The term liminal space has been on my mind over the past several months. It refers to a space between. A place of transition. A time where we have the opportunity to stop and remember what is important for each of us. This, the traditional nature of this time of the year. The ending of the past year – with all of its experiences which filled our lives. Now to merge with all of the hope and expectations for the New Year. The change of seasons reflects this. The solstice, the longest night of darkness. A darkness which, at this time, can also seem so overwhelming.
Yet the very nature of this time of the year IS that place between. Darkness being confronted with even a small candle, reminds us that in this space between two worlds, what we envision in our hearts can have a profound effect. A smile may seem so ordinary. But by its very nature, it is the pathway to the heart. And to a single, infinite light which we all share. The connection to the ever-present possibility of love, of compassion and of gratitude. These define the liminal space between our physical nature of this earth, and our transcendent spirit nature – the core of our being.
Alan Swanson December 22, 2022.
First full day of Winter. And marking the return of the Sun.
Detail of bronze sculpture Alan Swanson, 1982
