The Practice of Peace

[Harrison Owen]

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Later this week, we will all be remembering where we were on the morning of
September 11, 2001. The shock of disbelief, a moment in which everything
stood still, including our breath -- and then -- with the return of breath
-- out came... For most people receiving this note, there was pain, anger,
anguish. But it is well to remember that for many others, the reaction was
quite different. Joy and cries of Victory in celebration of blows struck in
retribution for abuses, perceived and real. In an instant, the lethal
divisions of our world became agonizingly clear.

During this past year, I found myself on a journey in the company of many
others, Looking for Peace, and the means to achieve it. For myself, it has
been a rich and painful trip. Old notions dissolved in the heat of present
reality, and new approaches shimmered like a desert mirage, only to
disappear upon approach. Part of this journey was intensely physical,
taking me through The Middle East and Serbia where I met wonderful people
who's daily experience was anything but peaceful. And part of the journey
was deeply interior, as I faced my own dark places. Along the way, I made
notes to myself, mostly for therapy, but some of these notes seemed to have
broader interest, and I shared the results with many of you. Almond Tree
Blossoms and Tears captured the experience of The Middle East. And then in
early June I offered my perceptions of a most remarkable gathering in Rome
with 50 incredible Palestinians and Israelis.

The year is almost done, but the search for Peace has just begun. This
incredible 365 days has concluded (for me) with the completion of a new
book, which I call, The Practice of Peace. It has no publisher at the
moment, although I am hopeful that my publisher Steve Piersanti, and all
the good folks at Berrett-Koehler, will consider the project. In the
interim, I make bold to freely offer you a DRAFT copy -- for two reasons.

First reason -- I think it might actually do some good. As you might expect
from me, the core practice has a lot to do with Open Space. Hence we are
not dealing with a new, untried approach. Second reason -- I need your
help. I believe the approach is solid, and the presentation is in pretty
good shape. But those are my thoughts, and I need yours. What works? What
doesn't work? etc, etc, etc.

If you would like a copy, send me an email. I will send you the DRAFT as an
attachment in any one of four formats, PDF (Adobe), RTF, DOC (Word), or WPD
(WordPerfect). The book is 150 pages (.45 meg) -- so make sure you want it
before you ask.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Harrison

Harrison Owen
7808 River Falls Drive
Potomac, MD 20854 USA
phone 301-365-2093
Open Space Training www.openspaceworld.com
Open Space Institute www.openspaceworld.org
Personal website www.mindspring.com\~owenhh

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