Images and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture 2: Liminal Periods of Time

Images and Pilgrimage in Christian Culture 2: Liminal Periods of Time
December 10, 2017
At the beginning of this book the idea of liminality is explained. Liminal is Liminality is a period of time known as the “in-between.” A person is in a phase of liminality when they are in a time of transition. As a college student I am familiar with liminal phases, because at this time in my life I am regularly experiencing transition. As a senior in college I will soon experience a very in-between phase in which I will be transitioning from being a full time student to being a full time participant of the work force. Liminal phases are often thought of as uncomfortable or unpleasant (2), but this book notes that they do not always have to be marked as negative (3).

“It has become clear to us that liminality is not only transition but also potentiality, not only ‘going to be’ but also ‘what may be’” (3).
I think that this is a healthy way of looking at liminal periods. Liminal phases do not necessarily need to be negative, but rather, they can be exciting as well. Times when you are moving from one phase to the next can be difficult, but they offer potential for new things in the future.

As I move into a liminal period of life, I choose to hold onto “what may be.”

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