The sweet spot of living in-between: Finding home in the liminal spaces

image credit: Planet Volumes

We humans love definition. We crave clear categories, distinct boxes to tuck ourselves and the world into. But life, in its messy, vibrant glory, rarely adheres to such rigid boundaries. Perhaps the most authentic and enriching way to navigate existence is to embrace the abstract beauty of living in-between.

What does it mean to live in-between? It’s not about being indecisive or lost. Instead, it’s about recognizing and inhabiting the liminal spaces – the transitional zones, the blurred edges, the places where seemingly opposing forces meet and mingle. It’s the space between certainty and doubt, joy and sorrow, action and stillness, the known and the unknown.

Think of twilight. It’s neither fully day nor completely night. It’s a breathtaking tapestry of fading light and emerging darkness, a moment pregnant with possibility and quiet beauty. Living in-between is akin to dwelling in this perpetual twilight, recognizing the inherent value and richness found in these transitional states.

Illusion of dichotomies

Our minds often gravitate towards black and white thinking. We categorize experiences as good or bad, right or wrong, success or failure. But the reality is far more nuanced. Most of life exists on a spectrum, a gradient of experiences that blend and influence one another. Living in-between invites us to soften these rigid boundaries and appreciate the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate things.

Finding freedom in fluidity

The in-between is a space of fluidity and adaptability. When we aren’t clinging tightly to one extreme or another, we become more resilient to change. We learn to navigate ambiguity with grace, recognizing that answers aren’t always clear-cut and that growth often happens in the messy middle.

Imagine the space between inhaling and exhaling. It’s a fleeting pause, yet it’s essential for the continuation of life. It’s a moment of surrender, of letting go before receiving anew. Similarly, the in-between moments in our lives – the pauses between projects, the space after a relationship ends before a new one begins, the time spent contemplating a big decision – are crucial for processing, learning, and preparing for what’s next.

Creative spark of the margins

Often, innovation and creativity flourish in the in-between spaces. It’s where different ideas collide, where perspectives merge, and where the unexpected can emerge. Think of the blending of genres in art, the fusion of cultures in cuisine, or the unexpected solutions that arise when we step outside traditional frameworks.

Embracing the tension of opposites

Living in-between doesn’t mean avoiding discomfort. It often involves holding the tension of seemingly opposing forces. We can experience joy alongside sadness, strength alongside vulnerability. It’s in this delicate balance that we find a deeper understanding of ourselves and the human experience.

Cultivating an in-between mindset

How do we cultivate this way of being?

• Practice non-judgment: Observe situations and experiences without immediately labeling them as good or bad. Seek to understand the nuances and complexities.

• Embrace ambiguity: Resist the urge to find definitive answers to everything. Allow yourself to sit with uncertainty and trust the unfolding process.

• Seek connection: Recognize the interconnectedness of all things. Look for common ground and understanding even in the face of differences.

• Be present: The in-between often exists in the transitional moments. By being fully present, we can appreciate the richness of these fleeting spaces.

• Cultivate flexibility: Be willing to adapt your perspectives and plans as new information emerges. Rigidity can prevent us from navigating the fluid nature of life.

Living in-between is an invitation to shed the need for absolute certainty and embrace the dynamic, ever-evolving nature of reality. It’s about finding beauty in the blend, strength in the transition, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world in the spaces where definitions blur. So, breathe into the twilight, find comfort in the pause, and discover the profound richness of living in the beautiful, abstract space of in-between.