Liminal Spaces
Have you been here? Are you in one now?
To be in a liminal space is to find oneself in a state of being in-between.
I’m not where I was but I’m not where I’m going.
I’m not who I was but I’m not who I will become.
I have an architectural rendering but not one brick or board has been placed.
I won the lottery but the check has not yet arrived. [wishful thinking ;-)]
Each of us may find ourselves in liminal spaces often. Sometimes it finds us when we aren’t expecting it and at other times we seek it out because something within us draws us into the unknown.
Right now, I find myself in such a place. It is an uncertain direction that has been rattling around inside of me and it is asking something of me. The whispers in my heart say there are things which must be released and others to which I must take ahold. Without specifics in place or any expected outcome, there are more questions than answers. It is more like feeling my way along a dim tunnel than seeing the path forward in the daylight. Yet one thing does stand out and is clear. To quiet or ignore the heart-voice would close off possibilities, opportunities, life-lessons, challenges, and adventures. And, to deny this inner guide may choke off the breath that supports vibrancy and vitality. A step is required. And then another. For, there are new things to learn, interesting people to encounter, exploring to do, priorities to discover and set, more things to release, and an opening of hands to receive.
And so, I’ve released some things and I’m finding the way, one little step at a time.
Because I have committed myself to this “in-between” space, this is how I am approaching each week and every day. I ask, what is the next right step—and who is the next right person to know—and what is the next right book to read or podcast to hear—and is there anything keeping me from pursuing this? You might call the process “living into the questions”. Some days I feel like there are accomplishments and others leave me wondering if I’m doing the right things. While intentionality and planning are part of the process, grace for the journey must abound as well. And, celebrations! Celebrations need to be enjoyed when tasks are completed, new ground is explored, or the next step reveals itself. There’s nothing like a little party to provide fuel and fodder towards the next right move.
Rather than finding this time and space foreboding or overwhelming, I find excitement, joy, and curiosity are my companions. You see, across the years, the touch of the Holy has been unmistakable in my life. In the difficult challenges, through depression and anxiety, when I could have train-wrecked life… and when blessings piled high and sailing was smooth—I have been certain of God’s presence, unconditional love, and provisions for the journey. Sometimes I have been able to see clearly and at other times, things became clear in hindsight. That’s okay. Knowing this with certainty allows me to find excitement in the mystery of finding my way. It’s like a treasure hunt for that which is also seeking after me.
What is rattling around inside of you? Are there new doorways in front of you that you might want to open? What requires that you to loosen your grip on something you’re holding? What longings, hopes, and dreams are inspiring your decisions and actions? The Holy Mystery that holds us all, will certainly accompany you on the pathway— and our Guide desires for you to find your way even more than you want to find it. I believe this.
