Nourishment and Liminal Space

Photo: Didssph @didsss

Are you familiar with the phrase liminal space?

If not, know it means a “threshold” and is found in the literature of religion and research related to transitions. It is an in-between space, often symbolized by a door to the next stage of your journey of change. Familiar examples are rites of passage rituals like bar/t mitzvahs, baptisms, graduation ceremonies.  Sometimes we easily walk through a threshold, other times we need to linger before crossing through the threshold door. It is this lingering that can unfold into a place of liminal space-a space to explore the future, maybe take a deep breath, or a pause, before continuing the journey. For this conversation, we can think of it as a place to allow for creativity, to let ideas needed for the next stage take root and grow. Research in the field of change and transition tells us that liminal space provides the time needed to let go of the old way of doing things and to begin to imagine a new way. So, while it may seem at times you are going slowly between the stages of change or maybe even stuck a little, there is a chance you are experiencing liminal space and it is helping you prepare for the next stage.  By the way- one hallmark of liminal space is often chaos. This can happen when  a new order of things is being created such as new routines, new priorities. The old predictable patterns are gone or aren’t working so they have to be let go. As might be imagined, it can be disorienting. Often it can be exhausting as you learn and unlearn new/old things. During these times, there will be a temptation to go back to the old ways, but unfortunately, you’ll quickly find you can’t.  They just don’t work any longer.  Liminal space can also feel dangerous, much like the trapeze artist who is swinging from one acrobat to another, it is that moment of not holding the hands o`f either  - that point of time full of promise and uncertainty.

Reflection

What are examples of liminal space in your life? What are signs that you are in that time or space? 

How do you pass time when you are in liminal space. The space when it isn’t quite time to move forward, but you can no longer go back.