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Liminal Space

We are living in a time that many consider to be liminal, a time of transition.

What Is A Liminal Space?

The word liminal comes from the Latin word ‘limen’, meaning threshold—any point or place of entering or beginning. A liminal space is the time between the ‘what was’ and the ‘next.’ It is a place of transition, a season of waiting, and not knowing. Liminal space is where all transformation takes place, if we learn to wait and let it form us.[i]

In so many ways, I feel that this is a profound time of transition, standing at the threshold of what is yet to be. It is an unsettling time. It is also a time to consider the opportunities and possibilities of what can be—both the positive and negative of what could happen. The choices made during this liminal space will direct the future that lies before us. That is true anytime, yet we are in a period of making history in which seismic shifts are happening in political, climate, relational and personal ways. So, what are we to do with this period of transition and not knowing?

A friend recently shared a book, How to Lead When You Don’t Know Where You’re Going: Leading in a Liminal Season by Susan Beaumont. I’ve ordered it. I need all the help I can get in moving through this time. Standing at this threshold, it can be so easy to get bogged down in the “doomsday” scenarios. Social media gives us plenty of misinformation and conspiracy theories to pick any rabbit hole we might go down. Of course, none of these are helpful.

What I try to do is simply be present to the moment. Yes, I realize that is a worn cliché and not easy to do. But in all reality, to pay attention to where I am, the sky above me, the ground beneath me and the people around me is pretty much what keeps me going. I believe God is a God of grace and mercy and that each day counts in this journey of life.

The way I choose to live each day makes a difference in how I move toward the future. I choose to see my neighbors, to offer kind words to strangers as well as friends. I choose to move toward a future with hope, planning for events and experiences that build respectful relationships. I choose to attempt seeing through eyes of hope and compassion rather than fear and hatred. I choose to keep trying to believe this is a time of great unfolding into a better way of being upon this God given earth. I choose to believe in the inherent Christ within every person, although I must admit this isn’t always easy.

Yet, what if we each took the time to get to know someone with whom we sorely disagree? What if we listened deeply to one another, shared our joys, sorrows, fears, and hopes? Okay, I admit this sounds “Pollyannish” (for those who remember Pollyanna). Yet, I do think that when we choose to look at this liminal time with fresh eyes, allow God to use us in this period of uncertain waiting, the future will begin to open in amazing ways we have yet to see. Each day makes a difference.

Blessings,
Donna

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[i] https://inaliminalspace.org/about-us/what-is-a-liminal-space/