Transitions
Have you heard the term: liminal space?
I first learned of the term while watching the excellent AppleTV series Severance.
Without giving too much away, the series is about a team of office workers whose memories have been surgically divided between their work and personal lives, as the series progresses, and you learn more about each character you find out why each has chosen to have the procedure done. The office building that they work in is both familiar and eerie at the same time – which – as I found out is intentional, and a perfect example of liminal spaces.
So, what exactly is a liminal space?
I found a Forbes Health article that does a good job defining the term:
Derived from the Latin word “limen” which means “threshold,” liminal space is a concept that may sound unfamiliar, but it’s something you’ve likely experienced in your daily life.
“Liminal space can best be described as going through a change or going from place to place—from one thing to the next,” says transitions expert Melissa Cohen, a licensed clinical social worker in New York and founder of the mental wellness website A Redefined You. “It’s the space between what is and what will happen next,” she says. In other words, liminal space refers to the actual space or time in which you shift from one phase to another.
What’s interesting about this concept is not only does everyone experience it at some point in their lives, but some people also tolerate it better than others, experts say. And psychologically, it can have positive or negative ramifications. But there are ways to learn to thrive in liminality.
Less than two miles from my house is a small strip mall which, unfortunately, suffered during the pandemic. Almost all of the stores have closed – including the movie theater, diner, pet shop, and a bunch of others. The Macy’s that was the “anchor” store also closed – and then was hastily converted into a “Vaccine Mega Site”.
I think the site has been closed for at least a year – maybe more. But as you can see from the photo the sign still hangs on the building – faded – and a reminder of the worst of times during the pandemic.
Looking at this banner the other day – it gave me that “liminal” feeling. The feeling of transition, from one stage of life to another.
Are we “done” with COVID-19? I don’t think so. This fall will see an uptick in cases, and a new vaccine. But, like the flu vaccine the yearly COVID-19 vaccines will become a fact of life.
We will all transition through our own liminal spaces – and learn to thrive.
Also – go watch Severance. It’s so good.
Mike Auerbach
Editor-In-Chief
[email protected]
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