A Note for Josef

Harrison Owen hhowen at adelphia.net
Thu Aug 10 06:07:16 PDT 2006


Josef -- That there is evil in this world is not a question, at least not for me, although it is interesting that my evil may well be your good and visa versa. And denial of the presence of evil, no matter how it may be defined and understood, is not a healthy characteristic for any human being. That said, my experience of Open Space and the business of facilitating Open Space, takes place at a rather different level. 

The role of the facilitator, at least my experience of that role, occupies a space beyond, beneath, outside of all elements of "blame and judgment," and this can be a real tough space to occupy. Over the years I have tried to give expression to this in The Four Principles and also in my version of The Fourfold Way (which some -- quite rightly) have pointed out is not exactly what my friend Angie Arrien actually said. 

The first two Principles ("Whoever comes is the right people" and "Whatever happens is the only thing that could have.") go to the heart of the matter. The point quite simply is that the people who show up and the events that take place simply "are" -- and one must deal with them as they are. Obviously everything "could" have been different. And indeed, one might have hoped that they would have been different. But the fact remains, they are what they are. I don't see this as "denial" in the least -- it is simply and profoundly the radical acceptance of things as they are in the present moment.

My version of Angie's Four Fold Way (which shows up in my book, The User's Guide) goes: Show up, Be present, Tell the truth, Let it all go. I offered these four little suggestions as my best shot at helping the facilitator do the job. The critical one for this discussion is "Be Present" which is my way of saying that we need to be fully "there" -- in the present moment -- regardless of what we may think about it personally. (Angie adds the words "without blame or judgment.")

My experience has been that when we open space being fully cognizant of The Four Principles and The Fourfold Way, even sworn, lifelong enemies who are convinced that the "others" represent the epitome of evil -- will find a way to treat each other with respect, and more often than not, come to some reasonable and responsible solutions for the issues at hand, no matter how painful and conflicted. Will this always be true? I can't say, but that has been my experience to date.

Assuming the role of Space Opener (facilitator) is, as you say, a "sacred work." It can also be excruciatingly difficult, and perhaps impossible for some people at some times. When I was in Rome with the "50 Palestinians and Israelis" I personally found many of the policies and actions of both sides to be short sighted, repugnant, and downright evil. In short there was more than sufficient blame to spread around. During the course of our days together I could feel my own internal anger, fear, doubt, frustration sometimes so intensely that I became practically imobialized. At such times, my only resourse was to withdraw to my room or to take a long walk -- in search of my own centered presence. To be very honest, there were moments when I didn't think I could handle it -- but somehow, some way I found myself drawn, pushed, shoved to discover parts of myself and my own resources that I have never seen before. Talk about personal growth! And in almost every case, the needed strength, insight, calm came from a few words of just a silent look from one of the participants -- who in a marvelous and magical way had become openers and holders of the space. In truth, we all did it, and the results were mindblowing, at least for me. 

Obviously there are times when our own personal agenda, experience, feelings are so strong that it is impossible to rise above them. At such a time we simply have to decline the role, if for no other reason than that we cannot perform it. I have done just that on occasion, and the remarkable thing is that in every instance somebody else who could stand in that space did so. Thank God for brothers and sisters, friends and colleagues! And if we ever reach a day when nobody can step forward, it will be a dark day indeed -- for the possibility space for human life will simply close. But we aren't there yet, and goodness knows we have a lot of work to do.

Harrison   
Harrison Owen
7808 River Falls Dr.
Potomac, MD  20854
USA
301-365-2093
207-763-3261 (summer)
website www.openspaceworld.com
Personal Website www.ho-image.com

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: joralt 
  To: 'Harrison Owen' ; OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU 
  Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 6:36 PM
  Subject: RE: A Note for Josef


  Dear Harrison

  Thank you for the reply. Rereading what you say few times allowed me to feel the rightness of some of what you say but we do differ in regard the plain old evil and the usefulness of opening space to heal it. Evil in my opinion is nothing more or less then condensed hatred that lost all capacity for compassion let alone love. And it feed on the denials of people of good intent who believe that there is some misunderstanding which after being sorted out will create the conditions for opening space for peace and love. I would not suggest you to wait for that day.

