The Liminal Space

The word liminal comes from the Latin word “limen,” which means threshold. It’s the space between what was and what will be. It is fluid, uncertain, and sacred. It’s where we transform.

In this space, feeling and intuition are our guides. Unlike the rational/intellectual mind, these guides are deep within our hearts, and we must listen deeply and connect with ourselves.

The liminal space can be uncomfortable since it is the in-between of what we used to know in the past, and what we don’t know lies ahead in the future. It is the place of letting go and moving toward new beginnings. It can be messy. and fearful, and at the same time filled with possibilities. It can be filled with new experiences and the ability to start over. It may be a time for reflection in order to understand ourselves and other people.

We are all living in this liminal space currently. We don’t know what lies ahead, and we can’t go back. This is the time to take extra good care of ourselves in order to deal with the stress of the unknown.

Here are a few ideas for being able to manage the discomfort and anxiousness of liminal space:

• Use the Coherent breathing technique:
  Close your eyes and mouth. Inhale for a slow count of two through the nose. Exhale for a slow count of two through the nose. After a few rounds, increase the count slowly from two to three, three to four, four to five.
  
  
• Memorize a word, a phrase, a prayer, or a poem and use that as a mantra.
  A mantra is sound repeated to aid concentration or to calm oneself down. A mantra can help us connect with our better self.
  
  
• The “3 C’s” is a cognitive technique for identifying and changing negative thought patterns: Catch it – Challenge it – Change it.
  • Catch: Identify the thought pattern
  • Challenge: Examine the thought pattern
  • Change: Reshape the thought pattern

Reflection:
When was the last time you were in a liminal space, and what happened?

Today’s Practice:
The next time you are irritated waiting in line, waiting for a doctor’s appointment, or feeling anxious, use the Coherent Breathing technique, recite a Mantra you have memorized, or use the Three C’s.