11/29/2016
Liminality seems to be a phase that everyone goes through during a pilgrimage or thru hike. The transitional phase from everyday society to long distance hiking is something that would be overwhelming for anyone, but with the help of other hikers and tail angels, long distance hiking is very doable and a rewarding experience. I like to think of liminality as going thru "culture shock" but in a more healthy way. Leaving technology, transportation, family, friends, luxury foods, and normal sanitation lifestyles is tough for many people to fathom, but once a hiker goes through the liminality phase, the lifestyle becomes second nature. I find it fascinating that once thru hikers are done with their hike, they are so used to the lifestyle that going back to regular society seems almost unappealing. I suppose you can compare this to a tropical vacation; you get so used to the relaxed lifestyle that you don't want to go back to your normal life. Granted, thru hiking is much more strenuous than a tropical vacation, but once the flow becomes second nature, it can be a very relaxing experience.
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