   Still, my intent was not to be derisive towards the beautiful process of OST or toward the wonderful people over the world who practice the art of listening, sharing and communicating with good intent. I have also no desire to burden this space here with arguments over the legitimacy of using violence as I personally believe in the ways of Ahimsa. I do not suggest an eye for an eye attitude or adopting the violent ways of hatred. What I am referring to is the way of acceptance. It means that by accepting  the existence of evil we can allow it to move out from our space. In vastness of the Space which is the matrix of all that exist there can be a place for evil but it doesn't have to be our space.  With all the respect ,dear Harrison, there is  much more to opening space then just good plumbing. Opening space is a sacred work that should create a safe heaven and a sacred ground for love to feel safe enough to manifest and flourish. Denials of bad intent are not  peace and talking peace will never replace the fact that Hezbollah and extreme Islam is preaching hatred towards anything that doesn't look or feel like them. We the Israelis are the most convenient excuse for the use of their violence, knowing well that the rest of the world will buy the argument that Jews are the evil of the world of which is their sacred duty to get rid of. And the world stands by and does nothing as it always did.

  Doing nothing is also a good way to open space but usually what enters is exactly the reflection of what people where hoping to avoid by doing nothing.

  Thank you for the link. I red your description of opening space for peace and it was very moving.

  Josef

   

   

   

   

   

  Josef Ralt

  mobile:972528000278

  home:97236821621

  http://www.flickr.com/photos/joeralt


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] On Behalf Of Harrison Owen
  Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 3:21 PM
  To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
  Subject: A Note for Josef

   

  Josef -- I am not sure that Opening Space with or for Ben Laden would have done much good, but I am pretty sure that had we (that would be all of us) diligently opened space for the peoples of the world so that the chaos, confusion and conflict that inevitably occur in the course of human living might have found resolution prior to explosion -- the Ben Ladens of this world would find little fuel for their fires. That did not happen and the fires are burning. It could have been different, I believe -- and may still be different if we get to work.

   

  Personally, I have never seen an Open Space for  "bad intent if not plain old evil." What shows up in all the Open Spaces I have experienced is just plain people, who come in all shapes and sizes with multiple desires, histories and passions. Even in violently conflicted environments, such as the Open Spaces I have been part of in The Middle East, the people soon found themselves with more in common than difference. To be sure the conversations were loud and confrontational -- but for the most part, they were conducted with respect -- which often turned into hope and trust, and strangely, even affection. Recently in Seville where I found myself in the midst of several hundred Rabbis and Imams, that was the case. And several years ago in Rome, with a smaller, but much more political group of Israelis and Palestinians, the situation was the same. For the story you might check --(http://openspaceworld.com/opening_space_for_peace.htm) 

   

  To be sure there are psychopaths and thugs. Every society has them -- but when the space of that society is keep open (there are multiple ways to open space in addition to OST) -- the pathology of such people can be marginalized and the toxins they produce flushed away. Alternatively, when we close space, build walls, seek to dominate and control these same toxins are concentrated and eventually become lethal. We know all about that, I think.

   

  To me it is less a matter of morals and ethics and more about good plumbing, although maybe this is the ultimate ethic and morality. The fact of the matter is that everyday human life produces toxic by-products. It is inevitable and quite natural and may be prevented only with the cessation of life, which is not quite what I would have in mind. The critical issues is to keep flushing the system -- and that requires lot of space in order to keep things moving. I grant you this may not be the most delicate way to put things, and one might conclude that OST is simply the community commode -- but it seems to work.

   

  Harrison 

   

      

  Harrison Owen
  7808 River Falls Dr.
  Potomac, MD  20854
  USA
  301-365-2093
  207-763-3261 (summer)
  website www.openspaceworld.com
  Personal Website www.ho-image.com

    ----- Original Message ----- 

    From: joralt 

    To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU 

    Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 4:52 AM

    Subject: Re: A Note from a Young Friend

     

    Hello to all

    I am new in this place. I joined the list after discovering recently the concept of OST and ever since I am studying this idea with it's many possibilities and connotations.

