Exploring Liminality in Autumn, Spaces, and Life Transitions
I love this word—liminal.
The word "liminal" comes from the Latin word limen, meaning "threshold." It refers to a state or space that exists in the in-between, a transitional phase where something is neither one thing nor another, but somewhere in between.
In a broader sense, "liminal" describes moments, spaces, or experiences at the threshold of change, where the usual order of things is suspended, and new possibilities begin to emerge. Liminal spaces can be physical (like a doorway or a hallway), temporal (like the twilight between day and night), or metaphorical (like the period between the end of one chapter of life and the beginning of another).
Liminality is often associated with feelings of ambiguity, disorientation, and uncertainty because it is a place of transition. However, it is also a powerful space for transformation and growth, where new identities and possibilities can be formed.
For me, it evokes memories of mysterious times in my life when I wandered through the in-between, waiting for something to emerge. And when it did, it was something I never could have anticipated—it arrived from beyond my expectations, reshaping my path in ways I couldn't have seen coming.
Liminality touches various aspects of our lives, particularly in the autumn season, where nature itself is in transition from the vibrancy of summer to the dormancy of winter. It also manifests in physical spaces, like the quiet pause in a doorway before entering a new room, and during life transitions, such as the aftermath of a heartbreak or the uncertainty of a new beginning. These moments, though often challenging, offer us the opportunity to embrace change, letting go of the old to make way for the new.
"Between every two pine trees there is a door leading to a new way of life." — John Muir
The Liminal Season of Autumn
Autumn is a season that beautifully encapsulates the dual nature of change. On one hand, it is a time of breathtaking beauty—trees adorned with vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold, a landscape awash with the richness of nature’s final flourish before the quietude of winter. The crisp air, the rustling leaves underfoot, and the golden light of autumn afternoons evoke a sense of warmth and wonder. This beauty in change is something we can all recognize and appreciate, as it reminds us of the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of transformation.
However, alongside this beauty lies a poignant reminder of impermanence. The same leaves that captivate us with their colours are destined to fall, signalling the end of a season and the approach of winter. Autumn is a time of letting go, a period where nature itself surrenders to the inevitable process of decay and dormancy. This reminder of impermanence can evoke feelings of melancholy or nostalgia, as we reflect on the transient nature of life’s moments, relationships, and experiences.
This duality in autumn mirrors the emotions we often experience during times of personal transition. Just as we admire the beauty of the season, we may also recognize the opportunities and growth that change can bring. Whether it’s starting a new job, moving to a new place, or healing from a loss, these transitions often come with a mix of excitement and sorrow. We may feel a sense of anticipation for what’s to come, but also a deep awareness of what we are leaving behind.
In these moments, the beauty of change can inspire us, showing us that even as we let go of what was, there is potential for something new and wonderful to emerge. At the same time, the reminder of impermanence encourages us to cherish the present and acknowledge the natural cycles of our lives. Just as autumn gracefully accepts the falling of the leaves, we too can learn to embrace the ebb and flow of our own transitions, finding peace in the knowledge that change, while sometimes difficult, is an essential and beautiful part of life.
Liminal Spaces
Liminal spaces are unique and often overlooked places that exist between two different states or stages. The term “liminal” comes from the Latin word limen, meaning “threshold,” and these spaces act as thresholds, gateways, or bridges between one reality and another.
Physical Liminal Spaces
Physical liminal spaces are those tangible, transitional areas that are neither fully part of one place nor another. Examples include doorways, hallways, staircases, or even airport terminals. These are spaces where we are temporarily suspended, neither here nor there, as we transition from one place to another.
Doorways and Hallways: Standing in a doorway or walking down a hallway, you are in between spaces, not fully inside one room or another. These spaces are transient, often passed through without much thought, but they represent the transition from one experience to another.
Airports and Train Stations: These are larger-scale liminal spaces where people wait before embarking on a journey. The sense of being “in between” is palpable as travelers are neither at their point of origin nor their destination. The atmosphere is charged with the anticipation of what’s to come, mixed with the residual energy of where they’ve been.
