Liminal, in the dictionary, is defined as: occupying a position at, or on both sides of, a boundary or threshold. And, boy, are we ever in a liminal place at this point in time. I have been hearing from many community members, far and wide, about the liminality that is front and center in their lives – particularly as it aligns with the coming of the New Year, which is naturally marked by new, uncharted territory as we leave 2012 behind.

The challenge with this in-between place is often that we try to not be in that place. We spend a lot of effort and mind-attention trying to get out of the liminal place, and on to a more “known” state of being. However, if we spend our time doing that – running from the unknown, in-between place – not only are we expending precious energy that we don’t need to, but we are equally running from the tremendous wisdom that can arise from being present in this state.

What happens if you stop resisting the liminal? What if you lean into it? What arises? Fear? Uncertainty? Terror? Discomfort? Yes, I’m sure there are a few of you out there that thought “curious, excited, completely comfortable.” Please lead the way for the rest of us! Ultimately, this is about the practice being in relationship with the Unknown and Uncertainty, turning into the fear that can arise from not knowing, not being on solid ground… patiently awaiting what comes next.

Like any thing else, as we practice something over and over, we begin to develop more ease and comfort. The more we surrender to this in-between state, straddling what came before and what lies ahead, the more we will start to feel the relief in giving ourselves that permission. And, eventually, a new level of comfort will emerge. Your dialogue with the Unknown will become more rich and natural, as old feelings of paralysis or fear take a back seat. This is when magic can breathe, when our mind can be blown by all that can manifest from the Unknown.

The liminal invites us to speak the mantra: I don’t know. It provides an unlikely invitation for us to not have all of the answers, to open to possibilities that can only emerge when we release our grip on the need to know. There is power to be had in this place. Power in recognizing that the space between two easily-identified points can serve as a profound teaching about letting go. Not to mention assist us to release a tremendous amount of suffering that can come with trying to get out of a state of being that needs to happen in order for us to “get to the other side.”

Happy New Year to all – may the liminal serve you well in these upcoming days of January!

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