    As an artist I couldn't ignore the many similarities between some of the ideas of OST and the opening of space for the creative flow within a framework of art making be it a painting, a poem, apiece of sculpture etc.

    But since it is a time of war I thought to write few words about the negative connotations of opening space without realizing how denials of evil intent open the gap in opposition to any good intent of loving people everywhere.

    Reading some of your letters here regarding the war between Lebanon and Israel I couldn't not notice how much some of you seem to disregard the power of opening space for bad intent if not plain old evil.

    How about opening space for stupidity of the western cultures who still disregard the bad intent of the militant Islam that despises  most of what the western cultures regard as good and valuable?

    How about opening space for deceits and evasions of the European countries that allow their business corporations to sell any lethal knowledge that turns out to be the weapons that are used to instigate terrorists activities around the globe?

    What about the Lebanese government that opened space for murderous intent of the Hezbollah ?

    Why do you think that space is limited only to love and good? Isn't space unlimited by definition?

    Where did you got the idea that disregarding evil intent by denying it's existence will not open space in direct proportion to the force with which it is being denied?

    Opening space for evil (knowingly or not) is nothing new and it has always created the gap that feeds on the denials of people of good intent everywhere.

    It is not enough to open space for good intent. You must accept responsibility for your own denials that you throw into the gap in superstitious belief that if you dispose of your bad intent by denying it into the gap you will not have to face it one day.

    Well, the day has arrived and guess what? Most of you in the free western society will have to face how ludicrous is your belief that terrorists will sit with you in open space circles and allow you the freedom of doing things in your own way.

    Do you believe that perhaps opening space with Bin Laden could have prevented the attack on the WTC? 

    All the best

    Josef from Tel Aviv

     

     

     

     

     

    Josef Ralt

    mobile:972528000278

    home:97236821621

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/joeralt


----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] On Behalf Of Argene Carswell
    Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 5:25 AM
    To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
    Subject: Re: A Note from a Young Friend

     

     Harrison and Jon,

     

    A personal note of thanks for your notes. I recently returned from Beirut (less than two weeks before the conflict). When I read your emails tonight, I had just completed one of my own to one of my Lebanese colleagues, and was feeling quite helpless. In fact, I have felt quite helpless over the past few weeks as I communicate with my Lebanese colleagues and friends by phone and email.

     

    Jon, your words regarding demonstrating "huge respect" and the power of just "connecting" brought such comfort at this moment. It makes me think that what I offer my Lebanese friends just might have some real value after all. And while it does not involve a typical open space and large circles - I hope that as I try to exhalt THEM, and connect with passion, "maybe human love can be seen at its highest" - even if just for a fleeting moment.

     

    Harrison, I now feel less helpless. And I know you are right, the fever has to run its course - it is sometimes just so hard when it hits so close.

     

    Many thanks,

     

    Argene

     

    Carswell and Associates
    1235 Jefferson Davis Highway
    Suite 1600, #141
    Arlington, VA 22202

     


    -----Original Message-----
    From: hhowen at adelphia.net
    To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
    Sent: Mon, 7 Aug 2006 11:57 AM
    Subject: Re: A Note from a Young Friend

    Jon -- thanks for the note. I presume you also meant this for OSLIST, so I will send onwards.

     

    ho

     

    Harrison Owen
    7808 River Falls Dr.
    Potomac, MD  20854
    USA
    301-365-2093
    207-763-3261 (summer)
    website www.openspaceworld.com
    Personal Website www.ho-image.com

      ----- Original Message ----- 

      From: Jon Harvey 

      To: Harrison Owen 

      Sent: Monday, August 07, 2006 10:57 AM

      Subject: RE: A Note from a Young Friend

       

      Thank you for sharing that with us, Harrison.

