What happens if I stop worrying about what might appear in other people’s heads? I realize how hard it is to let go of this reflex of trying to imagine intentions, and I may keep guessing opinions. Is there something off about being so focused on it? For ages, I have spent a lot of energy thinking about ideas that may not even be real or knowable.

Isn’t it curious that I was often taught to be aware of what others might think in order to be relatable? Yet this thinking can sometimes push everyone apart instead of bringing us closer together. It can build barriers between experience and what I imagine might happen.

What might change if I focus on actions instead of thoughts? I could let their actions speak for them. Perhaps I don’t need to guess.

Am I original? Yeah… Am I the only one? Yeah…

Could this change be a way of respecting others and myself more? The gap between being kindly unaware and overly watchful is indeed tiny. I can invite genuine interaction while the other fills my mind with what I think might be true. I could also be gentle with arisings and not interfere.

What if I saw opinions as just personal circumstances instead of truths? Would that give me more freedom? I could share my thoughts without fear of needing to persuade others.

There’ll be times when my crimes will seem almost unforgivable.

How do I react when I stop playing the guessing game? It can be revealing. Those who know me well might resist change the most, as any growth challenges how they see themselves, too.

It seems that everyone might know about the mind-reading habit and also have the opportunity to let it go. Maybe everyone could recognize both the pressure to play this guessing game and the freedom that comes from simply engaging with what’s essential here—and maybe see where they can be of help.

You are always welcome.