Under Your Skin: Rabbi Simon Jacobson’s Guide to Spiritual Layers, Hidden Connections, and the Mystery of the Interstitium
Imagine learning that, even after centuries of medical study, scientists have just discovered an entirely new layer under the human skin: a fluid-filled network, the interstitium, that was previously invisible to the naked eye. This revelation not only changes our understanding of the body—it offers profound inspiration for how we understand our inner lives. Rabbi Simon Jacobson takes this discovery beyond the laboratory, showing how the hidden layers beneath our skin mirror the depths of our soul and the unseen channels that connect our inner and outer worlds.
Looking Beneath the Surface
On the surface, life often seems straightforward: we present one face to the world, while underneath there are countless thoughts, emotions, and motivations. According to Rabbi Jacobson, just as the interstitium reveals a new “highway” of connection the body uses for communication and healing, so too does each person contain channels of spirit and consciousness beneath their visible exterior.
Consider the common experience of feeling unsettled or disconnected—even when, on the outside, everything appears calm. This could be your deeper layers signaling for attention, much like the fluid-filled networks under the skin working quietly behind the scenes. When we explore these inner “interstitial” spaces, we begin to discover the true sources of vitality, inspiration, and resilience.
The Layers of Connection
Rabbi Jacobson describes relationships as multilayered: there is the biological attraction (the attraction of the “skin”), but there are also emotional, intellectual, and spiritual connections—each layer deeper and more enduring than the last. While skin-deep relationships may fade or change with circumstance, connections built on shared values, vision, and purpose create a network of understanding that can weather any storm.
Think of a time when a shallow disagreement with a friend was transformed by a meaningful conversation, revealing mutual vulnerability or shared purpose. In that moment, you moved from surface to substance, from the “skin” to the soul of the relationship. The real strength is found not in what’s immediately visible, but in the layers that connect us beneath it all.
Aligning Body, Soul, and Life’s Purpose
The discovery of the interstitium is not just a biological event—it’s a reminder to seek out harmony between our physical and spiritual selves. Rabbi Jacobson teaches that our mission is to integrate these layers, creating a life where our actions and our deepest aspirations are in dialogue. That’s how we find true balance in our careers, families, and personal well-being.
For example, when facing a stressful situation at work, try pausing to check in not just with your thoughts, but also with your emotions and physical state. Notice the sensations “under your skin”—is there tension, restlessness, or hunger for meaning? Bringing attention to these signals helps align your actions with your inner purpose, turning daily challenges into opportunities for growth.
Practical Steps to Explore the Hidden Layers
- Daily Self-Awareness Check-in: Each morning, ask yourself: What’s going on beneath the surface? Journaling about your mood, hopes, and physical sensations can surface what often remains hidden.
- Mindful Listening: When speaking with others, focus not just on the words, but on the silences and underlying emotions. This opens the “interstitium” of relationships—the space where empathy and true understanding flourish.
- Balance Action and Reflection: Set a daily ritual to pause and reflect—during a walk, a meal, or at bedtime—on how your actions align with your values. This keeps your inner and outer worlds connected, even in a busy life.
- Explore Spiritual Learning: Study teachings that address both “body” and “soul.” Seek out wisdom traditions or classes that encourage you to look deeper and ask personal questions.
Integrating Science and Spirituality
The interstitium’s discovery is a vivid metaphor for how scientific advances can reveal spiritual truths. Just as new tools let scientists peer beneath the skin, introspection and study allow us to explore the many layers of our inner life. The invitation is to cultivate sensitivity and wonder—to see the body as a gateway to soul, and every relationship as a chance to connect deeper than before.
If you’re ready to deepen your understanding of these ideas, watch the full class “Under Your Skin: The Interstitium”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbG8gVQf1GI
