How to get rid of mental patterns

Following is an excerpt from a samvaad (dialogue) session with Acharya Prashant.

Questioner: Sometimes when I get connected with someone and find them to be very advanced spiritually, in physical skills, in intelligence, in overall excellence, then I get very moved by them, attracted to what they represent and I get a sense that I want that too. But then, when I try to focus on their teachings, I run into a pattern.

The pattern is that I start to see imaginary dialogues and meetings with them where either I am presenting very advanced observations to them and they are impressed by me or I am sitting at their feet in complete surrender and usually crying. The image of being advanced gives me a sense of importance and the image of being in surrender gives me a sense of catharsis. However, both only last for a very brief moment.

I think it’s the underlying need of acceptance as someone worthwhile and love and appreciation is what I am subconsciously seeking. But these imaginary trips are a distraction and they suck away my time and focus from what is actually being said. In the end, I gain very little from sessions and readings, as I go completely go off course. How to get rid of these patterns and truly listen?

Acharya Prashant: No, don’t fight the pattern. The pattern is auspicious even though it is just a pattern. If the pattern is telling you something about your subconscious, then listen to what it is telling.

Bring the pattern to a closure. Take the pattern to its fullness. Don’t fight it. Don’t destroy it. Don’t kill it. Rather take it to its fullness.

Yes, you are seeking closeness to excellence. Yes, you are seeking closeness to intelligence. You are seeking closeness to fulfillment. And you have rightly observed that that closeness when you achieve it in your imaginations is very temporary. Then proceed. Don’t stop at the level of imaginations.

What does it mean to proceed? You are meeting that advanced, excellent person in your dreams, your imaginations. What does it mean to proceed? Does it mean that you should meet them in flesh and blood? Well, you may try that. You may try that and you’ll find that the experience of fulfillment and fullness associated with them is still quite fleeting, is still quite…