Open Space ,Self-Organizing Systems, and The Plexus Institute

[Jim Metcalf]

Peggy,
Your thought of "power as love" is profound and you struck a chord with
me. I would carry it on to say, "Love is Service". At the heart of my
thinking are the notions that it is in giving that we gain, and that in
dying we live. And then I admit that I have a long way to go.
Thanks for sharing your stimulating thought!

Jim


-----Original Message-----
From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] On Behalf Of Peggy
Holman
Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2003 4:34 PM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: Re: Open Space ,Self-Organizing Systems, and The Plexus
Institute

> --- GraceAnn <graceann at worldnet.att.net> wrote:
> It's true...... we so often think we can be instruments of
empowerment,
and yet we slide toward a "power over" role so often. Either we take
over,
or we insist on someone else taking over. Paulo Freire had the right
idea,
but it's so difficult to put his theory into practice. I look forward to
this dialogue. Grace Troisi

I just got back from a conference called Media that Matters.  During a
session, someone talked about how the left in the U.S. is so unwilling
to
step into power.  That made a light bulb go off for me.  It is no wonder
that people who value social justice and dialogue and access for those
who
are usually denied would have an aversion to the current definitions of
power.  What does "power over" do but create fear and oppression?  We've
sure lived out that theme for too long!

What I have found is the more I operate from power as love -- the power
of
connection, relationship, the easier it is to fully own power and make
things happen.  What does it take for us to embody this defintion of
power?

Kerry -- I think you're on to something by suggesting an exploration of
decision making and participation in dialogue.  I would add the dynamics
with power into that mix.

in sunny Seattle,
Peggy

_______________________________
Peggy Holman
The Open Circle Company
15347 SE 49th Place
Bellevue, WA  98006
425.746.6274
www.opencirclecompany.com

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