Be Still: The Place In-Between

There is no doubt that we are facing difficult and challenging times. Life is and will be forever changed. There is no going back to our pre-COVID way of life. The future is uncertain as we rush to develop a vaccine, keep our social distancing, and gradually re-open the economy. There is a term for a time such as this. The mystics would call it liminal space, that space betwixt and between, that space between what was and what will be. We experience liminal spaces many times in life whether it is the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, the birth of a child, or even the day turning into night. This space is where what was before will never be again and what is to come is unknown. Liminal spaces are filled with uncertainty, anxiety, and often times fear as we realize we are not in control. They can be destabilizing and disorienting. But liminal spaces are also places of hope and transformation as we surrender to the unknown. It is safe to say that this pandemic has placed our entire globe into a liminal space.

I don’t know about you, but I find myself becoming overwhelmed by the daily statistics related to infection rates and deaths, unemployment, and food insecurity. I’m fearful to go outside especially since I’m in the “at risk” age group and angry when I see people on the news blatantly disregarding recommendations to keep the human community safe. But I am also tremendously grateful for all those on the frontlines, from doctors and nurses and all the healthcare professionals to truck drivers transporting essentials supplies and those stocking our grocery shelves. And I am grateful for the love, support, and encouragement of family and friends. It is so important for us to recognize and acknowledge all these and other emotions we may be feeling during this time and to be gentle with ourselves.

Jesus speaks to this idea of liminal space in the Gospel of John. He says, “Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal.” (MSG)

The following is a guided meditation based on these verses from John. There are several things to keep in mind as you enter into this meditation. First, make sure that you are seated comfortably. Second, take several deep breaths to center yourself, breathing in the breath of life and breathing out God’s love and light to the world. Third, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in this meditation and allow whatever is there to arise. Remember, whatever feelings are present, wherever you are in this process, it’s ok. Allow yourself to feel your feelings.

Guided Meditation

Just as the grain of wheat has been plucked from the stalk, so too, you have been plucked from things that are familiar and a source of security to you. • What feelings arise as you reflect upon being plucked from that which is familiar? • Where in your body do these feelings reside and what is the sensation? Allow yourself to sense these feelings without judgment.

Written by Christine McHenry

Christine has been a member of HPCUMC for over 35 years. She is a retired pediatrician with a masters degree in theology from United Theological Seminary. She is a trained spiritual director and supervisor, a trained labyrinth facilitator, and a retreat leader.

• What are you believing about yourself, others, the circumstance that may be fueling these feelings?

Just as the grain of wheat is placed into the ground where it is cold and dark, you now are thrusted into a dark space, a liminal space, an in-between place where things are far from clear. You’ve never been in a place quite like this before. • What feelings arise in this liminal space? Where do you sense them in your body? • What assumptions do you have about this space and what are they based upon? • Who are you in this space? • What do you most need right now? What needs attention? • How might you show some compassion toward yourself?

Just as the grain of wheat lies in the ground and allows the moisture to penetrate and split its husk and new growths from the grain push deep into the soil for nourishment and extend sunward to new life, you, too, begin to notice a change in yourself as you rest in this liminal space. • What is bringing about this change in you? • Is there anything you had to surrender or let go in order for this change to take place? Is there anything you had to accept? • Where do you find your nourishment? • What are your feelings now as these changes are taking place? • What questions do you have? • What new life is emerging? We all have been plucked from those things that are familiar and a source of security and we all have been thrusted into this liminal, in-between space. Though we all are in this space together, we all experience it differently and have a range of emotions. Whatever we are experiencing, wherever we are in this process, it is ok! It is important for us to be present to it and to see what it has to teach us. And we shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to others who are willing to be present with us, to listen and be a witness to our experience.

When I begin to feel overwhelmed, fearful, or despairing, the following help me to center on what is true. I offer these to you with the hope that they may be of help to you as well.

1. Psalm 23: 1 (my paraphrase) - “The Lord is my Shepherd; I have everything I need.”

2. Isaiah 41: 10 - “do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”

3. Teresa of Avila - “Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing upset you. Everything changes. God alone is unchanging. With patience all things are possible. Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone is enough.”

As I look outside our enclosed sun porch and see a robin building a nest under the eves, I’m reminded that no matter what I am experiencing, life goes on and God’s grace abounds. May you know God’s love and light, joy and peace especially during this inbetween time.