Continuing the Edge Theme

Invisible Edges

Last week’s post on edges is so important, in my opinion, that I’d like to keep exploring it this week. I emphasised contrast and visible edges last week, although I did allude to invisible ones in the practices. For this week, I’d like to introduce you to one type of invisible edge, called “infrathin.”

Infrathin (French: inframince) is a concept coined by conceptual artist Marcel Duchamp. When asked for a definition of the term "infrathin," Duchamp replied that the notion is impossible to define, “one can only give examples of it:” the warmth of a seat (which has just/been left) is infrathin. ~ Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia

I first learned of this term through Rob Walker’s book, The Art of Noticing. He calls it “a separation, a difference between two things.” In other words, the invisible edge between, but very subtle. I think of them as moment edges, where one thing becomes something new. 

We encounter these edges subconsciously every day. How would it change our experience to become more aware of them? Here are a few I’ve noticed lately. 

• The temperature in my town is often determined by the wind off the lake and which direction it’s coming from. Infrathin is that moment when I turn a corner and notice an immediate temperature differential. The same goes when I approach the lake. The temperature can suddenly drop considerably when I get to within one block. 

• That moment when the peony blossom decides to unfurl. 

• Walking in my front door (or any door), crossing the threshold between outside and in, or vice versa.

• That moment when I learn a new piece of information, and a lightbulb goes off to some new insight or connection.

• That moment between hearing the phone ringing as I call someone and they pick up and say hello. 

Monoskop provides 1000 examples of infrathin. How many can you come up with? Please share!

More Practice

We’ve already spent some time looking at what’s at the edge of our consciousness - things overlooked or on the periphery, space, air, and breath. Revisit those or consider what else is at the edge of your consciousness. Perhaps memories, emotions, judgments, regrets, hopes, fears, dreams, etc.

Consider the edge between your reality and someone else’s. How do you navigate bridging those edges? Lately, I’ve practiced focusing on what I bring to the edge. My contributions go a long way towards whether there will be understanding or not. 

Thin places are places or sites considered sacred, where the edge between the visible world and the spiritual world is especially porous or thin. I’ve certainly felt an energetic connection when visiting the Burren region of Western Ireland, mainly through the ancient rock. Have you experienced a thin place? Please share in the comments or reply to this email.

Read about thin places in the New York Times and The Guardian.