"the only thing constant is change"

(attributed to the Greek philosopher Heraclitus) emphases that everything in the world is in a perpetual state of flux. This idea suggests that the only certainty in life is that things will inevitably transform over time. Change happens. Change is happening. Change will continue to happen. As writers, change is at the heart of our character developments, with narratives that have a reasonable development, tensions, conflicts and resolutions. Change is a powerful tool when employed well in our writing and in our personal lives as writers too.

Change is a doorway or threshold into somewhere new, or an in-between place. The idea of in-between spaces isn’t new. Some might say that it’s as old as time. It is something about time and process and transformation. Many fantasy writers utilise this device overtly. C.S. Lewis employed this concept with Lucy Pevensie’s discovery of Narnia through the threshold of the Wardrobe. The idea of in-between spaces is particularly about the process that happens as we transition from one form or state of being to another. It is about being and becoming. In our own lives, if we can recognize what’s causing tension and stress of going through change and experiencing a feeling of being neither here nor there, we can start to manage it. Giving it a label is an important first step.

Monks referred to in-between spaces as “thin places,” where the distance between this world and some other reality is thin enough to notice. This instilled in them a love for spaces where they could feel hints of heaven in their waking reality. This is why pilgrimages are encouraged. This is why living a rhythm of life in simplicity, humility, servantship and abandonment to God has been recognised as so invigorating.

Anthropologists employ a word definition for being ‘in-between’. It’s called “liminality.” The word comes from the Latin word limen, meaning threshold. Liminality is about being on the threshold of moving from one state or place to another. When you are in a liminal space, you’re no longer where you started; you’re also not yet where you will wind up. You are in transition, in progress and in transformation.

Theologian Alan Hirsch introduces the concept of a "liminal lifestyle" as a way for Christians to live authentically and engage with the world, drawing further on the anthropological concept. Liminality, in this context, refers to the "in-between" or transitional spaces where individuals or groups face uncertainty, risk, or disorientation. Hirsch makes a call for Christians to embrace the uncertainty and discomfort of liminal spaces as a means of fostering deeper community, renewing faith, and engaging in a more authentic and missional expression of Christianity.

Liminality is a wonderful concept for us to embrace and be intentional about as we write and create story arcs for characters. The Hero's Journey trope is in essence a methodology of multiple liminal experiences and metanarrative.

Paul Tournier argues that liminality is

“A time of danger, of expectation, of uncertainty, of excitement, of extraordinary aliveness.”

For me personally liminal spaces have often been adventure filled experiences, transitions and transformations, challenging situations, heartbreaks, heart melting, heart moulding times. Spaces that I remember and ‘take me back’ with rising emotions include:

Jungle flanked creeks in deep gorges surrounded by towering previously-navigated mountain faces. Resting there exhausted, exhilarated, thankful and thoughtful.

In the dirt and grime of broken streets in Vietnam next to dismembered beggars hoping for a morsel and a caring friend. Sitting beside them, simply being together with them, no words spoken, but the unsaid power of presence, communicating compassion for them and hope for brave futures.

Atop the mountainous massif of Massada in Israel having scaled its winding fortress-like cliffs to its summit. Lifting my eyes and arms over the dead sea basin as a lone Shofar awakened the dawn as a cried prayer.

Beside my mother as she breathed her last. Holding hands. Heaven receiving her.

With families and friends and colleagues and students I have journeyed with over many years. As I was farewelled recently. Transitioning from decades of Chaplaincy ministry in schools to serving in my new role as Missionary and Member Carer.

For others liminal spaces may be cathedrals with steep spires, stain glassed windows and gothic edifices, or small churches in the countryside with the scent of old silk-oak timber pews and wattle, or wooded glens and tree ferns with Lyre birds, or open fields filled with flowers and butterflies, or the streets of your town you have been praying for, or surfing at sunset in a tropical paradise, or a revisit to a hall where you performed your first solo, or a dusty floor inside an abandoned house of your upbringing, or opening the bible and sharing with a friend special words, or peacefully listening and singing to hymn-song, praises and musical worship with a knowing that God is with you.

What is your experience of Liminality?

Where have you experienced a ‘thin place’?

When have you sensed you are on the threshold of something new?

Each of Paul Tournier’s descriptors of liminality (danger, expectation, uncertainty, excitement, extraordinary aliveness) can be turned into prompts and inspirations for our writing:

· Help your character work through dangers, difficulties, challenges and all the feelings associated with that.

· What would it mean to show the expectations of our characters in new ways as they navigate thresholds of change?

· How can we show an authentic navigation of uncertainties in our stories?

· Make your narrative full of exciting transitions that inspires your reader to feel the change and perhaps be motivated towards positive change for themselves.

Paul Tournier’s descriptors of liminality can equally be turned into personal prayers as you navigate your own personal change:

· “Please, mighty God, keep me safe in my feelings of danger.”

· “Jesus, you walk with us every day. Help us to expect to see you at work.”

· “Help us to trust you in our uncertainty.”

· “This exciting transitional time makes me feel fresh and alive. Help me to perceive that aliveness as a gift from you. Help me to serve you with this energy I'm feeling.”

Perhaps you are standing on the threshold of embracing the liminal space within you. You may feel resistance, fear, grief, and sadness. Wherever you are is ok. Embrace that and allow yourself to be with what you are feeling. Liminality invites us over the threshold of everything we often resist.

Perhaps this article may even be an inspiration to step across your own threshold into a bold new vision or action for your life and writing.

Be encouraged.