I need advice . . .

[Doersam, Laurel]

Brian,

Thanks so much for your wonderful reply.  I'm feeling bolder and more
heartened, albeit still a bit confused.  When you did short sessions over a
period of weeks, did you have the same people attend each time, or were
there new people in attendance with each session?  (In which case, did you
do the detailed explanation at the beginning of every session, or did you
simply trust that the others would help the newbies, as would be my
inclination, and give an abbreviated opening?)  Thanks for the reminder
about the 2nd principle - it sure does help to go back to those basics to
remind myself not to be attached to any particular outcome.

Again, many thanks to you and the many kind people who have replied so
thoughtfully to my plea for help.

Laurel.
-----Original Message-----
From: Fr Brian S Bainbridge [mailto:briansb at mira.net]
Sent: Wednesday, June 28, 2000 4:29 PM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: Re: I need advice . . .


For Laurel Doersam
Dear Laurel
A note from the southern part of our world about your challenge.
Michael Herman's note was utterly on target, in my view, and he got most of
the
story and success just right - as he always does, I think.
My additional comment :
The second rule of Open Space ("Whatever happens.....") is really no less
important than the others, but I have always tried to live it.  It works
wonderfully, even in limited-time situations.
And if you can get some commitment to some possible on-going sessions before
the
beginning of the first session, they will find ways of exploring the matters
they need to examine.  And even if you can't, they may well suggest it at
the
session - which would be even more powerful.
My limited experience over at least twenty years is that if the spirit of
the
participants is engaged, magic/surprise/amazing outcomes occur, many of
which
were never in the minds of the sponsors or the space-maker.  That's the
marvellousness of what we are blessed with and able to help happen.
Cheers and blessings,   BRIAN.