Do you ever feel like you’re in between chapters, not sure what comes next? Those moments between endings and new beginnings have a name: liminal spaces. These in-between stages feel strange, sometimes even uncomfortable, but that’s where real personal growth happens. You’re not stuck; you’re transforming. In this article, you’ll see how liminal spaces push you to let go of old habits, face uncertainty, and make space for change. When you pause in the unknown, you open the door to real progress. (Estimated reading time: 12 minutes)
“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.”
– Chuang Tzu
For a long time, liminal spaces made me uneasy. In the spaces between here and there, the future felt vast and unpredictable. Anticipation of the unknown always made me anxious, and I constantly sought immediate answers that rarely materialized as quickly as I wanted.
I turned to history’s greatest explorers for clues about what to do with this unsettled feeling. Columbus sailed into the unknown without a map to guide him. Ibn Battuta set out from his home with no idea where his path would lead. Marco Polo crossed miles of empty roads, and Amelia Earhart took to the skies with only her navigation instruments and hope to guide her.
These explorers faced long stretches where they had only the promise of a destination, not its certainty. They didn’t avoid these empty spaces. They kept going. That realization changed the way I saw my own transitions. I stopped waiting for perfect clarity or solid ground before moving forward.
Liminal spaces show up all the time. We’ll experience them in our careers, friendships, relocations, and even our understanding of who we are. I see them as stretches where nothing feels settled. It’s tempting to rush through, to skip ahead in search of arrival, but that usually leads to more doubt. Instead, I try to slow down and breathe. I remind myself that most of life happens in these spaces, not at set checkpoints or end goals.
The explorers I admire didn’t know their routes, but they had drive and hope. I think about them when I start to stress over what I can’t control. They remind me that each stage matters, even the confusing ones.
Now, when that old nervousness pops up, I look for small things I can control—what I eat, who I talk to, how I spend my evening. I make small progress, even if it feels slow. I ask myself: What could I notice right now? What can I learn before things settle again?
Transitions shape us in ways arrivals never can. If you’re in a space where nothing feels steady, you’re not alone. Many have traveled these roads and learned there’s a certain freedom in not knowing all the answers. Know that you have steady ground, no matter where you are on your journey.
What are liminal spaces?
Liminal spaces, derived from the Latin word “limen,” which means threshold, refer to those transitional periods in our lives when we find ourselves on the brink of significant change.
These are the moments when we are neither here nor there, suspended between what was and what is yet to come. They compel us to leave behind the familiar and venture into the unknown, making way for new experiences and self-discoveries.
Some everyday examples of liminal spaces include:
- Physical: Airports, train stations, hotel lobbies, waiting rooms. You’re not at your starting point, but you haven’t reached your destination.
- Emotional: The days after a breakup, before a new relationship starts. The awkwardness between leaving one job and starting another.
- Metaphorical: Graduating high school before starting college, moving to a new city, or any season of life change.
Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of the bestselling memoir “Eat, Pray, Love” documented her own experience with liminal spaces. After experiencing a painful divorce and a period of deep personal crisis, Gilbert embarked on a year-long journey of self-discovery, traveling to Italy, India, and Indonesia.
This period of transition served as a liminal space for Gilbert, allowing her to step away from her old life and explore new aspects of herself. Through her travels and experiences, she gained a deeper understanding of her true desires and values, ultimately finding healing, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Why liminal spaces feel uncomfortable
Liminal spaces can be unsettling. When you’re between endings and beginnings, it’s normal to feel uneasy. Our brains crave certainty and clear paths, so in-between times can often evoke a range of emotions, from excitement and anticipation to fear and anxiety for these reasons:
1. They challenge our sense of identity and stability.
Liminal spaces push us to confront the unknown and to question our existing beliefs and assumptions. This process of introspection and self-examination can be both liberating and unsettling as it forces us to let go of the familiar and to embrace the uncertainties of change.
2. We experience ambiguity and disorientation.
When we find ourselves in a liminal space, we may feel in a state of limbo, where the old ways of being no longer apply, but the new ways have not yet fully emerged.
This sense of being in-between can be disconcerting, as it disrupts our usual sense of order and control. Most people don’t like change, even when it leads somewhere better. Being stuck in the middle often feels stressful or frustrating.
