Everything is moving
doug
os at footprintsinthewind.com
Wed Aug 25 09:40:12 PDT 2010
Ralph--
What did you mean when you said "Everything is moving?"
What do you mean when you say "Everything is STILL moving?"
:- Doug., wanting to open space for more moving
On Mon, 2010-08-23 at 09:46 -0400, Ralph Copleman wrote:
> And the next day...
>
> Everything is STILL moving.
>
> Ralph
>
>
> On Aug 23, 2010, at 2:00 AM, OSLIST automatic digest system wrote:
>
> > There are 2 messages totalling 1418 lines in this issue.
> >
> > Topics of the day:
> >
> > 1. Everything is Moving: An Invitation to Join the flow (longish) (2)
> >
> > *
> > *
> > ==========================================================
> > OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
> > ------------------------------
> > To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options,
> > view the archives of oslist at listserv.boisestate.edu:
> > http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
> >
> > To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs:
> > http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist
> >
> > ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2010 17:49:47 -0400
> > From: Harrison Owen <hhowen at verizon.net>
> > Subject: Everything is Moving: An Invitation to Join the flow (longish)
> >
> > This is a multi-part message in MIME format.
> >
> > ------=_NextPart_000_0001_01CB4222.699A9210
> > Content-Type: text/plain;
> > charset="us-ascii"
> > Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
> >
> > Our friend Suzanne Daigle sent me a note saying that it seemed I had been
> > very quiet on OSLIST. It is true that I appreciate silence, but the real
> > truth is, I was just thinking. Dangerous I know, but what follows is the
> > result - and you can blame it all on Suzanne (Joke!). So what do you think?
> >
> >
> >
> > **************************************************************
> >
> >
> >
> > A long time ago a good friend, Ralph Copleman, was to be found in the middle
> > of a large circle of peers dressed in a flowing cape and repeating the
> > words, "Everything is moving, Everything is moving." Odd to say the least
> > and some doubted Ralph's sanity. Some still do, but that image has stuck in
> > my febrile brain ever since - and as time has passed it occurs to me that
> > Ralph had it precisely right: This is an energetic cosmos. The problem
> > arises when we (and that includes all of us some of the time) desperately
> > want everything to stop and stand still. So desperately in fact that we
> > have created a mental image of our environment exclusively populated by
> > static things which include everything from mountains to super nova along
> > with the oddments of our life like professions, chairs, relationships,
> > organizational structures, corporations, countries and empires.
> > Unfortunately this mental image is a radical illusion, one might say
> > delusion. Ralph is right. Everything is moving and what we perceive as
> > stable structures are but the momentary, slice in time, freeze-frame
> > constructs of our imagination.
> >
> >
> >
> > Heresy? Psychobabble? Advanced esoteric insight? - None of the above, I
> > think. As a matter of fact, Ralph's observation is nothing but a short
> > (poetic?) version of the (now) standard scientific understanding of the
> > nature of the cosmos. Starting with the Big Bang it is all flowing energy,
> > albeit now clumped in momentary configurations - but still flowing energy
> > for all of that. Scratch any rock hard enough and its essential nature comes
> > through - a whirring bunch of quarks and neutrons doing the cosmic dance.
> > Doubtless my physicist friends would take issue with my phrasing - but not,
> > I think, with the core message. Everything is moving.
> >
> >
> >
> > So what does all this have to do with the price of eggs? Or for that matter
> > - Open Space and our role as facilitators and consultants? A lot, I believe.
> >
> >
> >
> > Starting with Open Space which is many things to different people. For some
> > it is a Large Group Intervention. Others might see it as an aberrant
> > phenomenon peculiar to a cultish few. For myself Open Space is a trial ride
> > in the flow of life which has a lot of similarities to my boat.
> >
> >
> >
> > My boat is smallish in size (32 feet) but definitely larger than the average
> > punt. She is very seaworthy and shares a common heritage with the local
> > Lobster Boats here in Maine. We have many visitors, most of whom have never
> > been on a boat such as the Ethelyn Rose. When you walk on board, things look
> > sort of familiar. Chairs for sitting, a comfortable nook for dining, and
> > even an oriental rug on the floor - excuse me, sole. If you look further
> > there are the standard amenities such as a shower and commode, all
> > sequestered in their separate quarters. Even a complete landlubber will feel
> > more or less at home.
