It seems we are always talking about ‘shifts’. Many of us relay our sense of the transformations that are occurring. Just this past week there was a beautiful Blood Moon eclipse that was suppose to shake up the old and usher in a new wave of being.
It occurs to me, that sometimes this can mean, it feels like we’re in a funk! At least that is how I want to interpret it! Shift or transformation subtlety implies that we have moved beyond an old situation and are now navigating in a new one. It is likely that there is a different stage that some of us are experiencing or feeling. I know this is true for me. This stage is the liminal. The in-between.
We can experience this in different areas of our lives. With relationships, spiritual journey, careers, health.., you name it. But we can also experience this sense of the liminal internally. How we identify and define ourselves. And it is this internal review process that is currently being triggered for a lot of us. Well, let me just say.., this is what is happening for me right now.
But what does this mean and what does it look like? This is where the word ‘funk’ comes in.
When you have this sense or feeling of being in a state of transformation or transition~yet have know idea what this means or what is next. You feel an energetic shift, but there is nothing in your physical reality that you can point to that helps define what you are sensing or feeling. You are probably in the liminal. You are in the in-between place. And sometimes that can feel like being in a funk!
You see, we are so use to knowing (or at least thinking we know) where we are going. We have an idea about what our priorities are. We feel firm in our beliefs. We have set course based on external desires. There is a comfort in having a plan or direction.
But when we step into the liminal of an internal shift or transformation, what use to be clear, becomes hazy. What use to feel right, is questionable. The dreams and goals that use to motivate us, lack momentum. Nothing seems to quite fit. While at the same time, everything seems the same. It is ‘us’ that is different.
Yet how do you explain that to anyone around you? There are no words to easily describe why, what, when, where or how you stopped fitting comfortably into your own life. How do you describe what you are moving towards or becoming when you can’t actually see it yourself?
This is where I start to judge myself. If I am not doing something, than I must be doing nothing. If I don’t have clarity I must be unfocused or distracted. If things aren’t black and white, then everything is gray! If everything is gray… I must be in a funk.
The truth is that the liminal is a threshold between two paradigms. The threshold between who you were and who you are becoming. In this threshold, you still have recall of the ‘old you’ that is behind you. You can also feel the call from the ‘new you’ that is beckoning! But neither one is clear or crisp. Instead, your entire being is going through a complete realignment. A realignment that is happening at the cellular level.
This reconfiguration of your being may bring up many areas for review. You will question how things fit into your life. Something’s that have been known and tried and true will slip away. Other things will emerge and take their place. You will have a sense of how differently you respond to situations and/or circumstances. You may even wonder how long this new way of being can last. Especially since it doesn’t seem like you worked very hard for this transformation! And isn’t that how we have made these shifts and changes in the past? By pursuing and doing hard, laborious work? Through struggles? By deconstructing ourselves and putting the pieces back together? Could it really all be changing without any of us predefining the destination or desired results?
Yes.., it could be that easy. And it can be that uncomfortable at the same time. Hanging out in the in- between, waiting for the next stage to reveal itself. And sometimes, like me, you may be tempted to judge yourself and this crossing point. You might even feel like you are in a funk. Take a deep breath and remind yourself… “You’re right where you belong”!
With Light, Love, and Laughter
Charles
Yep! I wish you posted this before I responded to an RFP. I am exactly in that place. Took all I could muster to get the energy to respond. Nothing seems to “fit” I really don’t want to do what I’ve been doing. I felt good as I started my transfer to new areas and let go off old ones. Then the RFP request came and I had to go back to old work. It was a real push to get it done. It did help clear up for sure what I really don’t want to do anymore.
I love what you just described Diane! I tell people all the time that as soon as we decide something.., the Universe, in all of its supportive wisdom, always gives us an opportunity to know for sure! Thanks for hanging with me through all the shifts and changes!
Yes, been there many times, I read once it is like letting go of one one trapeze and waiting for that next trapeze to grab. I can now see the gift of liminal space, the gift of seeing, the gift of trust that we are in good hands
Love that analogy Mary…, especially since when you first start experiencing this in-between stage it can be a bit frightening! I think I started encountering this a long time ago, but it made me so uncomfortable that I rushed to fill the void with anything that could keep me from experiencing that fear of the unknown. I think it is only after you discover that gift of trust… That you can actually just be in the unknown… (or funk!!). Thanks for sharing! Love you and miss you!
sounds familiar, been through it more than a half-dozen times during my long years of life… I think of it as a metamorphis as well… resting within the cacoon… so excited about what the next adventure will look like!
Yes Darla a metamorphosis! Thanks!
Our lives are on such a parallel track, Charles. I’ve been in this in-between space for months (and yes, many times before in my life) and only in the last few weeks and I beginning to have forward momentum to begin really manifesting what my heart is calling me to do now. Hang in there, the funk does pass (you already know this) and life shines on for us!
I should have known I’d find you here Jere!! 🙂 You are so right, we’ve been through this time and time again. For me the biggest difference is allowing myself to stay in the discomfort of not knowing. In the past, I have rushed out to define what I was sensing or what I thought was coming my way. It always works out…, so the difference is how we spend our energies. Waiting (in the liminal) or rushing forth trying to define, label or lockdown whatever it is that wants to be revealed! This is why I keep reminding myself to trust the process.
Thank you for being here with me, for your acknowledgement and insights. I really appreciate it!