Metaphorical Liminal Spaces
Metaphorically, liminal spaces represent those periods in life when we find ourselves between two phases, roles, or identities. These can include times of waiting, uncertainty, or transition, such as the moments after a relationship ends but before a new chapter begins, or the period between jobs or major life decisions.
Waiting for a New Beginning: After a significant life event like a breakup, a move, or a job loss, we often find ourselves in a liminal space—a time of waiting and uncertainty. We are no longer in the past, but the future remains undefined. This in-between time can feel unsettling, but it’s also a powerful period where transformation can take place.
Periods of Personal Growth: Liminal spaces can also represent phases of personal development. For instance, the journey from adolescence to adulthood is a liminal period where individuals are no longer children but are not yet fully adults. This stage is filled with challenges, but it is also a time of immense growth and self-discovery.
The Importance of Liminal Spaces
Liminal spaces, both physical and metaphorical, are crucial because they are places where transformation occurs. These spaces are neither one thing nor another but rather the threshold where change happens. They are the "in-between" places where the old self is left behind, and the new self has yet to fully emerge.
Unsettling Yet Powerful: Liminal spaces can be unsettling because they represent uncertainty and ambiguity. There is often a sense of being unmoored, with no clear direction or outcome. However, it is precisely this uncertainty that makes these spaces so powerful. They invite introspection, forcing us to confront our fears, hopes, and desires.
Inviting Growth and Change: In a liminal space, the usual boundaries and definitions are suspended, allowing for new possibilities to arise. For example, the hallway between two rooms may symbolize the transition from one phase of life to another, where new ideas, identities, or paths can emerge. Similarly, the metaphorical space of waiting after a significant life change can be a time of deep personal reflection and transformation, leading to new beginnings and growth.
The Role of Liminal Spaces in Our Lives
Liminal spaces play a crucial role in our lives as the settings where transformation and growth occur. These spaces, whether physical or metaphorical, are unique because they exist at the threshold between two different states or phases. In these in-between moments, the usual order of things is temporarily suspended, allowing for new possibilities and changes to emerge.
1. Places of Potential and Transformation
Liminal spaces are often seen as uncomfortable because they are places of uncertainty and ambiguity. However, it is precisely this ambiguity that makes them so powerful. When we are in a liminal space, we are no longer who we were, but not yet who we will become. This "in-betweenness" creates a fertile ground for transformation.
For instance, the hallway between two rooms is a space where you momentarily leave behind the familiarity of one room before entering another, perhaps different, experience. Similarly, in life, the period between jobs or relationships, though often filled with uncertainty, is also filled with potential. It is in these moments that we can reflect, reassess, and make changes that lead to growth and new beginnings.
2. Invitations to Introspection and Reflection
Liminal spaces offer us a rare opportunity for introspection. When we are between one stage of life and another, we are given the chance to pause and reflect on where we have been and where we want to go. This reflection is essential for personal growth because it allows us to identify what we need to let go of and what we want to carry forward.
For example, during a career transition, the liminal space between leaving one job and starting another can be a time to reflect on what you learned in your previous role, what you want in your future, and how you can grow in your next position. This period of introspection can lead to clearer goals and a stronger sense of purpose.
3. Embracing Uncertainty and Ambiguity
One of the most challenging aspects of liminal spaces is the uncertainty that comes with them. Not knowing what comes next can be deeply unsettling, but it also forces us to embrace ambiguity and develop resilience. In these spaces, we learn to navigate the unknown, adapt to change, and build the inner strength needed to face future challenges.
For example, the liminal space following a significant life event, such as the end of a relationship, can be a time of deep emotional upheaval. However, by sitting with the discomfort and uncertainty, we can learn more about ourselves, heal, and eventually open ourselves up to new experiences and relationships.
4. Catalysts for Change and Growth
Liminal spaces are not just places where change happens—they are often the catalysts for that change. The very nature of being in-between forces us to confront our fears, question our assumptions, and explore new possibilities. It is in these moments of transition that we are most likely to experience significant growth.
