So now what.

[Harrison Owen]

At 10:29 PM 10/16/01 -0400, you wrote:
>So, I would greatly appreciate anyone's wisdom about using OS in this kind of
>third world context.  I will get a translator for when I walk the circle,
>etc.  I think we can get enough computers, and a space.  I expect that many
>participants will be illiterate. The politics will range from royal loyalists
>to Maoists. Humility and responsiveness to those with power is a big part of
>the culture. I have worked for a couple of weeks in Nepal about 18 months ago
>but that was my one and only time in there.

Based on a number of similar experiences, I can tell you will have a
wonderful time, and congratulations on venturing out -- in Space! I can
also tell you that you will come face to face with what I have always felt
to be the core essentials of Open Space -- creating and holding space
without understanding a word of the discussion -- and equally "core" --
without being able to contribute a word (directly) of
direction/intervention. And guess what, it works just fine. I have found,
however that my own, personal preparation becomes (if possible) even more
critical. For 99.999% of the folks in the circle, it will be your "being"
that speaks. If you can enter that circle in a state of clear presence --
as best as you can -- everything else just moves along. A good translator
will help, but I find the process so intuitive that even a poor job of
translation seems to work. You will also find the opportunity to experience
modes of presence that words ordinarily cover up, and modes of perception
that our thirst for "the detailed facts" retard. To be a little more
specific, I find that in order to comprehend what is going on it is
sometimes helpful to shut your eyes and ears and ask your self "How does it
smell?" Or," What are the colors?" With a little practice, I think you will
find that the nose knows -- and the activities of the group create fields
of colors. I don't mean to be weird, and maybe this is all about auras or
something -- but all I can tell you is that when I consciously operate in
these non-verbal channels I feel totally connected to what is going on so
that I can effectively do my space creating/holding function. And the
carryover once you return to an English speaking (or whatever your native
language might be) environment is also very useful. It keeps you "above"
the words. Which becomes essential, particularly when you are dealing with
a large, disbursed group.

Have fun.

Harrison

>Harrison Owen

7808 River Falls Drive
Potomac, MD 20854 USA
phone 301-469-9269
Open Space Training www.openspaceworld.com
Open Space Institute www.openspaceworld.org
Personal website www.mindspring.com/~owenhh

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