A First Step From Rome

[Averbuch]

Julie,
this is incredible!
The metaphor of being a 'tuning fork' is the one (and only one) I see as my
/our role in Opening Space!
 it is so present that while preparing for OS event the sponsor will send
papers (invitation etc.) for "musical proof reading"...

Thank you for your differentiation between peacemaking and conflict
resolution - it clarifies and makes perfect sense to me

with love,  still digesting Rome
Tova

Israel
averbuch at post.tau.ac.il

  -----Original Message-----
  From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU]On Behalf Of Julie
Smith
  Sent: Wednesday, June 12, 2002 6:44 PM
  To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
  Subject: Re: A First Step From Rome


  Dear Harrison,



  You said



  >>  The experience in Rome provides an opportunity for deep learning about
this thing we call Open Space, and possibly an even deeper learning about
possible pathways to peace. Since my time 10 years ago in South Africa, it
has been clear to me that OS has enormous power for what we might call
conflict resolution, but it is a resolution that does not eliminate
conflict. If anything the conflict is magnified, but space is provided so
that the conflict, and the energy it contains, may become a positive force.
All of this takes place without any carefully crafted process or procedure.
In a most remarkable way, it seems to happen all by itself. Which leads me
to the conclusion that the apparent magic has nothing to do with Open Space
Technology, and everything to do with the power of self-organization. All we
do in Open Space is to create the conditions under which a completely
natural process can start or re-start. If true, this is really good news,
for it would mean that we already have at our disposal the "tools" necessary
for peace. We have only to be fully what we are. Thoughts?  <<



  The distinction between peacemaking and conflict resolution has been
germinating for awhile now
.



  It seems to me that conflict resolution is man-made, while peace is our
natural state.  (Not peace in the sense of dullness and sameness, but peace
in the sense of whatever makes the heart swell with awe and appreciation.)



  I think there’s a difference between peacemaking and conflict resolution.



  I think the difference is that conflict resolution processes are rational
man-made processes designed to address man-made concerns.   I think
peacemaking goes deeper.   Peacemaking recognizes who we are.   When we do
that, we don’t resolve conflict, we transcend it.   And it isn’t hard.  When
we recognize who we are, there is no conflict to transcend.   Conflict
ceases to exist for us.   Hence, joy.   And the peace that passeth
understanding.  (I’m curious about where Wilber fits into this
.. I’ve only
read a bit of his work, but seems like there’s something in there about
trying to communicate between paradigms, and how that doesn’t work.  I’m
beginning to wonder if peacemaking and conflict resolution belong to
different paradigms.)



  OS/OST fits because
.. hmmmmm

 I keep thinking about tuning forks.
Harrison, I sometimes think of you as a tuning fork (with all due regard and
respect, of course! :) ).   My mental image is that you tune yourself to
your highest state of being, enter the circle, and hum.   As you speak and
walk the circle, you hum.  Because the hum of love, hope, and kindness is
irresistible to us, others begin to attune their hum to yours.  Little by
little, the collective hum reaches a higher state of consciousness and
harmony than it had before it was tuned with the tuning fork (aka Harrison
Owen).   And then, you let go and let the musicians co-create the music they
came to play.   The music is better than usual because the musicians begin
more closely attuned than usual.  The attunement is to our natural state, to
peace

 and OST is thus a practice of peace.



  Julie

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