The liminal space and twelve action practices for gracious living

Abstract

"Note: This paper represents an abbreviated version of the 2010 Marianne Fry Lecture which I gave in Bristol, UK, on 17 July 2010. I am deeply grateful to the 100 or so people who attended and gave such positive feedback combined with requests for a ‘user’s guide’ to the praxis implications arising from the philosophical and epistemological issues raised in the lecture. (For an online recording of the lecture visit the Marianne Fry website by following this link: http://www.mariannefrylectures.co.uk/28/2010-lecture-record.html). In particular I want to appreciate the direct contribution of Christine Stevens, BGJ editor, in firmly steering me towards an ‘as simple as possible description of the model and action practices’, rather than indulging my predilection for more esoteric musings. This paper is written with Christine’s advice very much at the forefront of my mind. Abstract: This paper uses the terms ‘will’ and ‘grace’ to describe a dialectical tension between linear and non-linear change processes. The author argues that it is important to avoid polarisation and instead recognise that both aspects are always present, albeit in differing degrees with differing figure-ground orientations, in all change processes. A definition of liminal space is offered as a point where both will and grace are conjoined in a transformational process aligned with the emerging situation. It is proposed that historically, classical Gestalt psychotherapy theory and training tended towards a will-orientated change process, while recent relational formulations have emphasised grace. The author articulates and defines the action practices and procedural competencies that are supportive of gracious living and also provides a new formulation of the Gestalt cycle that integrates the classical and relational styles of Gestalt psychotherapy theory and praxis. Key words: Gestalt psychotherapy, relational, liminal, transformation, linear and non-linear change."