About invisibility (and meditation)....

[Glory Ressler]

Dear all,
I've appreciated our recent conversation.  This notion of invisibility
is sometimes perplexing to me...  For example, we just facilitated our
second OST meeting for two recently amalgamated mental health agency
branches of a national organization.

In meeting one, the amalgamation was imminent, the tension was palpable,
and the theme was 'issues and opportunities around amalgamation'.  We
did receive a couple of 'why did we need the facilitator?' comments.
This past week we facilitated a second meeting for them on 'developing
the vision of _____'.  The difference was remarkable!  We had one
attempted space invader (a mid-level manager who was previously an
Executive Director of one of the branches!) which I handled swiftly and
succinctly.  The meeting was very productive, the mood much improved,
and their ability and willingness to self-organize much smoother (less
'what do I do now?' questions).  Again, we received three - 'wanted more
from facilitator/we could have done it ourselves' comments.  One
participant knew intuitively that my work was to hold the space and
commented to that effect. OST definitely works under a variety of
conditions!!

During the meeting I felt centred and present.  Afterwards, these
comments have had a mildly haunting effect upon me. I guess my question
is:
Is there ever a time when 'facilitator not needed' means more than the
appropriate 'fully present and fully invisible'?

BTW, in our summary to the org we suggested training staff so that they
can conduct their own OST meetings in the future.

My favourite meditation has to do with arranging the circles of chairs -
in the main and breakout rooms.  Lift, place, adjust, bless the
participant... Lift, place, adjust, bless the participant...  (The
maintenance staff love us for it - even if we only help a bit....).

Hope all of our American friends had a meaningful and heart-filled
Thanksgiving!
best wishes,
glory
If it isn't a happy ending, our story isn't over yet.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Glory Ressler, B.A., Dip. GIT
Lynne Bubic, B.A., L.L.B.
Avalon Consulting & Associates
Phone: (905) 937-2177
www.edgeofavalon.com
"...the edge where 21st century scientific insight and ancient
storytelling wisdom meet in the service of transformation and growth"
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