Center of the Circel

[Larry Peterson]

I have used a variety of "centers" for an Open Space. I like to find
something small that symbolizes the purpose of the group gathered. I like to
put the papers, markers and report forms in the centre. I have used short
tables (coffee tables). The critical thing for me is that the line of sight
and sense of connection between people in the circle (or concentric circles)
is not broken. A table that blocks your view of the person across the room
has the same effect as a table in a meeting room. It can separate people and
their energies. It does not prevent Open Space from working its magic, I
think it lessens the energy.

Larry

Larry Peterson
Associates in Transformation
41 Appleton Ave., Toronto, ON,
Canada, M6E 3A4
Tel:/Fax: 416-653-4829

lpasoc at inforamp.net
http://www.inforamp.net/~lpasoc


-----Original Message-----
From:   OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at listserv.idbsu.edu] On Behalf Of Michael M
Pannwitz
Sent:   Thursday, March 11, 1999 5:19 AM
To:     OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject:        Center of the Circel

Dear colleague,
Ralph asked what or who is "violated" by the use of a table
in the center.
I am facilitating an open space in a large Berlin church
the next two days. The church is "just" the meeting place,
the client is the "Round table for sustainable development
in Berlin and Brandenburg".
We went to see the space and to talk with the church people
about logistics and stuff.
We explained about the circle and pointed out that the
center of the room which has an  inlaid small spiral
ornament would be the place where people would go to to
write down their issues. And that we would put a blanket or
a rug there.
They asked us not to cover the centre with the spiral but
to put the rug right next to it.
When I talked more with them they answered Ralphs question
(I had not seen his response yet) with the statement: Well,
it is the center, we dont cover the center.
Granted, this is a special situation. But it got me to
thinking. And it confirmed my feeling about the meaning
the centre has to me. I am sure the "violation" is first of
all  my thing.
So to give an answer to Ralphs question on  what or who is
"violated" :
The centre is "violated" (obscured ?) and my sense of the
space is "violated".
By the way, participants have occasionally suggested that a
table be placed in the center to help with the writing.
Others have even objected to having flowers at the center.
I agree with Ralph that we need to be tolerant of
experimentation and multiple approaches. What I also
observed is that I need to be closely in touch with my own
feelings about the space and at the same time not to make a
"rule" about how open space should be facilitated or how
the space is to be held.
hugs to all of you
michael




Michael M Pannwitz
Draisweg 1
12209 Berlin
Germany
Tel.: 49 30 772 8000
Fax: 49 30 773 92 464