LIMINAL
What is it? How did I get here?
What can I learn from being in a liminal space?
L I M I N A L
Adj. lim·i·nal|ˈli-mə-nᵊl
Latin: limen, limin=‘threshold’
1: of, relating to, or situated at a sensory threshold:
barely perceptible or capable of eliciting a response
2: of, relating to, or being an intermediate state, phase,
or condition: in-between, transitional
Grieving the loss of a loved one,
Going through a painful divorce,
Experiencing financial strain, the loss of a job or identity,
Receiving a diagnosis of a life-threatening illness,
Not achieving a desired milestone.
These life events have the potential to hurl us into an abyss of despair. Welcome! You’ve landed… and are now in the throes of “being” in a liminal space. Whatever change you are enduring, it can be a redefining time in your life. It is frightening, as well as emotionally, physically, and spiritually draining. Understandably, you have a myriad of questions flooding your mind, perhaps “How did this happen?” “Is this for real?” “What’s going on?” “What’s next?” “Where am I?” or “Who am I?” In the works by Richard Rohr he describes the liminal space as “the time between the ‘what was’ and the ‘next.’ It is a place of transition, a season of waiting, and not knowing.”
Think of liminal as the space or time between:
“no longer here” AND “not yet there”
“no longer this” AND “not yet that”
“the old” AND “the new”
“the known” AND “the unknown”
Perhaps you can appreciate the turbulent emotions of liminal space while traveling through these life-changing events? To cross the threshold into this temporary place is not for the faint of heart; tenacity, fortitude, self-compassion, strength, patience, trust and a glimmer of hope are needed to help manoeuvre through the turbulent times. For some, their faith and spirituality may be questioned, or abandoned – for others, faith and spirituality may be discovered or deepened.
Just as a flower begins its journey as a tightly wrapped bud, closed off to the outside world, your personal journey of liminal space may often feel similar: isolated, alone, dark. It makes sense to surround yourself with a supportive network where you feel held, heard and understood. BUT, in saying all of this….it is temporary, it is healing, and it is magical. It is in the time of darkness, the liminal space, that your greatest personal transformation will occur.
GET. IT. OUT.
I’m here to listen to your story, with compassion and unconditional acceptance.
Hugs and love, Janet