Terminology and the universe

[Birgitt Williams]

Ralph,
I am not defending a word--and I wish it were something other than
"technology". "Spagetti" is a bit too sticky (at least the way I cook
t:-( and a word like soup or casserole might just suit this meeting process
better, hmm Open Space Casserole. Hot and heavy or light and fluffy. It has
potential. However, unfortunately, the name given by Harrison in his book is
"Open Space Technology". Even Harrison has a disclaimer about it.

However, I do like to bring attention to what we are really doing here so
that we can wrestle with the notion that Open Space exists with or without
us. Within that large and beautiful Open Space, we have the privilege of
bringing attention to what is already present: nutrient ground for our
spirits to flourish, experience joy, and evolve and create. We bring
attention to what is already present when a group comes together using the
gift of Open Space Technology. And we have the privilege of bringing
attention to what is already present as the natural way of organizations
when we assist in the evolution (or maybe devolution) to an Open Space
Organization. Both are windows into All that is.

Blessings,
Birgitt

Birgitt Williams
Make Genuine Contact!
Dalar Associates: organizational
effectiveness consultants

Striving for Success? Ready to exceed
your expectations?

Contact us for consulting services, training,
conference and meeting facilitation,
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www.openspacetechnology.com <http://www.openspacetechnology.com>


-----Original Message-----
From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU]On Behalf Of Murli
Nagasundaram
Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2000 11:37 AM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: Terminology and the universe


Hi,

If someone wants to call it "open space" and someone else wants to append
the word "technology", that's fine.  I choose not to do it.

(Here we go again.)

My discomfort with using the "T" word is that I'm embarrassed by it.  I
personally find it difficult to apply it to a process that is so clearly
un-technological!  I think clients are confused by the term, especially
after they've seen how the meeting actually goes.

Personally, I find it a completely un-useful distinction.  I also think, in
the long run, you can call it spaghetti with marinara sauce and porcini
mushrooms as long as people bring their passions to the theme in question,
and as long as you open it, hold it, and close it well.

BUT, Birgitt has raised another of her ground-breaking points ­ with
interesting implications for what we do.

What is the nature of the universe?  Is it truly open space?  Time that is
genuinely free?

And if the universe is, in fact open space, and we seek a meeting process
that most clearly and cleanly reflects the way of the natural universe, are
we there yet?

--
Ralph Copleman
www.earthdreams.net
609-895-1629

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