Liminal Space

In his book, Uproar, Peter Steinke talks about periods in which “everything is up in the air, and loose on the ground.”  I believe it is fair to say that Steinke describes the past few years pretty well!  There is a significant amount of turmoil in our world.  As a species we are being confronted with many challenges, challenges without easy answers.  We are observing the collapse of old systems but haven’t yet build new systems to replace them. Indeed, we aren’t even sure what these new systems should look like.

I would say that we are in Liminal Space.  The word “liminal” comes from the Latin word “limen” which means threshold.  In Liminal Space we find ourselves standing on a threshold between what has been and what will be.  We may want to go back to what has been, but know that is not possible.  But, stepping into the future means stepping into the unknown. 

Liminal space is filled with uncertainty and it is normal to feel anxious.  But there is more to liminality than discomfort…

The word threshold comes from the process of threshing, the process of removing the husks from the grain.  When we do this, the threshing floor fills with tiny bits of grain that are gold in color.  So, in Liminal Space, we are literally sitting on the gold!

Liminal space may unsettle us.  And yet, it is ripe with possibilities.  It is an indication that Spirit is at work seeking to birth something new – and we are being invited to be midwives to that birthing process!  That’s pretty exciting to contemplate, but what is required to midwife this process?

In his book, Theory U: Leading from the Future as It Emerges, Otto Scharmer states that deep, transformative change requires an open mind, an open heart, and an open will.

We all develop habitual patterns of responding based on past experiences, and our tendency is to fall back on these patterns when challenges arise.  However, the old ways of responding are not adequate in Liminal Space.  What is required is that we open our minds and engage the situation with what the Buddhists refer to as the beginner’s mind – a mind that is free of any preconceived ideas and open to new possibilities.

Deep change is not a solo event. It requires us to create spaces for deep, empathetic listening to one another.  We need multiple voices at the table and a deep caring for one another.  This is a time for opening our hearts and connecting with one another around matters that affect us all.

Finally, deep change requires an open will.  As we connect with one another, we need to collectively listen for the voice of Spirit and to what Spirit is seeking to birth at this time.  And we need to allow Spirit’s voice to guide our way forward.

By opening our minds, our hearts, and our wills, we mine the gold of Liminal Space and become midwives for Spirit in birthing something amazing.