Open Space and Open Forum? OST and processwork

[Raffi Aftandelian]

Dear openspeisery,
Right now I'm in the middle of participating in a workshop being led by people that I have been dreaming of seeing for 10 years. Arnold Mindell (originiator of process work) and his wife and partner are leading a workshop entitled "Magical Paths between worlds". This workshop, as I understand, reflects Arnold's efforts in tying together physics, psychology, and shamanism.

Why do I mention this here?

In one of his books, The Deep Democracy of Open Forums: Practical Steps to Conflict Prevention and Resolution for the Family, Workplace, and World, I believe he mentions OST as a follow-up step to using Open Forums. An Open Forum, quite briefly, for those who may not know (I have only read about this, never been to one) is a way of holding a meeting with a large number (or not very large number) of people who are in profound conflict (quite literally in a space ready to kill each other) and using what Mindell calls a semi-linear process to facilitate large group transformation. OST is mentioned as a potential follow-up step after an Open Forum. He essentially suggests what you, Harrison, suggest people do with OS: read the book and try it. That's something of a simplification, of course, he suggests that people first try leading mini-Open Forums (10 people participating for example).

I intend to (haven't had the chance yet to ask Arnold and Amy about whether there is an Open Forum community real or virtual or not. But, for now I just wanted to put this question out there. Are there folks who have lead an Open Forum? Used OST (or some other large group intervention) as a follow-up step? 

My attempts online to find out about a regular application of Open Forums hasn't yielded any results.

I know there are some folks on list (hi Kenoli!) who have at minimum experienced processwork. Your thoughts, knowledge, etc. on this would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Raffi (Aftandelian)

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