A few days ago, I spent an evening with some close friends. We explored deep questions about spirituality, consciousness, and the nature of reality.  We didn't always agree on various topics, but that was never a problem. Nobody felt the need to defend themselves, convince anyone else, or protect their identity. 

The conversation remained an exploration. Everyone was free to think out loud, ask difficult questions, change their mind, or leave with the same perspective they had when they arrived.

On my way home, I thought about how valuable that is.

Authenticity requires an environment where honesty feels safe. Without that, most people won't reveal who they are. They only reveal the parts they believe will be accepted.

How often do you hold something back because you're unsure how it will be received?  

As the world of social media reduces our interactions to short comments of approval or disapproval, I'm finding it more and more important to find opportunities to share our deepest truths.

Can we can stay present with someone when we don't agree? Can we remain curious instead of defensive? Can we separate someone's perspective from their worth?

I've noticed online that disagreements become hostile and personal so quickly. Have people forgotten that you can have a different opinion and choose to contemplate the other side rather than attack it?

Spiritual growth happens when we become willing to see through someone else's eyes and (contemplatively) walk in another's shoes. It asks us to value understanding over judgment.

I'll leave you with two questions that have stayed with me since that evening...

Who in your life knows the real you?

And perhaps even more importantly...

For whom have you created a space where it's safe to share their deepest truths?