The Liminal Space
Embracing a place of transition, a season of waiting, and not knowing.
Welcome to Morning Pages, a newsletter sharing inspirations to help you cultivate creativity and fulfillment.
How have you been feeling this week?
With the end of the year rapidly approaching, many are stretched thin. It's difficult having to constantly balance self-care and productivity. It might feel like an endless spiral into the unknown. Parents don't know when they can have access to daycare again. Job seekers don't know when the job market will improve so they can land a job. Restaurants don't know when indoor dining can safely resume.
We're in a liminal space during this unique time in history.
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 a time between the ‘what was’ and the ‘next.’
It is a place of transition, a season of waiting, and not knowing.
It is when you have left the tried and true, but have not yet been able to replace it with anything else.
It is when you are between your old comfort zone and any possible new answer.
I first learned about liminal space at the Story Conference. It is an annual gathering for storytellers in Nashville, TN. In a STORY podcast interview, writer and storyteller John Bucher (@johnkbucher) went in-depth about the concept of liminal space. This conversation inspired the theme of STORY 2019: Between no longer and not yet.
What happens when you're in a liminal space?
We often recognize the manifestation of liminal space after an extreme event: unexpected death, the loss of a longtime job, a divorce, or some equally life-altering shake-up.
That said, liminal space can also display in less dramatic circumstances: interviewing for a new job, dating before committing to a relationship, company reorganizations, figuring out which city to relocate to, and the stay-home order due to Covid-19.
When you're in a liminal space, these following characteristics often stand out.
You're in limbo
Feeling like you're stuck in limbo can sometimes feel terrible. Sometimes, you got into the situation not by choice. It can feel like you're not in control of the situation. You can't move forward until decisions outside of your control are made. It’s a time of inaction and waiting for the next chapter to begin.
Your identity is to be defined
When you're in a liminal space, you may question many aspects of your life. Ultimately, simple yet powerful questions can lead us to discover our deeper desire and purpose.
You feel vulnerable.
Liminal space does not provide much comfort. In normal times, you live a life that prevents any vulnerabilities from seeping in. When interviewing for jobs, dating, or growing into a leader, you're putting yourself out there in the open. You feel vulnerable because you're in limbo and your identity is to be defined.
How to embrace the liminal space?
As Dr. Carol Kershaw discusses in her book, Brain Change Therapy, being in a liminal space puts your brain in a prime position for change to take place. The state of mind achieved when you’re in a liminal space is conducive to forming new habits, changing old ways, and finding creative solutions.
So how do we embrace a liminal space, and take the opportunity to rise and transform?
Prepare – Do what you can to be ready for that change. Grow your network and be open to the opportunities as they present themselves. Use this time wisely, because just waiting for the apples to appear won’t help when you haven’t planted the seeds.
Reflect Inward – In any transition, it could be beneficial to ask yourself: What did I learn from the previous experience? What did I love? What did I hate? What would I do more of? What will I change in the next stage? Take stock and set yourself up for a more informed and mindful next step.
Focus on what you can control – Take time during this transition to focus on the things you have control over. Start small. It could be a quick morning self-care routine, time to connecting with your loved ones, or simply drink more water.
Cultivate your passion – What are the things that give you energy? Deliberately spend more time doing these things when in the liminal space. You might find yourself enjoying those moments and spend less time worrying about the unknown. You might even find a way to incorporate these habits into your next chapter in life.
Let's explore together
Do you find yourself in a liminal space in your life or career?
It’s okay if you feel lost, stuck, confused, or aimless. These are simply indications that somewhere, something incredible out there is waiting to be discovered. The work ahead is to learn how to listen and read the clues of your life. The clues are all around you, and, they are within you.
Sometimes, it helps to navigate this place of transition with the support of a guide. As a professional coach, I can support you through transitions, growth, and transformation. Common topics I support my clients include:
Direct yourself toward a fulfilling and creative life
Clarity on the work that only you can deliver
Focus your energy where it matters
Leverage your unique strengths
Quiet your inner critic
Prioritize your time
Gain tools, skills, and support to consistently take action on what matters
There are just a few spots left for my 1:1 Leadership Coaching in H1 2021. If you have been thinking of reaching out, now it’s a great time. Look forward to hearing from you.
Update: My H1 2021 enrollment is now full.
Feel free to add yourself to this waitlist. I’ll reach out in mid-August to connect.
Thank you for reading this volume of Morning Pages. All views in this newsletter are my own. If you’re enjoying this newsletter and want to express your appreciation, spread the word and support the studio for the price of a cup of ☕️.
Yuan Studio offers a series of coaching offerings to support creative professionals to play bigger in their careers and lives. Want to get in touch? You’re welcome to comment here or reach out on Twitter and LinkedIn.