We need each other. We don’t need who we pretend to be.

Rev. Dr. Steven Koski

“How are you?”
“Im ok.”
“No.Really? How are you?”
And just like that my impenetrable walls of defense crumbled. I felt seen and loved.
Some people possess a superpower. They are able to hear what is not said. They are able to listen compassionately to the silence between the words knowing secrets aren’t revealed in the words but are concealed in the silence between the words.Some people possess the superpower of seeing through our defensive shields. These superheroes have the power to see past our best efforts of pretending we are strong and “together.” They have the power to create space for vulnerability leaving you feeling seen and loved and not shamed.
We try to impress people with our strengths and wonder why we feel distant, disconnected and detached. We connect through shared vulnerability. It is not our strengths that unite us. It is our vulnerability. What we share most in common are the salty taste of our tears. One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to connect and let people know they are not alone.
Every single day we meet someone who is falling apart on the inside even as they look completely collected on the outside.
You are a superhero who can burst through impenetrable defenses. Put on your cape. Be mindful of even those who seem to be in the best places. Check on your friends. Keep checking on them. Listen compassionately to the silence between the words. You don’t need to give advice, fix, solve or save them. Just tell them you love them. Keep telling them. Look them in the eyes if you can. Be vulnerable. Be honest. Be real. Be human. It gives others permission to do the same.
That is your superpower. You’ll be surprised how much darkness can be pushed back with such heroic humanness.
We need each other. We don’t need who we pretend to be. We need to meet each other as we really are. So, dust off your cape.