3. They trigger deep emotional processing and healing.
As we navigate these transitional periods, we may confront unresolved emotions and past traumas that are buried beneath the surface.
Liminal spaces provide a unique opportunity to bring these hidden aspects of ourselves into the light and to work through them in a conscious and intentional way. This process of emotional release and integration can lead to profound healing and a greater sense of wholeness.
You might notice impatience or even anxiety in these spaces. You want to move forward, but you’re not sure how. The truth? This tension is a sign you’re on the edge of something new. Sometimes the waiting is as important as the action that follows.
By seeing liminal spaces not just as odd pauses but as powerful stages of personal growth, we can use them to learn and move forward with more confidence.
Common types of liminal spaces
Liminal spaces show up in many forms, not just as a physical place, but also in emotions, life phases, and culture. You move through hallways, wait in airports, wrestle with uncertainty, or feel lost between jobs. These are all examples of liminality. Understanding where these gaps appear helps you spot growth when it happens.
Physical liminal spaces and why they matter psychologically
Physical liminal spaces are places where you’re not meant to stay long. Think about these spots:
- Hallways, doorways, and stairwells.
- Airports and train stations.
- Hotel lobbies and waiting rooms.
- Elevators, bridges, or parking lots.
Each place is just a stop between where you were and where you’re going. You’re not building memories there, but you are “on hold.” The ordinary feel of these areas hides what’s going on in your mind. You might stare out a window at the airport and reflect. You wait in a doctor’s office and your thoughts wander. In these neutral zones, day-to-day routines pause, and your mind opens up to new ideas without the pressure of being “at home” or “already arrived.”
Why do these spots matter to your mind?
- You step away from distractions and constant motion.
- You get rare moments to check in with your feelings.
- You may notice increased self-awareness or anxiety from the feeling of not belonging.
Physical liminal spaces remind you that change happens, even in small pauses.
Emotional and psychological liminality: transitions such as grief, uncertainty, and coming of age moments
Liminality isn’t just about place. It’s about the in-between feelings during life’s changes. Some moments almost everyone will hit include:
- Grieving after a loss, when the old reality is gone but the new one hasn’t formed yet.
- Uncertainty between major events, like leaving a job without another lined up.
- The growing pains of coming of age, like transitioning from high school to adulthood or facing your first heartbreak.
Psychological liminal spaces can bring strong emotion, confusion, or numbness. Time seems to slow down. Life feels like it’s in limbo. But these stretches force you to listen closely to yourself, even if it’s uncomfortable.
What’s happening in these times?
- Old identities drop away and you’re not sure who you are yet.
- You meet new sides of yourself, sometimes stronger or softer than before.
- Reflection deepens because your usual tools or defenses might not work in this in-between.
Moving through these mental limbos isn’t easy, but it’s exactly where deep shifts begin. Growth comes when nothing else seems stable.
Cultural and societal liminality and their significance
Culture is full of liminal moments that mark a crossing from one role or status to another. These don’t happen by accident. Societies create rituals to guide people through big transitions. Some common examples include:
- Graduation ceremonies (ending student life, entering adulthood or the workforce).
- Weddings (becoming a partner, joining new families).
- Retirement parties (leaving work behind for a new phase).
- First-day orientation at a new job, or the last-day lunch when leaving a company.
Social liminality is not just about the event, but about the in-between feeling right before and after. You’re leaving one group or title, not quite at home in the next. These moments often come with mixed feelings—nervousness, hope, maybe a sense of loss.
Why are these transitions so important?
- They structure change, giving you permission to let go of the old role.
- They bring people together to witness and validate your change.
- They create memories that anchor your new identity.
Even small ceremonies, like giving away things before a big move or going away lunches, help you mark progress. Cultural liminal spaces remind us that growth is both personal and shared. The pause between “before” and “after” is where stories—and real change—begin.
How liminal spaces facilitate self-discovery
Liminal spaces are fertile ground for self-discovery, as they compel you to look within and explore the deeper layers of your being.
In these transitional periods, we are stripped of our usual roles and identities, giving us the freedom to explore new aspects of ourselves and discover hidden talents and potentials.
One of the ways in which liminal spaces facilitate self-discovery is by encouraging us to question our existing beliefs and assumptions. When we are in a state of transition, we are more likely to reflect on our values, goals, and aspirations, and consider whether they are truly aligned with our deepest desires.
