A memory from a couple years ago popped up today on one of my social media profiles and it is one of my favorite quotes that I’ve held onto in the back of my mind ever since I saw it.

“There is a big difference between projections and hard-earned wisdom. All too often, people are accused of projecting when they make bold statements about human behavior. And sometimes this is true- our perspective can emanate from our own unresolved issues. We still have a chip on our shoulder, and that chip influences our view. But sometimes, our perspective is a reflection of what we have gleaned from our experiences. Sometimes we have learned a little something from all we have endured. So let’s not turn everyone’s wisdom into a mirror projection game. Because sometimes we are actually seeing through the veils to a truth that demands expression. Sometimes our insights are fully grounded in reality. Sometimes we are seeing things for what they are.” – Jeff Brown

It deeply resonated with me because, deep down, I knew that people have turned projection into something that we should be ashamed of doing or that it’s somehow wrong and bad.

But in reality, projection is simply a part of being human. It’s how we make sense of the world, reflect on our experiences, and process what we’ve been through. It only becomes problematic when we refuse to acknowledge it or when others weaponize the concept of it to invalidate perspectives that challenge their comfort zones.

But to add more wisdom further to it, everyone projects—it’s not inherently a bad thing. But some toxic communities have taken projection as a weapon to dismiss any insight, perspective, or truth that makes them uncomfortable. And instead of humbly reflecting on whether there’s validity in what’s being shared, they label it as ‘projection’ to avoid accountability.

So, when it comes to navigating human interactions and understanding human behavior, true wisdom requires discernment. We have to be able to differentiate between what stems from unresolved wounds and what is a reflection of hard-earned growth and understanding. And dismissing everything as a projection can keep us—and entire communities—trapped in denial and stagnation.

Reflecting on this quote, it serves as a powerful reminder that while self-awareness is crucial, so is the ability to recognize when someone, or ourselves, is speaking from a place of clarity and experience. Sometimes, people are seeing through the veils of illusion, denial, or pretense and offering truth that demands to be heard. And the ability to sit with that truth, even when it’s uncomfortable, is what allows real growth and transformation to happen.

The more I reflect on this, the clearer it becomes just how often wisdom gets dismissed under the label of projection—especially when it challenges people to confront parts of themselves they’d rather keep buried. But facing those truths is often the very thing that opens the door to psychospiritual expansion and freedom.

So, this quote ultimately reminds me that projection, when grounded in wisdom and knowledge gained from alchemizing our experiences, or just from being studied and emotionally intelligent, is not something to be feared or shamed. Instead, it can serve as a mirror—offering valuable insights about ourselves, others, and the dynamics we find ourselves navigating in ways that encourage growth, deeper understanding, and a clearer view of reality that many may be unwilling—or unprepared—to face.

Building on this idea, it’s important to recognize that projection doesn’t always stem from unresolved wounds or blind spots. Sometimes, it emerges from a place of deep reflection and transformation. And when we’ve done the work to process our wounds, transform our pain, and extract deeper truths from our experiences, the perspectives we share are often rooted in clarity rather than distortion. So, in those moments of insight and grounded awareness, what others might hastily dismiss as projection could actually be a reflection of hard-earned wisdom that challenges the status quo—or simply their own unexamined fears, insecurities, or resistance to growth.

With this understanding in mind, recognizing this distinction empowers us to stand firm in our truth without internalizing the dismissiveness of others. It reminds us that real wisdom isn’t always comfortable or easy to accept, especially for those who aren’t ready to confront their own shadows. But that discomfort doesn’t make it any less valid. Instead, it reinforces the importance of honoring the insights we’ve gained and trusting the clarity we’ve cultivated through our own transformation or psychospiritual studies.

And at the end of the day, projection isn’t inherently a bad thing. It all comes down to how we choose to approach and express it. When it’s rooted in growth, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence, it becomes far more than something to be feared, ashamed of, or avoided. In fact, it can be a powerful tool—one that, when used with discernment, has the potential to illuminate hidden truths, spark meaningful conversations, and guide others toward deeper reflection—if they’re willing to listen.

Thank you for tuning in to this reflection and digital telepathic communication.

Always in divine alignment,

Your Mystical Magickal Guide,

Leeo / Awakened Paradigm