Think of mental models as the operating systems we use to process reality. Just as a computer's operating system determines how it handles information, our mental models filter and interpret everything we experience. The key insight is that these aren't fixed - we can consciously update or even temporarily suspend them, like switching between different operating systems.

Consider how maps relate to territory. No map can perfectly represent reality - it must simplify and highlight certain features while ignoring others. Our mental models work the same way. The danger comes when we mistake our map for the territory itself, forgetting that it's just one way of interpreting reality.

These interfaces often determine how we respond emotionally to situations. When someone's behaviour triggers pain, it's usually not the behaviour itself but our interpretation - our interface, that creates the suffering. By recognizing this, we can choose different interpretations that serve us better.

Like clouds in the sky, mental models can either obscure or frame our view of reality. The practice isn't to eliminate them entirely, but to hold them lightly, knowing they are temporary formations rather than absolute truth.

My new interface

"See patterns, not personal territory — then respond with unconditional love to help those patterns evolve."

What does this mean?

For my personal development, this principle suggests focusing less on "becoming someone" and more on understanding and supporting the natural patterns of growth. Instead of forcing specific outcomes, I'd work more like a gardener - creating conditions for natural evolution while maintaining unconditional love for the process. The insights I gain are like seeds that have just sprouted - they show great promise, but need consistent care to grow strong roots.

What does this look like?

Work

Instead of seeing each project as a personal achievement to conquer, I'd approach it as an exploration of universal patterns - how materials interact, how components create meaning, how skills naturally develop.

This perspective allows me to work more like nature itself, where growth happens through patient exploration rather than forced progress. When I make mistakes, rather than seeing them as personal failures, I'd recognize them as natural patterns in how learning occurs.

Relationships

Rather than filtering everything through how it affects me personally, I'd start seeing each interaction as part of larger patterns of how knowledge and wisdom transfer between people. This might help me receive feedback more openly, recognizing it as part of natural patterns of growth rather than personal criticism.

Finances

Instead of viewing it as a personal burden or failure, I'd recognize it as part of larger patterns of how resources flow and how humans learn to manage them. This doesn't mean ignoring the practical reality of debt, but approaching it with less personal shame and more understanding of systemic patterns, while responding with love toward myself and others involved.

Routine

Rather than forcing myself to maintain perfect habits, I'd work to understand the patterns of when I'm most effective, how my energy naturally flows, and how to support these patterns with love rather than judgment.

Ambition

Instead of focusing on personal achievement or territory, I'd look for patterns that need support or evolution in the larger system. My work becomes less about personal success and more about understanding and nurturing patterns that create value for the whole ecosystem.

How to implement this?

1. Pattern recognition practice

When in passive environments (not engaged in any specific person or work), zoom out and recognize the patterns around me.

What is it that I am observing? What is the larger system it relates to?

• What are these people talking about?

  • What larger system does their conversation relate to?

• How are these people behaving?

  • What larger system does their behaviour relate to?

• How is this space designed?

  • What larger system does this design relate to?

• What are the assumptions/natural flows of the environment I am currently in?

  • What larger system do those assumptions relate to?

2. Translation pauses

When in active environments (engaged in a specific person or work), zoom in and recognize the patterns in front of me.

• Avoid being reactive as much as you possibly can.

• Take your time with everything.

  • Talk slowly.

  • Listen twice as slowly.

• Evaluate, "what pattern is this?" → apply unconditional positive regard → inject into external environment.