Love Love Love your reply Charles. I’m writing this one down & will carry it with me today, tucked right next to my broken heart!
Thanks Jane for the acknowledgment. I appreciate it.., and sorry to know you are healing a broken heart! That makes these sort of transformations especially sensitive and oftentimes takes us out of context. Meaning we don’t respond in ways we normally would when our heart is strong and sure. Sending love and light to act as a balm in your healing process.
Fantastic post Charles, and very descriptive of my current state. It is wildly uncomfortable to feel compelled to leave everything behind and head out, in the dark, with only a compass and a tentative sense of direction. How wonderful to remember that, as you say, it is not our external desires that determine a satisfying destination.
I see you are embracing your inner mapmaker! I know this is a dance you’ve done before.., yet I am glad we are sharing it all anew! BTW… Stopped into the McLean Meditation Institute today in Sedona and saw a number of your beautiful pieces there! It was so fun! It made it seem familiar and warm. Such an inviting space!
Hi! Sounds like I’m in the minority here, but the in-between space is exciting to me! I feel the internal changes and I can’t wait to see what happens next! Each day feels like a gift and an opportunity to learn and explore. Perhaps I’m just feeling the excitement of the changing seasons (now that I’m in Colorado) and/or my impending visit to Phoenix. I will be sure to drop in and see you folks, there are always crystals looking for a home (MY home, lol).
I completely get the loving and excitement of being in this in-between phase Pat! Especially when your senses are alive with a knowing that something new is emerging! Perhaps that is what fuels the discomfort… Knowing or feeling something new, but not being able to see or experience it quite yet! Me thinks, “This to shall come… And then pass again!” Looking forward to your next visit!
I think what you described is what I feel like I’ve been going thru for the last couple of months. Glad to know there is a name for it, like you sometimes it’s hard being there.
That is one of the things about it Diana… It seems to be lasting a LONG time! That is part of the discomfort! I just keep leaning into Trust! Trust that I am right where I am suppose to be! Thanks for hanging with me in the unknown!
Great post Charles! So well said! I’m right there too! Thanks for putting words to it!
Well.., I am not sure if I should say “glad to have you here with me Joy!” Especially if like me.., sometimes it is uncomfortable as $#!+.., But I am happy the words resonate! Thanks for staying connected Joy! Oh look… Is that light at the end of the tunnel?? ?
Charles, I read this article with all the comments, and it made me feel like a part of something. I feel I am in between something in my life, but don’t know what it is, and can’t seem to embrace it. I keep thinking, if I do this or that, what if it is a mistake. It really is a troubling time for me, would like to move on and be more trusting of new adventures, but I am a “What If” kind of phase right now. Not sure what to do, but I so enjoy and look forward to your posts. This one seemed to really hit home for me. Sometimes I feel,,, where am I? Thank you for letting me share.
Thanks for the time to write and connect Sandra! Obviously many of us are in the same place right now. In some way, that brings comfort. I truly believe that we are not only shifting and changing internally.., we are also being asked to navigate our lives in a new way. To trust that we are right where we belong and the right, next thing is being revealed. It is the way we judge ourselves for simply “being” and not “doing” something. That is our natural instinct from our previous way of doing things. Think of it as cooking a stew. It becomes richer, fuller and more flavorful… we can’t rush it. This is how it is for us.
When we let go of expectations and simply embrace what is… we will find a peace from within that we didn’t know we had. The wait is actually an important part of “the journey”. And you are in good company! Thanks for sharing and being a part of creating something new!
And just to say…sometimes being in the in-between IS uncomfortable… but.., there is no way to do it wrong! 🙂
Yes, and many metaphysicians work with clients on this exact issue, which can be related to metamorphosis during shifts in consciousness and psychological stages of development, whether it’s an explanation from a more traditional paradigm of “passages” or the Christian explanation of the dark nights of the soul… in any event, sometimes, it can be as simple as career planning, clarifying one’s special interests and pursuing the playful career of your dreams so that it doesn’t feel like work… in metaphysics, there is another explanation that when you shift toward your sun, like the planets orbiting their sun, the shift requires letting go of everything associated with previous lives, the outer crust if you will, and it will feel like you are “losing,” yet that is the only way you can “vibrate” at the next level of consciousness to embrace the new life you are about to thrust into… my point being it’s real, it happens to all of us, it’s important to “allow,” and relax… the learning opportunity is phenomenal!
Thanks for sharing and expanding the conversation!
Your words are timely and “right on” in pointing my thoughts. Seems as though I’ve been in a funk for a few weeks/months with all the changes in my life…..definite transitions and transformation happening here. Although Eager to move through the process I know better than to push/dominate evolution. Yet I’ve under-appreciated/under-valued the in-between (liminal) space which can, and often has, left me with self-criticism, judgements, and feelings of inadequacy. This post has me re-member the in-between places and anchors me in the optimism that accompanies change in all levels of the human system. It’s all good!!! Thanks for the reminder!!!
You are most welcome Mary! Sometimes we have MANY external circumstances that almost force our internal journey. And you my dear friend have definitely had more than your share lately. I have this sense that some of the things coming your way are necessary pieces of the puzzle in terms of moving you out of the liminal in and into the next stage (or floor!). We’ll probably have a good sense of whether this insight is accurate in about a week when we get to spend a few days together! YAY!!! Thanks for sharing your insight and perspective Mary. You always help me deepen my own process! Much love!