Tushies and tables

[Christine Whitney Sanchez]

Ralph and all,

After opening space for a community of elders, some of whom could not begin
to negotiate the floor, I began bringing a Styrofoam board that is slightly
larger than the 1/4 sheet of flip chart paper.  I keep it in a corner and
only bring it out if needed.   It is usually easy enough for the person who
has come into the middle to hold while they remain standing and write their
topic - this minimizes the tushies or creaky knees issue.  Very
occasionally, for those who feel they can't make it to the middle at all, we
pass the board, paper and marker to them in their seat.

Christine

Christine Whitney Sanchez
Triune Milagro, LTD
480.759.0262
VISIT OUR WEBSITE:  www.triunemilagro.com <http://www.triunemilagro.com>

Invoking the wisdom and capacity of the human spirit!



-----Original Message-----
From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU]On Behalf Of Ralph
Copleman
Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2004 7:47 AM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: Tushies and tables


Hi,

The participant who was afraid to bend over because she might reveal too
much of her rear end ­ doesn't that make anyone besides me a little crazy?
Of course, I would tell her gently that she can return to her chair, if she
prefers, and write her poster there.  Call me judgmental if you must, but
another part of me wants to know why any one of us should consider this a
problem for the facilitator.

On another topic, tables, I have this to add...  I now have the habit of
asking my clients in advance about the ages of the people likely to attend.
Older or overweight folks sometimes do have trouble bending, and I notice
those who gamely kneel down occasionally have difficulty rising again.  The
client and I discuss the best thing to do under the circumstances.  I am
normally reluctant to use tables, but having such a conversation seems like
good consulting practice to me.

I find the larger the group/circle, the less uncomfortable I am using a
table.  With a small group, I want to avoid it, most times.

Spring has arrived beautifully here in New Jersey, USA.  It was the best
year ever for lilacs.  Soon the bright pink peonies will droop and waggle
their huge, showy headdresses.  I hope things are lovely where you are.


Ralph Copleman

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