The tableau of blooming flowers, plants and trees all over New York City these past few weeks has made me joyful. After a walk in Fort Tryon, our neighborhood park, it’s hard for me to complain about all the work I have piling up, my lack of sleep, or, really much of anything (at least for an hour or so). The beautiful spring scenery in the city right now makes me believe that summer really is coming. And, summer is my favorite season. I love the long, warm days and especially, the time of day when the sun is starting to set, the sky is ablaze in pink, orange, and red, and the air gets just a little cooler as nighttime approaches. The time between sunset and nightfall and between the very early morning and sunrise is called liminal time. It is the “in between” time. (Side note: I only like the evening liminal time; I’m very grouchy in the morning.)

 

We are all in the liminal time right now, just ending the semester, finishing up finals and papers, wrapping up grading, scheduling final meetings before summer, packing and unpacking, preparing to move, to celebrate, to start a new internship or job, saying goodbye to old friends and hello to new colleagues. Some of you are joining TC’s community for the first time. Others are ending your first full year of studies with us. Some are graduating. None of us is standing still, yet most of us have not yet moved beyond the liminal time. Transitions can fill us with anxiety and excitement simultaneously. We often feel uneasy – optimistic and anticipatory, yes, but also nervous and out of sorts. The boundary position is challenging, but also precious.  

So, I urge you to savor these days as much as you can. Try to pay attention to what you are doing, thinking and feeling during this liminal time. Take a few moments to reflect on all you have learned and how much you have grown the past year. Steady yourself when you feel apprehensive and relish the feelings of excitement and hopefulness about what is yet to come.

 

The intense paradoxes of these days can be disorienting and difficult. Working with all of you this year has helped me find equilibrium. I have been steadied by your thoughtful engagement in class, the kindness you’ve regularly shown each other, your optimism and drive amidst confusion and challenge, and your work for change and justice. For those of you who are graduating – we miss you already – and we are proud of all you have accomplished. For our new and ongoing students, we are looking forward to our continued learning together this summer and in the fall.

 

Wishing all of you peace, joy, time for relaxation and renewal and continued hope for our shared future.

 

Sarah J. Brazaitis, Ph.D.

MA Program Director

 

The following podcast recommendations come to you courtesy of students in the Spring 2022 Group Dynamics course.

 

Here's hoping you can tune in to one or more of them over the summer break. Happy listening!