Walking in Perpetual Liminality

By: Andrew Sakach

Book Topic: 3

In Victor Turners book the concept of liminality piqued my interest. When discussing liminality through separation it was interesting that Dr. Redick brought up that most people go to their rooms when they are having a hard time because their rooms are full of things that are self affirming.

When thinking about myself and all the liminal times that I've been through, starting school, going to college, hiking the AT, different relationships, some religious experiences it seems interesting that when I go through a hard time I go for a walk. I never walk anywhere in particular, I just start walking, whether down the road, around campus or to the Noland Trail, my room doesn't seem to comfort me that much. I always feel really closed in when I'm in my room even though I'm surrounded by familiar things.

Maybe it's that when things start to bother me going into a liminal place, not being anywhere in particular, helps me think about my situation by removing myself from it.