Walking the circle: first time

[Beverley Neff]

Hello everyone,

This last weekend I facilitated my first OST meeting, for the 
Compassionate Listening Project's 3rd Annual Summer Gathering. As you 
can imagine, they were a gentle group to work with! 50 people gathered 
at Camp Brotherhood near Mt. Vernon WA for  two and a half days, the 
last day and a half in open space. By all reports, the participants 
were delighted with their time in open space and left having 
accomplished their goals of rejuvenation, reconnection and celebration 
of community. Once again OST worked, and I was delighted to to see my 
preparations, inner and outer, culminate in a quick transition for the 
group from a blank agenda wall to a vibrant marketplace.

And of course there were many teachings for me. I learned that in spite 
of any "opener's remorse" I might experience for forgetting to mention 
something, when it's over it's over. And I learned that it is hard to 
be invisible while holding space, at least with this group. They kept 
inviting me to pull up a chair!

Thanks so much to Chris Corrigan --  (for welcoming my inquiries about 
training a year ago, and then providing it), to Susan Partnow, (who 
usually opens space for these folks and generously filled me in about 
what would be needed), and to Leah Green, director of CLP and lover of 
Open Space, who invited me to get over my "first-time terrors" by 
opening space for her group.

This OSLIST continually teaches and inspires me.  I can't thank you 
enough for the wisdom, depth and humour in your postings. Recently I 
took great note of the support you extended to Ted as he faced his 
first Open Space -- I took it all as meant for me too of course -- and 
it really helped!

Blessings from sunny Saturna Island on the West Coast of Canada,

Beverley Neff

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