Liminality is August: a time of in betweenness: August is an odd uneven time
American poet and author Sylvia Plath wrote, “August rain: the best of the summer gone, and the new fall not yet born. The odd uneven time.”
This month’s “neither fish nor fowl” character has been made more so by public schools resuming not in September but August. No longer a full month of relaxation, now teachers, parents, and children must navigate lesson plans, school supplies, fall clothing, and sport practices. August is an odd uneven time.
“Liminality” is a word that describes this in-betweenness.
It can be a boundary in a home’s space. The threshold or doorstep connects the porch to the house interior. Liminality is found in different faith traditions as people mark transitions from secular to sacred by removing shoes, lighting candles, donning head-coverings, or other rites.
Liminality also exists in time. In adolescence one is neither child nor adult. Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, quinceañeras and debutante balls mark religious and social transitions. Driver’s education classes, the time after high school and before what’s next, applying for our first job, being engaged but not yet married, or expecting a child but haven’t yet delivered—these are all examples of liminality in time.
Liminality is full of contradictory emotions. It can be uncomfortable and disorienting because we don’t know what’s coming beyond the threshold. However, it’s also full of possibility, potential, and renewal as we await what’s coming. Author Richard Rohr says, “Liminality is a form of holding the tension between one space and another. In these transitional moments of our lives authentic transformation can happen.”
Liminality is August.
- What thresholds have you crossed in the past five years?
- What possibilities unfolded, potentials developed, and renewals occurred?
- What threshold do you stand upon this year?
- What steps are you taking toward transformation?
- How might you share that for the betterment of this community?
Rev. Dr. Sybrant serves at Murray Hills Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). For more info, visit us at 15050 SW Weir Road, Beaverton. 503-524-5230 www.murrayhills.org
