A liminal space is a place that exists somewhat out of the realm of time and space, a sort of transcendent no-man's-land where we experience the oneness of ourselves in relation to the infinite universe. I don't know if the pagans marked Solstice for this reason, but for me, this is what is at the heart of this season of the year.
It is a time to reflect, to ruminate and to celebrate with others the mystery of being alive and the blessing of being together. I know the latter is fraught with complications, but in essence I believe this time of year exists as an opportunity to re-connect in a heart felt way, both with ourselves and others.
One of the things I thought I'd do this year, is honour the season, in this particular sense, by re-establishing the habit of journaling. I also thought it would be a good anti-dote to the commercialism of the season, to think of a place to volunteer my time.
The whole focus on gifts seems to blind us to the fact that there are more pressing and important ways that we can give something back to our families and communities. Animal shelters, soup kitchens and other similar organizations can always use extra volunteers, and this won't cost us any money. It will, however, open our hearts and connect us in an important way to others around us--again, something that seems resonant with the soul of the season.
Solstice marks the longest night of the year. In this womb-like space, let's take our blinders off and gaze upwards at the stars together. Let's celebrate with heart and soul the core importance, the best, of what it means to be human and to be here together.
"In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy."
--William Blake
