Bardo

/
 

Bardo is a Tibetan term that means "intermediate state." It captures the feeling of the time we spend between times. The time between what once was and what is not yet. You may have also heard this referred to as liminal space. 

Some examples of this that we know well are:

  • moving to a new city - I know what life is like here, I don't know what life will be like in the new city.

  • a job change - This job hasn't been a good fit for me, but will the next one be what I hope it will be?

  • an engagement - I know how our partnership as boyfriend/girlfriend works, but what will it be like once we are married?

  • after someone dies - They were here, now they are gone. I don't know what life will be like without them.

  • significant habit changes - What will I be like if I quit/start smoking, drinking, exercising, etc. What will I be like then?

  • appearance alterations - I know how people feel when I look like this, will they still like me if I change?

  • divorce - I am included in things that couples do, will I still be invited as a single person?


We feel "in limbo" at many times in our life. We take leaps of faith every day unsure of what the future will bring. Bardo and liminal space are terms to help us understand this time in-between.

When we are aware that we are in a time of bardo, we can handle the discomfort a little easier. You can talk yourself through it with phrases such as:

  • You are in a time of transition, it is okay to feel a little lost right now.

  • You held these beliefs for a long time, it is unsettling to let them go.

  • You are wondering what you will be like in the future, remember you get to decide that.

  • You are going through a big change in your life, of course you feel afraid.

Pick a phrase that resonates with you or find your own words, then place your hand on your heart. Say these words to yourself as many times as needed to feel seen. Replace "you" with your own name. See how it feels to honor your fear and uncertainty in this moment.

I was thinking of this concept as Christians celebrated Easter this weekend. The Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday is an example of bardo. The in-between. The now, between the past and the not yet.

We have experienced a cosmic lesson in bardo with covid. The past as we knew it was gone March 2020. We lived a year in deep uncertainty. And now, in April 2021, we are wondering what "a new normal" means.

A common question in the Tibetan teaching of bardo is, "If I lose all my possessions, my job, all my money, then what remains of me?" Bardo brings an opportunity for a reset in our lives. 

Disruption can make us question our priorities, but nothing changes the fact that your soul is pure love, kindness, and compassion. Sometimes we need a disruption to remember and reflect on that.

You are living in bardo and everyone else is too. Let's be gentle with each other. 

Sending you love and peace,