People Who Don't Exist
In this episode, I explore the idea that most of our interactions are with "people who don't exist," meaning the mental portraits we create of others rather than their true selves. This concept, inspired by a trek in Nepal and the Zen koan of the Gateless Gate, highlights how we project our own interpretations onto individuals, leading to a disconnect from reality. A key takeaway is that we are all "painters of portraits," and our mental images of others, and even ourselves, are rarely one hundred percent accurate. This realization offers a profound sense of freedom, allowing us to approach interactions with a beginner's mind, free from the obligation to be who we were moments ago, and to grant others the same liberty to change and evolve. This practice encourages more open and liberating interactions, both for ourselves and those around us.
