Nearly 50 oblates and sisters gathered at the monastery for a Lenten retreat, Leaning into Liminality: Staying Grounded in Troubled Times, on March 4. In two weeks, a virtual version of the same retreat will be offered for those who were not able to be onsite last Saturday.
Oblate co-director Joanne Cahill introduced the two facilitators, Rev. Dr. Sandy Selby, an Erie Benedictine oblate, and Rev. Dr. Lisa Withrow. Sandy began by addressing the meaning of “liminality.” “The word comes from the Latin “limen” which means threshold. Liminal space is, then, the in-between space. It’s a place of choice, it’s a place where danger and promise both exist,” Sandy explained.” Another aspect of liminal space is “meaning making.” As we leave one space and move into another, we choose our meaning.
After time for reflection, conversation, and creative expression, Lisa continued with input on meaning making and identity, and how they are shaped by what we pay attention to. She then sent the retreatants off to reflect on two questions, “Who am I right now?”, and “Who do I choose to be?”
As we move through the 40 days of Lent, we also reflect on the Israelites who experienced liminality in their long journey through the wilderness, and Jesus who experienced liminality in his 40 days in the desert. Liminality can be experienced at a personal, community, or global level, as we have seen in the pandemic.
Sandy was a chaplain serving in hospitals for more than 20 years. She works with front-line health and human services professionals to address secondary trauma by building resilience. Akron, OH
Lisa is founder of Clear Transition Strategies, is a leadership professor, international consultant, and coach for religious organizations, and writer with a focus on liminal space. Delaware, OH
Learn more about each of them on the Clear Transition Strategies website.
