Becoming: Embracing the Space In Between
There comes a time in personal evolution when you are no longer who you once were—but not yet who you are becoming. This space, often marked by uncertainty, discomfort, and deep introspection, is known as liminality—the threshold between identities, between the old self and the new one still emerging.
In many ways, this space can feel unsettling. The familiar roles, beliefs, or routines that once defined you no longer fit, yet you still have to determine how those fit into the next version of yourself. It’s tempting to rush through this phase, to grasp for clarity or force a resolution. But what if this in-between space is not something to endure but to embrace?
Buddhist Wisdom for Navigating the In-Between
Buddhism teaches that everything is impermanent (anicca)—nothing stays the same, not even our sense of self. Discomfort in liminal spaces often arises from our attachment to a fixed identity. We resist change because it threatens the stability of who we think we are. But clinging to the past self can create suffering (dukkha).
Buddhist teachings encourage us to practice non-attachment (anatta) instead of resisting. This doesn’t mean we discard our identity altogether, but rather that we soften our grip on who we believe we must be. When we stop defining ourselves so rigidly, we open to the possibility of growth.
Learning to Dwell in the Unknown
Being in the in-between requires patience and trust. In the same way that a caterpillar dissolves into formlessness before becoming a butterfly, our transformation requires time in the unknown. This is where true self-discovery happens—not in rushing toward a new label but in allowing something deeper to emerge.
Rather than seeking quick answers, try approaching this space with curiosity:
What if I don’t know who I’m becoming yet?
What parts of my old identity can I release with gratitude?
What feelings arise when I sit with uncertainty?
Mindfulness can be a powerful tool here. Instead of resisting discomfort, we can meet it with awareness—acknowledging emotions without being consumed. Practices like breathwork, meditation, and yoga help anchor us in the present moment, reminding us that even in transition, we are whole.
The Possibility of Becoming
While liminal spaces can feel disorienting, they are also rich with possibility. Without the constraints of old roles or beliefs, you can redefine yourself in alignment with your truest values. This is a time to listen deeply, trust your inner knowing, and allow transformation to unfold naturally.
So rather than fearing the space between who you were and who you’re becoming, what if you welcomed it as sacred? What if you allowed yourself to rest in the unknown instead of rushing to fill the void?
Personal evolution isn’t about reaching a final destination but learning to flow with change. When we stop resisting and start trusting, we realize that the space in between isn’t empty—it’s where everything new begins.
Support for Your Transformation
Navigating the space between identities can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. Wayfinder life coaching can help you gain clarity, embrace uncertainty, and trust your inner wisdom as you transition. Through guided reflection and deep inquiry, we’ll explore what’s calling you forward and help you align with your next chapter.
Yoga is another powerful tool for going within. Yin yoga, in particular, invites stillness and introspection, creating space to process emotions, release attachments, and reconnect with your true self. By slowing down and tuning into your body, you can cultivate the patience and trust needed for this transformative journey.
If you’re ready to embrace this phase with intention, contact me today to schedule a consultation at Yin with Kim. Let’s navigate this journey together.
