Moving Open Space without closing it . . .

[Toni Petrinovich]

Yes, I too watched with interest to see how this was going to go.  I was/am
one that did not want to close the conversation so long as there was
conversation to be had.

I find that in working with my clients many have a feeling or an inclination
that there is a correct or perfect way to have a conversation and that some
issues have a time limit (hours, minutes, sessions) and that others do not.
I am remembering telling a client that he should talk about work if that was
what was on his mind.  He replied that no one had ever told him it was okay
to talk about work or what was on his mind - that most conversations had
specific topics and timetables and they must be adhered to.

When something is at issue for anyone, no matter what else they may be
talking about, the issue of the moment is what is on the mind.  And so I
was/am feeling that though others might have topics that are different and
some wish to continue the topic of 9/11, there is room for both/all.

This wondering extrapolated to another wondering if it got to be too much
sometimes to be immersed in what others live with in their lives daily -
fear, terrorism, pain/death or whatever words or labels we wish to put on
it.  It is such a grand journey, is it not?

Toni Petrinovich
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeff Aitken" <ja at svn.net>
To: <OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU>
Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2001 10:29 AM
Subject: Re: Moving Open Space without closing it . . .


> Barry, thanks for your clarifying words.
>
> The crisis brings up questions about this list that we have not asked
> before. We have never in my memory had sustained dialogue about anything
> other than OST, except maybe God and poetry.   ;-)
>
> I think we are all invited to play two roles here: facilitators AND
> sponsors. As a facilitator I want to hold space, not intervene, maybe ask
> if it's over. As a sponsor I want to offer appropriate leadership.
>
> What are skillful ways of leadership, without closing or limiting this
> space? (What do I tell a client sponsor about this?) I can invite others
> into a new topic. I can tell the story of the list. I can work to clarify
> the givens...
>
> I'm fascinated with the notion of closing THIS space, or imposing
> limitations. We are never barred from posting anything, unless I steal
your
> computer or somehow unsubscribe you. We do not have a facilitator or
> sponsor/boss who closes the space from a "heavy" role. Or do we?
>
> Like you, I noticed a shift in energy after I posted the following:
>
> "I feel concerned that our listserv may become primarily a place to share
> info and opinions about these world events. I fear that would change its
> purpose. The tentative "givens" written in the FAQ help me think about
> this. I ask that you consider this as you write to the list."
>
> Next time, perhaps I would do nothing. The delete key protects the law of
> two feet. Yet what has happened is important too... I have learned a lot
in
> the last week.
>
> Jeff
>
> -
> Jeff Aitken
> Berkeley CA USA: (01) 510.540.6576
> JA at svn.net
>
> And now, for something COMPLETELY different
> (Cleese, et al)
>
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