"We are all the same person trying to shake hands with our self"

Wavy Gravy’s observation, “We are all the same person trying to shake hands with our self,” expresses a profound perspective on human interconnectedness and self-awareness. At its heart, the statement dissolves the boundaries that typically define individuality, suggesting that the separation we perceive between ourselves and others is largely illusory. Instead, all people share a common essence, a universal self beneath the surface differences of appearance, culture, or personality.

The act of “trying to shake hands with our self” evokes the image of someone reaching across divides, social, emotional, or existential, not merely to connect with another person but to encounter a reflection of themselves. This handshake symbolizes recognition, acceptance, and unity. It encourages embracing empathy, suggesting that every interaction is, at some level, an internal dialogue. Each person we meet could be seen as a mirror reflecting parts of our own nature: our desires, fears, strengths, and weaknesses.

Gravy's words challenge the ego-driven narrative that each person is completely separate. By recognizing ourselves in others, we can cultivate greater compassion and understanding. Conflicts and judgments melt away in the realization that harming or alienating another is, metaphorically, denying connection with one’s own self. The boundaries between “self” and “other” become more porous, opening up possibilities for deeper support and love.

This perspective resonates with spiritual and philosophical traditions that teach the interconnectedness of all beings. Whether it’s the Buddhist idea of non-duality, or the humanist emphasis on shared experience, the message is clear: self-realization involves acknowledging our oneness with others. In striving to “shake hands” with ourselves through our interactions, we participate in an ongoing journey of self-discovery and collective harmony. By intentionally bridging the gaps between us, we ultimately find that the search for connection leads right back to the core of our own being.