For example, consider the liminal space of a rite of passage, such as a graduation or a marriage ceremony. These events mark the transition from one stage of life to another, and the liminal space they create serves as a catalyst for personal development. The reflection, preparation, and anticipation involved in these rites often lead to profound changes in how we see ourselves and our place in the world.
5. The Creative Potential of Liminality
Liminal spaces are also places of immense creative potential. When the usual boundaries and definitions are suspended, we are free to imagine new possibilities and explore different paths. This creative freedom can lead to innovative ideas, new ways of thinking, and the birth of something entirely new.
For instance, artists, writers, and thinkers often find that their most creative work emerges during periods of transition or uncertainty. The liminal space they occupy allows them to break free from conventional thinking and tap into deeper sources of inspiration.
Embracing the Uncertainty
Liminal times, characterized by uncertainty and discomfort, can be some of the most challenging periods in our lives. However, embracing these in-between moments is crucial for personal growth and the discovery of new beginnings. When we allow ourselves to sit with discomfort rather than rush to escape it, we open ourselves up to deeper self-understanding, resilience, and transformation.
1. Growth Through Discomfort
Uncertainty often triggers feelings of fear and anxiety because it challenges our need for control and predictability. But these feelings also present an opportunity to grow. When we resist the urge to escape or resolve our discomfort immediately, we give ourselves the space to explore what lies beneath the surface. We learn to tolerate ambiguity, which in turn strengthens our emotional resilience and ability to cope with future uncertainties.
For example, I once found myself in a liminal space after leaving a long-term job that had defined much of my identity. I had no immediate plans for what would come next, and the uncertainty was overwhelming. I felt lost, untethered, and anxious about the future. Instead of rushing into another job or making a hasty decision, I decided to sit with the discomfort and take time to reflect on what I truly wanted.
As I spent more time in this liminal space, I began to uncover passions and interests I had neglected, and I eventually found a path that was more aligned with my authentic self. The discomfort of not knowing what was next became the catalyst for significant personal growth and a new beginning that I hadn’t anticipated.
2. Discovering New Beginnings
Liminal spaces are often where we discover new beginnings that we never would have imagined if we hadn’t first embraced the uncertainty. These in-between moments allow us to let go of old identities, habits, or ways of thinking that no longer serve us. In the void left by what we’ve released, new opportunities and perspectives can take root.
Consider the story of a friend who, after the sudden end of a long-term relationship, found herself in a profound liminal space. She was heartbroken, unsure of who she was without her partner, and anxious about the future. Initially, she tried to fill the void with distractions, but nothing seemed to ease the discomfort. It was only when she allowed herself to fully experience the grief and uncertainty that she began to heal.
During this time, she reconnected with hobbies and passions she had put aside during the relationship. She started painting again, a creative outlet that had always brought her joy. Through this process, she not only found solace in her art but also began to see herself in a new light—independent, creative, and capable of thriving on her own. The end of the relationship, while painful, became the gateway to a deeper understanding of herself and the start of a new chapter in her life.
3. The Power of the "In-Between"
Living in the "in-between" can be a powerful experience because it forces us to slow down and engage with life in a more mindful way. Without the usual distractions or the safety of certainty, we are more likely to listen to our inner voice, pay attention to our needs, and make deliberate choices about the direction we want to take.
Another personal anecdote comes from a time when I was transitioning between cities. Moving away from a place I had called home for years, where I had established friendships and routines, left me feeling disoriented and isolated. The new city was unfamiliar, and I struggled to find my footing. In that liminal space between leaving the old and fully settling into the new, I had to confront my discomfort with being alone and starting over.
Instead of forcing myself to immediately adapt, I allowed myself time to explore the new environment without expectations. I wandered through neighbourhoods, spent time in parks, and gradually connected with new people. The in-between period taught me to be patient with myself, to trust that the discomfort was temporary, and to embrace the possibility of what the new city could offer. Over time, I built a new sense of home, one that felt even more aligned with who I was becoming.
