Liminal Spaces and Deep Listening

By Sandra Fitting
The second portion of our closing Medicine Circle consists of us holding liminal space for one another. This is a time of deep listening; listening to one another and listening below the surface for that which wants to emerge. Liminality is the quality of ambiguity or confusion that can occur in the middle stage of rituals. When asked if there is anything to share that may have arisen during the dance, the question is directed towards the deep places within that may have been provoked, unsettled, beckoned or perhaps settled, stabilized or otherwise altered by our conscious dance practice. During the deep listening, we are attending to that which wants further expression, to be shared with our deeply and respectfully listening tribe in order to further our communion and share the process of our individual unfoldment.
The word “liminal” comes from the Latin word limens, meaning literally, “threshold.” A liminal space is a place of transition, waiting, and not knowing what will arise, but honoring the process of pausing and listening.
In our Medicine Circle, we are witnesses to our fellow tribe members as we each deeply listen for what wants to be revealed into our respective awareness. In a recent circle, someone spoke of a yearning they felt while dancing, while another spoke of a bubbling up sense of joy. It is not the witness’ role to interpret, translate, or even to comment, but a time to embrace our sacred power and all that we are creating; a time to simply listen, which is a practice in itself.