Neither here nor there.
Most of us are in the midst of some type of change. Philosophers, writers, and others have suggested that life is, in fact, what takes place when we are in the middle of change. It is this place in between —where we are and where we want to be— where life happens. There is a great term used to describe this place—it is the liminal space which is defined as: “of, relating to, or being an intermediate state, phase, or condition: in-between, transitional “on the threshold.” (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/).
While the name is intriguing, experiencing the “in between time” is often uncomfortable for many in our culture. We prefer to just move on and get beyond this awkward period of confusion. Yet, as William Bridges, who calls this place the “neutral zone” in his oft-cited book, Transitions, this is the time not to rush— for from it one will discover, grow and start the work of creating “new beginnings.”
Most of us are in the midst of some type of change. Philosophers, writers, and others have suggested that life is, in fact, what takes place when we are in the middle of change. It is this place in between —where we are and where we want to be— where life happens. There is a great term used to describe this place—it is the liminal space which is defined as: “of, relating to, or being an intermediate state, phase, or condition: in-between, transitional “on the threshold.” (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/).
While the name is intriguing, experiencing the “in between time” is often uncomfortable for many in our culture. We prefer to just move on and get beyond this awkward period of confusion. Yet, as William Bridges, who calls this place the “neutral zone” in his oft-cited book, Transitions, this is the time not to rush— for from it one will discover, grow and start the work of creating “new beginnings.”
Whatever the name, you will know if you are in the liminal space. If, for example, you awaken one morning, and have the feeling that your “clothes no longer fit,” or the once familiar routine feels different and less comfortable. Your life patterns have been disrupted. Welcome! You have arrived at the liminal space-and if you are like most people, you will want to leave quickly. But, as Bridges and others suggest, this can be a time of renewal, so try and stay awhile.
Sometimes it takes prickly sensations —like feeling disoriented, disappointed and disconcerted—to nudge us into this liminal space. While this is not, as I remind clients, “the time to go solo,” (i.e., trying to be heroic and figuring everything out on your own), it is an important time for introspection and reexamination. A time for thinking about and imagining how you might reconfigure parts of your life.
So, while the impetus for change might be external—the work ahead begins with you. Just be sure not to travel alone.
Whatever the name, you will know if you are in the liminal space. If, for example, you awaken one morning, and have the feeling that your “clothes no longer fit,” or the once familiar routine feels different and less comfortable. Your life patterns have been disrupted. Welcome! You have arrived at the liminal space-and if you are like most people, you will want to leave quickly. But, as Bridges and others suggest, this can be a time of renewal, so try and stay awhile.
Sometimes it takes prickly sensations —like feeling disoriented, disappointed and disconcerted—to nudge us into this liminal space. While this is not, as I remind clients, “the time to go solo,” (i.e., trying to be heroic and figuring everything out on your own), it is an important time for introspection and reexamination. A time for thinking about and imagining how you might reconfigure parts of your life.
So, while the impetus for change might be external—the work ahead begins with you. Just be sure not to travel alone.
