Go ahead, have a little peek.

It gives me a little peek into your soul

said my dear older brother about my blog.  And I’m putting that one in the mental treasure box for days when the little blue button is unkind.

I think we need more opportunities to peek into each other’s souls.  In the world we live in, there are plenty of opportunities to look at each other externally.  I can see your new haircut, the letters that come after your name, where you went to school, what you ate for dinner, where you traveled this year and what superhero you are according to facebook.

And all of those things are important.  But if I’m honest with myself and with you, I care less about where you went to school and what your new haircut looks like.  I care more about

what surprised you today?

what has been difficult for you and your family this week?

what brings you joy?

and

what are you most looking forward to right now?

It’s kind of funny that we are so accustomed to answering “who are you” and “how are you” in very specific ways.  And perhaps responding to “who are you?” with

I am a social introvert who adores people [unless I’m low on energy].  I struggle with digestive problems and staying on top of the daily news.  I dream of adventures in Colorado but try to have them in this small Virginia town too.  I’ve made lots of mistakes in my life but am thankful to have received a lot of grace.  I cook at home most of the time because I really care about the food that goes into my body.  But I also love green chicken curry and Thai people make it way better than me. And if I could have any superhero power, it would be omnilingualism.

is a bit inappropriate, or at least awkward in most settings.  Because by asking “who are you?”, you probably wanted to know

that my name is Rachel.  I’m a health coach and yoga instructor.  I grew up in Cincinnati and went to school at Centre College.  I’m married and have no kids.//important stuff, but not a peek into my soul.

I get that we have to have a place to start.  Not every conversation or interaction can start with your deepest fears and dreams — that would be quite awkward and uncomfortable.  But maybe some of the time [perhaps one time this week]  your conversations and interactions can give someone a little peek into your soul.  

My friend, will you join me?  Will you join me in creating a potentially awkward, vulnerable or uncomfortable interaction so that we can peek into each other’s souls?  I imagine there’s so much beauty to be found there.