality trait that is more useful and practical is the goal. Adversity becomes something that is not feared; but accepted as a step toward greater perseverance and life lessons learned that cannot be obtained any other way.
There are people who observe the quality of the individual not by how much they can “give out;” but by how much they “can take.” This is often the greater knowledge of “situational underlying dynamics.”
For example:
* A tennis player that intensively receives the training sessions of a “serving practice” learns how to “receive” the speed of play, become in the zone with it, learn the nuances that creates the best serves by observation and physical experience. What looks good to the observer or the server may not be what is impacting the receiver the most. (The wise coach looks at the effects on the receiver.) Through repetition these nuances of technique can be observed, and then obtained for one’s own use.
* “Receiving” harsh treatment, bullying, and then reframing it into a life lesson that experiences like this are only harmful if allowed to harm creates the strength to progress to even more difficult situations without fear. (This is the reframing of the “Empowerment over Adversity, Intimidation, Bullying video presentation.) Disarming tactics are acquired, and leadership/mentoring/parenting potential is increased.
Also increased is one’s reputation to handle difficult situations.
* The depth of art and personal expression begins with the ability to receive.
* The highest levels of martial arts, which also are healing arts, are obtained from “receiving techniques.”
(Skilled management is always looking for these qualities. Long term success is usually dependent on the skills/ability/knowledge emanating from the ability to receive/take it.)