When it comes to expressing the idea of being "in the middle of" something, there are a variety of synonyms that can be used to add variety and depth to your writing. For example, you might use phrases like "at the heart of," "amid," "surrounded by," "encircled by," "in the midst of," or "between" to convey a similar meaning. Other possible options include "centered around," "in the thick of," "midway through," "halfway through," or "during." Using a variety of different synonyms for this phrase can help keep your writing fresh and engaging.