subtle realms

[toke]

Thank you Judi.

Wonderful to sense the subtle realm opening even more into the
Shambhala field of facilitators and hosts from reading your debrief.

Looking forward to see you in June - if not before

a bow to the center and to you

- toke

onsdag 11. feb 2004 kl. 20:20 skrev Judi Richardson:

> Subtle realms….
>
> This is in response to Harrison's question around subtle realms.  I
> have
> chosen to debrief the event – inviting you to come to your own
> conclusions!
>
> Here are my notes so far -- should you choose to peruse them!
>
> 22 participants – OST Training Feb. 2004
> Corporate facilitators and trainers, government managers, ngo managers,
> consultants
>
> In opening space in the last few months, I’ve been saying less and
> less –
> inviting the principles and law of mobility and the self-organization
> of the
> group to create the magic.  I was in a different place with this
> training.
> A few months ago, I heard an astronaut speak and was delighted as he
> invited
> us to realize that the sky is “not” the limit!  The Shambhala Institute
> provides a contemplative learning environment built on a Buddhist
> foundation, and sponsored this training.  Prior to opening the space
> and
> during the opening I watched as I explicitly invited the group to play
> with
> the space – to suspend disbelief -- the space inside for potential, the
> space for internal conversation, for external conversation, for
> reflection
> and contemplation, the space in the room and outside the room, the
> space to
> create a relationship with the form of OST and to create a
> relationship with
> space itself.  I invited the group to approach conversations from the
> place
> of differing experiences and both being “right” – taking thought beyond
> where it had been before.
>
> I process facilitated a transfer-in, agreements as to how the group
> would
> communicate, and aspirations for the two days together.  I opened the
> space
> first thing after the transfer-in – participants quickly embraced the
> form –
> many experiencing creative tension with the lack of control.  They
> moved
> through a complete OST event, with two sessions, including convergence.
>
> Participants were very successful at leaning into the form and holding
> questions back.  Several read Harrison’s book and/or perused several
> OST
> facilitator’s websites that I sent a list of ahead of time.  I then
> posted
> some outcomes and invited questions – inviting the group to lead the
> conversation where it needed to go in terms of building a relationship
> to
> the form.  There was discussion around open space versus open space
> technology, facilitator’s preparation, working with the sponsoring
> group –
> (this was delicious as many of the facilitators and trainers had
> terrific
> ideas), how to build a consulting practice (!), working with a variety
> of
> learning styles, when to use OST, internal vs. external facilitator,
> resistance to change, nuts and bolts (what to have), can structure of
> OST
> change conversations and organizational lifecycle?
>
> It was amazing as participants “saw” what I do implicitly in any kind
> of
> facilitation.  They noted how I sat with a straight back and open
> front when
> conflict threatened, leaning back to surrender the space to the group.
>  One
> trainer stated that she immediately asked herself when the dialogue got
> heated – what is Judi going to do, and started paying attention to me –
> truly a gift to have someone articulate what you are, for the most
> part,
> doing unconsciously.
>
> Outside of the OST experience while in learning mode, I took several
> of the
> participants statements and questions and invited the group to
> contemplate
> and reflect on it prior to our discussing and debriefing as a group.
> It
> took some people a while to refrain from reaching for their cell
> phones.  A
> participant came in after lunch the second day and during a debrief
> stated
> that while walking outside she realized that space is always there and
> always open – realizing we know that on an intellectual level – this
> time
> feeling it in the body.  In every debrief session, there was
> conversation
> about subtle realms – paying attention to feelings, noticing the
> silence,
> seeing with new eyes, never guaranteeing anything to anyone again when
> facilitating, invitation to be creative, noticing the cool air, the
> yellowness of the lemons – savoring more and fixing less, and at the
> same
> time paying attention to organizational development, interventions,
> and how
> they could use OST in their work.  In the closing circle, a gentleman
> in
> human resources with the government shared how as a Native man he
> often does
> not feel “at home” in formal trainings and meetings.  He expressed his
> delight at meeting in circle.
>
> Participants responses at the end of the training:
>
> Well-organized, meaningful experience for facilitators – OST is a very
> interesting and potentially wonderful tool!
>
> Loved how well a “low-tech” approach worked.  Numerous aha’s around
> space –
> too many to mention here.  A methodology that would work for many
> people.
>
> Thank you for this distinct learning experience with infinite
> possibilities.
>
> Chaos is good!  A great need for this in Community and community.
>
> Thank you for this new way of looking at things – allowing a
> facilitator to
> look at what effect “stepping back” can have.
>
> I was surprised at my personal reaction to lack of structure!
>
> I was delighted at how well the group managed itself.  I believe that
> OST
> can address organizations needs.  The format was interesting, fun and
> thought provoking.
>
> This is philosophically compatible with what I believe about working
> with
> groups and the wisdom/capacity within groups, etc.
>
> Surprised at the capability of the group!!
>
>
> Issues and Opportunities for Healthy Workplaces
> February 2, 2004
> Shambhala Institute
> Open Space Technology Training
> Book of Proceedings in file – handwritten.
>
> 22 participants
> Corporate facilitators and trainers, government managers, ngo managers,
> consultants
>
> Topics generated in experience of OST:
>
> Creating Personal Visions
> The Right Fit:  Creating a workplace that brings out your strengths and
> helps others
> Finding Meaning in Your Work
> Feeling Supported to develop/stretch – new knowledge/skills/activities
> when
> I’m ready
> Note:  The above 4 topics joined together
>
> Focusing of “stuff” really important
>
> Getting management to delegate authority
> How to facilitate this process in a small group when the leader
> (ostensibly)
> is the facilitator
> Empowerment & Trust & Honesty
> Note:  The above 3 topics were discussed together over 2 sessions
>
> How to bring open discussion about mental health
>
> Money
>
> There is no such thing as a healthy workplace
>
> Computers/Email replacing worker to worker and worker to client
> communication
>
> How to create true dialogue as a commonplace practice
>
> Engagement – servant leadership/peer support (seeking to understand
> before
> seeking to be understood)  Adventuresome learning, Empowering Culture
>
> Meaningful contribution – what is real purpose of my job/life – circle
> of
> influence “be”
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"Many tensions in the world may originate
from the conversations that never take place."
- Margrethe the second of Denmark - 31.12.03

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