The dictionary defines the word ‘threshold’ as a point of entry or as a level at which something comes into effect. There are so many examples of physical thresholds all around us - doorways, gateways, borders, property lines, and much more.
The threshold I would like to explore today is the one between wake and sleep or sleep and wake. This is the kind of dream / imagination zone between two worlds, a liminal space sometimes even referred to as that “trippy space” or “twilight zone”.
This is the space many inventors, artists, writers, musicians and entrepreneurs embark to seek inspiration and creativity. Albert Einstein and Salvador Dali were two famous and frequent hypnagogic flyers.
Hypnagogia pertains to the state of consciousness when falling asleep. There is also a term for the other side, the Hypnopompic state which refers to consciousness when waking from sleep.
A scientific researcher at UT Austin, says that “Hypnagogia is the shortest path for communication from our subconscious mind...(which) might send you solutions through imagery or other sensations.”
It is here where Tinker Bell tells Peter Pan how to find her, “You know that place between sleep and awake, that place where you still remember dreaming? That’s where I’ll always love you. That’s where I’ll be waiting.”
If you are searching for your beloved, you may be moved to go to this place. First set your intention of connecting and communicating with your loved one, breathE and relax into this magical space just before sleep or as you awake. It is there for all of us to access and part of what makes us human.
I was inspired to write this threshold post after seeing the new remake of Mary Poppins Returns. The nanny who crosses a dimensional threshold holding her umbrella, sings this heart touching song to the children whose mother has crossed. Sweet Dreams!
Do you ever lie at night
Just between the dark
And the morning light
Searching for the things
You used to know
Looking for the place
Where the lost things go
Do you ever dream
Or reminisce
Wondering where to find
What you truly miss
Well maybe all those things
That you love so
Are waiting in the place
Where the lost things go
Memories you've shed
Gone for good you feared
They're all around you still
Though they've disappeared
Nothing's really left
Or lost without a trace
Nothing's gone forever
Only out of place
So maybe now the dish
And my best spoon
Are playing hide and seek
Just behind the moon
Waiting there until
It's time to show
Spring is like that now
Far beneath the snow
Hiding in the place
Where the lost things go
Time to close your eyes
So sleep can come around
For when you dream you'll find
All that's lost is found
Maybe on the moon
Or maybe somewhere new
Maybe all you're missing lives inside of you
So when you need her touch
And loving gaze
Gone but not forgotten
Is the perfect phrase
Smiling from a star
That she makes glow
Trust she's always there
Watching as you grow
Find her in the place
Where the lost things go
Songwriters: Scott Wittman / Marc Shaiman
Song: The Place Where Lost Things Go