      It has never been more important than now to create the spaces for people to
      come together, and through dialogue, be reminded that we are all human and
      what joins us is so much much more than what divides us. Like Dania I
      sometimes despair and hear with disbelief the vacuuous statements by our so
      called leaders. But then I get back in my saddle - believing that if I can
      help just two people to really hear and listen to each other - and
      rediscover their common humanity - then it is still worth carrying on.

      So - here's to large circles and deep listening, wide openness and huge
      respect! Defragging the world may take time - but we can get there!

      "Only connect! That was the whole of her sermon. Only connect the prose and
      the passion, and both will be exalted, and human love will be seen at its
      highest. Live in fragments no longer" (E M Forster)

      Jon Harvey
      Oxford, UK



      -----Original Message-----
      From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU]On Behalf Of Harrison
      Owen
      Sent: 07 August 2006 15:28
      To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
      Subject: A Note from a Young Friend


      Some of you may remember that during the Congress of Rabbis and Imans I met
      a wounderful young lady from Indonesia. I heard from her again today and
      thought our exchange might have some relevance for OSLIST.

      Dania wrote:

      Dear Mr. Owen,
      How are you? I'm Dania from Indonesia. I was a participant of the world
      congress of Imams and Rabbis for Peace in Seville, Spain, as a student of
      Children of Abraham. I met you there. I hope you're still remember me
      Mr. Owen, I'm very concerned about the war between Hezbollah and Israel in
      Lebanon.. I read the news about it everywhere. Yesterday,  I found a
      newspaper on my boss' desk. I stole it (hihihihi) while she was having lunch
      and read the news about Hezbollah and Israel. People died in Lebanon, most
      of them are children and old people. They bombed houses, buildings.. oh my
      God, I couldn't stand read it. I saw the news on the TV, too. They showed
      the picture of the victims in lebanon, the children, the amunitions, people
      suffered...
      On my way back home from the office, I turned my radio on and heard the news
      about Hezbollah and Israel (again and again and again!).after the news, they
      played one of my favourite songs, Imagine, sang by 2 singers, an arabic man
      and a french woman. they sang the song in 3 languages: arabic, french, and
      english. it was beautiful. i've heard this song many times, but when I heard
      it yesterday, I cried.. I was very upset about this war and all. whjat is
      wrong with this world?? why do they do that? what for? Can't they stop the
      war, make peace, and live happily together? what's wrong with peace? why do
      they reject peace? what do they want now? when is it going to be over?
      Can we do something to stop the war, Mr. Owen? Me, you, and the Imams and
      Rabbis who attended the congress in Seville? Can we take action? What can we
      do to stop the war? what can we do to make them realize that war won't do
      any good?
      I can't find any answer for these questions.. I feel hopeless.
       Dania

      I replied:
      Of course I remember you! And with great affection!! As for Hezbollah and
      Isreal. . . I am afraid that this may be one of those times in Human history
      when all the things we should done and did not, along with all the things we
      should not have done and did -- now come due. It is rather like the
      situation when we do not take care of our health and suddenly we find that
      we have a bad infection and a fever. That fever will now run it's course.
      Sooner or later it will break but whether that break occurs before major
      damage has been done, or after, remains to be seen. Being a Human Being is a
      constant learning process, and sometimes that learning can be very painful.
      But the greatest tragedy would be not to learn. So for my self, I feel
      neither helpless nor hopeless. To be sure I do not have the power to
      separate Israel and Hezbollah, nor do I think that those who may think they
      have the power (Presidents, Kings, Imams, Rabbis, etc) could do any better.
      And even if they were to be successful in Lebanon -- the underlying causes
      would remain, and the fever would break out again. So what to do? Speaking
      only for my self, I intend to keep opening space so that wonderful people
      such as you can experience that "playground" (as you called it) in which
      real people with real differences can meet each other with respect. And if
      you are looking for something to do right now -- you could try the same
      thing.

      God Luck! And thank you for remembering me!!

      Harrison



      Harrison Owen
      7808 River Falls Dr.
      Potomac, MD  20854
      USA
      301-365-2093
      207-763-3261 (summer)
      website www.openspaceworld.com
      Personal Website www.ho-image.com

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