Silence

[Harrison Owen]

I think this discussion of silence is marvelous. Thank you Doug for the
start. Silence for me has always been important -- perhaps the most
important thing. Somebody quoted Beethoven, or some other musical
luminary, to the effect that powerful music was all about the silences
in between the notes. In effect, the notes were just an excuse
(occasion, opportunity) for meaningful silence. With music of a
different sort -- the kind that is performed in every Open Space we do
-- the silences are always the richest part for me. Two in particular
come to mind. The first is that incredible moment between the invitation
and response -- when you say, "OK folks -- this is your time and your
space -- come declare your issues ... and for a breathless moment
(usually not long) the whole cosmos seems to sit there waiting, and then
of course everything breaks loose. The second moment is when the group
just falls into silence (usually at Evening news) and seems profoundly
comfortable with that silence. I covet such moments, first because I
truly enjoy them -- and secondly because it shows me that the whole
group is totally present and no words are needed.

Harrison

Harrison Owen
7808 River Falls Drive
Potomac, Maryland   20845
Phone 301-365-2093

Open Space Training www.openspaceworld.com
Open Space Institute www.openspaceworld.org
Personal website http://mywebpages.comcast.net/hhowen/index.htm
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-----Original Message-----
From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] On Behalf Of
Douglas D. Germann, Sr.
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2004 9:50 AM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: Silence

Hi--

What is the role of silence in OST and the Open Space life?

It seems to me silence is rich, full of panoramas of colors and sounds
and
tastes.

How important is silence in your day?

Have you seen it used by any of the groups for whom you've led an OS?

                              :-Doug. Germann

PS: This Tuesday a few of us are gathering for an open telephone
conversation on this subject.

Would you be so kind as to pass this invitation on to the people who
need
to see it?

Thanks!

                              :-Doug.

----Forwarded Message(s)----

Hi--

Can we make further and deeper use of silence in our work?

      Silence is a delicious thing for our meditation and
      contemplation; so how can we use silence, and let silence
      use us, in our work as teachers and nurturers of Spirit?

This is a telephone gathering where each of us can engage all of us, to
learn how others are using silence, and together to invent new ways.

      If you wish, I will offer my learning from a recent
      retreat I led for a group of Quakers; also a story
      of an encounter that sheds some silence on light.

Please join us for this mutual exploration. e-mail me to reserve your
space
and get the number to call.

                              :-Doug. Germann
                              Doug at FootprintsintheWind.com

PS: There will be someone there with whom you need to speak.

                              :-Doug.

Where and When: Your telephone, this Tuesday, January 27, 2004, 7:00 pm
New
York time, 6:00 pm Chicago time, 4:00 pm Los Angeles time, which is
Wednesday, January 28, 2004, 12:01 am London time, 11:00 am Sydney time.

Cost: You decide. Hint: a one-hour seminar, with one expert who *might*
talk on what you need to know, can cost you $15-$30 US. Here you have
many
experts, and you ask what you need to know. Decide and pay after the
tele-gathering. Or please take 20 pounds of canned goods to your local
food
bank. Or do both.

To pay, simply e-mail the value you decide using Visa, Mastercard, etc.
via
PayPal using this link: http://www.FootprintsintheWind.com/tgpaypal.htm
,
or send me a check to Learning Works, Incorporated, P.O. Box 2796, South
Bend, IN 46680-2796.

Questions? Please e-mail, or call me at 800/545-DOUG (3684).

Please pass this on to someone you know who uses silence well.

                              :-Doug.

----End Forwarded Message(s)----

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