Liminal spaces also provide us with the opportunity to experiment with new ways of being. In these transitional periods, we are less bound by the constraints of our usual identities and roles, giving us the freedom to explore new possibilities and to try on different personas.
These spaces are also latent with possibilities and can serve as powerful catalysts for creativity and innovation. When we are in a state of flux, our minds are more open to new ideas and perspectives.
The uncertainty and ambiguity of these spaces can spark our imaginations and inspire us to think outside the box. This is why many artists, writers, and entrepreneurs experience their most profound breakthroughs during periods of transition.
Experimentation during times of transition can be both liberating and enlightening. It allows you to discover new facets of yourself and tap into your creative potential. By engaging with liminal spaces in a playful and open-minded way, you can uncover hidden talents and passions that may have been lying dormant.
How to navigate liminal spaces for maximum growth
Most people want to race through the awkward parts of life. But those in-between times can actually help you grow in ways steady routines never will. Let’s look at practical strategies you can use to make the most of any liminal space.
1. Practice mindfulness to accept uncertainty.
Living with the unknown can shake anyone’s confidence. The mind races for answers that aren’t there yet. That’s why mindfulness is so important when you’re in a liminal space.
Being “mindful” just means paying attention, with purpose, to the moment you’re in. This helps you stop fighting the uncertainty and notice what’s actually happening, instead of getting lost in worry.
Techniques for accepting liminality:
- Notice your thoughts. When anxiety or doubt pop up, label them. Say quietly to yourself, “there’s worry” or “that’s uncertainty.” This takes some power away from the feeling.
- Focus on your senses. What can you hear, feel, or see right now? Listing three things you notice in the room pulls you into the present and eases anxious cycles.
- Practice deep breathing. Slow breaths calm your mind and body, especially during moments when anxiety spikes.
- Let go of what-ifs. When your thoughts spiral about “what if this never ends?” or “what if I fail?” bring your attention back to right now. The only time you can control is the present.
- Journaling. By regularly writing about our thoughts, feelings, and experiences, you can gain greater insight into your inner world and track our progress.
2. Set intentions during transition.
Drifting can feel aimless, but even small intentions turn any waiting period into fertile ground for growth. Setting intentions in a transition doesn’t mean having every step planned out. It just means asking yourself what you hope to learn or how you want to show up while the next chapter unfolds.
By defining our goals and aspirations for the transitional period, we can create a sense of direction and purpose. Setting intentions allows us to approach liminal spaces with greater clarity and focus, and helps us to stay aligned with our deeper values and aspirations.
Simple steps to set intentions in liminal times:
- Write down a focus. Choose one thing you’d like to grow, like patience, self-care, or openness to change.
- Check in with yourself. Once a week, ask how you’re doing with your focus. Adjust it if needed.
- Set micro-goals. These can be simple and direct, like “I’ll journal twice this week” or “I’ll go for a walk when I feel stuck.”
- Reflect on progress. At the end of each week, jot down one way you’ve felt different or proud, even if it’s small. During liminality, tiny wins add up and help you see that you’re moving, even when the finish line isn’t clear.
3. Seek support and community.
No one gets through big transitions alone. Sharing your in-between experience with others can make all the difference. Sometimes we need new support, like a group for people in the same boat, or to lean on old friends who let us be honest about the mess.
Ways to use support and community in liminal spaces:
- Reach out to trusted friends. Let them know if you’re struggling. You might be surprised by their own stories. If sharing feels hard, start with a small step, like sending a text or replying to a friendly post online. It’s the connection, not the perfect story, that brings comfort.
- Join communities. Online forums, local meetups, or support groups can help you feel less alone. These spaces remind you that confusion is normal.
- Learn from others’ experiences. Listening to someone else’s story can give you hope and ideas for moving forward.
- Offer support in return. Sometimes helping someone else through their transition clarifies your own.
Remember that growth doesn’t happen in comfort, but in those in-between moments when you leave behind the old and step into the unknown. These times ask you to let go of certainty, trust your own change, and welcome new parts of yourself.
If you find yourself in a transition right now, remember this is where progress starts. Let uncertainty become your classroom, not a barrier.
All my best on your journey,
Seline
Questions for you: What is the most unusual liminal space you’ve ever experienced? How did you manage the feelings of discomfort and uncertainty?
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