Embracing the uncertainty of liminal times requires courage and a willingness to face discomfort head-on. Yet, these periods are often where the most profound growth occurs. By sitting with the discomfort, we can uncover deeper truths about ourselves, let go of what no longer serves us, and create space for new beginnings. Whether it’s the end of a relationship, a career transition, or a move to a new place, the "in-between" is where we learn to adapt, evolve, and ultimately, thrive.
Embracing Liminality as an Essential Part of Life’s Journey
Liminality, with all its uncertainty and discomfort, is often something we instinctively shy away from. The unknown can be frightening, and the in-between moments can feel unsettling. However, I encourage you to shift your perspective and see liminality not as something to be feared, but as an essential and even beautiful part of life’s journey.
These liminal spaces—whether they manifest as transitions between jobs, relationships, or phases of life—are where the magic of transformation happens. They are the places where we shed old identities and roles, allowing us to step into new possibilities. Without these in-between moments, we would remain stagnant, unable to grow, evolve, or discover new aspects of ourselves.
Think of liminality as a pause in the rhythm of life, a moment to catch your breath, reflect, and reorient yourself. It is in these pauses that we often find clarity, strength, and direction. The discomfort you feel is not a sign that something is wrong, but rather an indication that you are on the cusp of something new and meaningful.
Instead of rushing to escape the uncertainty, try to embrace it. See it as an invitation to explore uncharted territory within yourself and your life. Trust that this liminal space is a necessary part of your journey—a space where you are being prepared for the next chapter, even if you can’t yet see what that chapter will be.
Remember, every new beginning first requires an ending, and the space in between is where the seeds of that new beginning are planted. Embracing liminality allows you to nurture those seeds, giving them the time and care they need to grow into something beautiful.
So, the next time you find yourself in a liminal space, take a deep breath, and welcome it as a vital part of your journey. It’s not just a bridge between where you were and where you’re going; it’s a place of profound potential, where your future is quietly taking shape.
Mindful Reflection & Journaling Practice
1. Create a Dedicated Space:
Find a quiet, comfortable place where you can sit without distractions. This could be a cozy corner of your home, a peaceful spot in nature, or even a favorite café.
2. Ground Yourself in the Present Moment:
Begin by taking a few deep breaths to center yourself. Focus on the sensation of your breath entering and leaving your body. Allow yourself to fully arrive in the present moment, letting go of any thoughts about the past or future.
3. Set an Intention:
Set a gentle intention for your practice. This could be something like, "I intend to explore my feelings of uncertainty with compassion," or "I am open to whatever insights this time of transition brings."
4. Reflect on Your Liminal Experience:
Spend a few minutes reflecting on your current liminal space. Consider questions such as:
What changes am I experiencing right now?
How do I feel about being in this in-between space?
What fears or anxieties arise in this uncertainty?
What possibilities or opportunities might this transition offer?
5. Journal Your Thoughts:
Write down your reflections in a journal. There’s no need for structure—just let your thoughts flow freely onto the page. You might explore:
The emotions you’re feeling during this transition.
Any insights or realizations that come to you.
Hopes or intentions for the future as you move through this liminal space.
6. Embrace Stillness and Silence:
After journaling, spend a few moments in stillness and silence. Allow yourself to simply be, without trying to analyze or solve anything. This stillness can help you connect with your inner wisdom and intuition.
7. Practice Self-Compassion:
Remind yourself that it’s okay to feel uncertain or uncomfortable during this time. Speak kindly to yourself, offering the same compassion you would give to a dear friend going through a similar experience.
8. Close with Gratitude:
End your practice by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to explore this liminal space. Acknowledge the courage it takes to sit with uncertainty and honor the process of transition.
As you navigate the liminal spaces in your life, consider this: What if, instead of resisting the uncertainty, you leaned into it with curiosity and trust? How might embracing these in-between moments, with all their discomfort and potential, open you up to new growth, deeper understanding, and unexpected opportunities? Reflect on the liminal spaces you’ve experienced in the past—what did they teach you, and how did they shape who you are today? Now, think about how you can approach your current or future liminal experiences with the same openness and courage. The answers may surprise you and lead you to a place of transformation you never imagined.
““The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.””
