Everyone You Know Starts Out as an Imaginary Friend

Before we ever meet someone as they truly are, we meet the version of them in our minds—the story we create based on fragments, memory, and meaning. In this episode, we explore how relationships begin in imagination, shaped by projection, perception, and expectation. Freemasonry challenges us to see others—and ourselves—more clearly by learning to tell the difference between who we imagine and who truly stands before us.🔑 Key TakeawaysWe first interact with our idea of people, not their full realityProjections and assumptions shape how we relate, for better or worseMasonic work asks us to dissolve illusion and meet others with clarity, humility, and presence💬 Featured Quotes0:00:10 – “You really don’t meaningfully interact with other people… you’re filtering that interaction through the idea of that person.”0:00:25 – “Ninety percent of the time when you’re reacting to someone else, you’re reacting to your idea of them, not to them directly.”0:00:42 – “We get angry with the idea of other people, disappointed in the idea of them, proud of the idea of them—and rarely pause to see who they actually are.”🔗 Explore Related EpisodesThe Mirror and the Mind: Seeing the World as It Is — Explores how perception shapes reality and how to polish the mirror of awareness.Beyond Silence: What Freemasonry Teaches About Risk and Openness — On vulnerability and the courage required to reveal and truly see others.The Trowel: Building Connections That Last — A look at how genuine connection requires patience, care, and attention beyond projection.Creators & Guests Brian Mattocks - Host    Click here to view the episode transcript.

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