What to do when you are on the threshold (Limen) of something!

As a coach my role is to support my clients to create their own Intentional Life. Focusing on client goals, action plans and creating strategies to move towards a desired outcome.

I was reminded the other day of the concept of liminal space. This is a transitional or in-between space in our lives. A space where we have left one state and have not as yet entered the next state. Buildings and homes have literal physical liminal spaces, such as vestibules, corridors or hallways which we temporarily enter before transitioning to the part of the building we want to be in. The term comes from the Latin word for threshold which is limen.

These times in our lives can be times of waiting or anticipation, as one phase of life has ended and we are waiting for a new one to begin. Sometimes these can be relatively easy to deal with especially when the future state is certain. So, for example, if we are put on garden leave from a job whilst waiting for a new role to start. At other times these can be quite frustrating or uneasy times, when we have a sense that something is going to end but have no certainty of when that will be or what will follow. A liminal space can create feelings of anxiety, fear, unease or loneliness.

My coaching clients will find themselves in this space but would not immediately use this phrase, using the phrase ‘I feel stuck’ or ‘I am in a fog’ instead.

Yet, these spaces can be times of deep personal reflection, growth, discovery and transformation. If we will embrace our feelings and ask the big questions such as – What does this mean? What can I learn about my purpose, direction and calling? What am I discerning in this moment?

Christian spirituality has a lot to say about liminal spaces. Different terms are used, such as the dark night of the soul, or desert or wilderness experiences, being in exile or on pilgrimage. Whatever phrase is used, the experience has the potential to be totally transformational in a positive manner.

The fact of the matter is that the journey towards our goals and creating an Intentional Life can throw some curve balls and is rarely a linear/straight line. Some liminal spaces could be part of your goal plan, either intentional or unintentional.

If you find yourself in that liminal space its quite natural to ask the question ‘why?’ Why is this happening (or not happening) to me? Underneath the question is perhaps an assumption that things shouldn’t be like this. Hopefully you will be able to move onto the ‘What’ questions, which show an acceptance and willingness to mine the gold in the liminal spaces. What does this mean? What can I learn about my purpose, direction and calling? What am I discerning in this moment?

As a qualified life and leadership coach I am here to walk with you in and through your liminal spaces.