Transitions: Danger or Opportunity
“Transitions are almost always signs of growth, but they can bring feelings of loss. To get somewhere new, we may have to leave somewhere else behind.”
~ Fred Rogers
Transition or Change?
Change is often uncomfortable, something most of us resist. But is change the same as transition? Not according to the experts. Change is typically something that happens to you, even if you don’t agree with it, don’t want it, and aren’t planning for it.
Transition, on the other hand, is internal: it’s what happens in people’s minds as they go through change. The early stages of transition may feel like change, but with the right tools, it is possible to move into a state of renewed energy as new possibilities emerge.
During life transitions, we often find ourselves in what is known as “liminal space.” The word liminality comes from the Latin word “limen” which means threshold. New thresholds or being in some form of transition (geographical, emotional, physical, or situational) describes the life experience for all of us.
Research shows that most, if not all significant life transitions have a distinct structure. However, this structure isn’t always obvious to the person entering a transition. Understanding how to experience the transition process healthily, can make the difference to seeing the transition as an opportunity or a threat/crisis.
During this Zoom conference, we will explore the work of several noted theorists whose work on healthy transition can serve as a guide. We will explore:
- Stages of transition
- Strategies to embrace liminal space (the threshold)
- Ways to identify life transitions and impasses
There will be time for quiet reflection on the “neutral time” (liminal space) and the time of new beginning and the opportunity to meet in small groups to discuss and talk about the material of the day.
This program will be held via Zoom on Saturday, March 9th from 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Materials and a Zoom link will be sent out to all who register the week before the program starts.
A donation of $50 is requested. WVIS wants to make its programs available to all who want to attend. Partial scholarships are available by emailing Executive Director Sr. Carole Riley, CDP, Ph.D. at wviscr@aol.com.
Questions: If you have any questions, please get in touch with Sr. Carole Riley at wviscr@aol.com
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