> >
> >
> >
> > But the moment we leave the dock the world changes - apparent stability
> > yields to constant motion. Everything is moving even if it seems to be
> > staying in the same place! In the harbor motion is minimal, but the moment
> > we clear the breakwater marking the harbor entrance the experience can be
> > radically different. Sea swells from the open Atlantic Ocean take us up and
> > down in distances measured in yards, and should we have a good cross wind
> > the surface chop adds an interesting side to side motion. The Ethelyn Rose
> > is right at home, but some of our visitors have a different impression. And
> > navigating in these conditions is a definite learning experience. Even a
> > simple walk through the main cabin can be a challenge. Hand holds that you
> > had carefully plotted at the start of your journey suddenly changed position
> > relative to you as you made your way. What was up is now down and who knows
> > what is happening in between. Interesting, and as they say, It ain't Kansas.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Most people meet the challenge and after a few educational bumps to various
> > parts of their anatomy they learn not to fight reality. No matter what you
> > may have thought you were going to do, the only useful option is to go with
> > the flow. And the next level of learning is that when you do that well
> > (flow) you can actually arrive where you need to be. Wonderful! Sounds a lot
> > like Open Space.
> >
> >
> >
> > We start in the static stability of a circle. This may seem strange to some,
> > but there is a place for everybody and everybody finds a place. A familiar
> > and enduring structure for sure. Then it happens. The circle crumbles in
> > bits and pieces as people come to center, announcing their passions - only
> > to be briefly restored as they return to their seats. However the
> > restoration is but momentary. Shortly everybody leaves their seats to join a
> > chaotic gaggle at the wall. So much for static structure, and it goes
> > downhill from there.
> >
> >
> >
> > Ebbing and flowing, groups form and reform all without benefit of the
> > standard constraints essential for orderly organizational life-or so we
> > might have thought. Pre-arranged agenda (sometimes called Mission, Goals,
> > Objectives) is nonexistent. The Schedule might be posted but never followed
> > - things start when they start. Assigned participation is nowhere to be
> > found, and yet the right people show up. And to make things even worse, the
> > air is filled with buzzing and flutters as Bees and Butterflies do their
> > thing. Madness! To be sure there may be a few people who are utterly
> > flummoxed as the hand holds they may have expected (see above under "Ethelyn
> > Rose at Sea") disappear . . . or reappear in unexpected places. Their
> > condition is not helped, for should they ask what to do the answer is likely
> > to come back as a question - What would they care to do?
> >
> >
> >
> > A trifling few will lose heart and head for the shore - perceived stability.
> > But the vast majority, as we have seen over the years and around the globe,
> > will be totally captivated by the moment, and a smaller group will
> > experience that moment as total exhilaration. They are doing what their
> > prior life experience taught them could not be done - seriously and
> > intentionally going with the flow. And rather than being rank hedonism, the
> > experience proves to be massively productive and fulfilling. Doing well and
> > good - and feeling great. A hard to beat combination.
> >
> >
> >
> > And then we come to Monday Morning. Back to reality, as they say. But is it?
> > The truth, I believe is rather different. They have experienced reality and
> > come to the edge of shedding illusion/delusion. In the words of friend
> > Ralph, "Everything is moving" - and this is now a fact of life to be savored
> > and enjoyed. No longer a terrifying unknown, it is to be affirmed and
> > embraced. Not without a few "white knuckle" moments to be sure - but
> > infinitely better than hanging onto the (illusory) rock of stability.
> >
> >
> >
> > So what about us - those privileged folks who have accepted the honor of
> > opening space in people's lives? Short answer: Invite our guests over the
> > edge. Please note I did not say, Push them over the edge.
> >
> >
> >
> > Crafting this invitation is always a matter of personal style and must come
> > from the heart. The invitation I have in mind never appears on a piece of
> > paper (or the electronic equivalent). It arrives in our personhood - who we
> > are and how we present ourselves, which is to say, from the heart. Not to be
> > confused with a gushy valentine or formulaic presentation, the invitation
> > manifests in our simple presence, revealing our own acceptance and joy in
> > the moving flow of life. Without words we express the swimmer's call: Come
> > on in, the water is fine! Of course you have to be in the water for that
> > call to have any credibility.
> >
> >
> >
> > It is perhaps easier to say how NOT to create this invitation. First off, it
> > is not a matter of rational argument and presentation of facts. Most people
> > already know the facts at some level, and I think the case could be made
> > that it was "rational argument" that has gotten us into the bind we
> > experience. Given the "fact" of a moving, changing world which can be very
> > uncomfortable, it is quite "rational" to define that world in terms of
> > controllable static chunks that may be contained, or better, bent to our
> > specifications. This has led us to such wonderful things as "Flood Control"
> > which works until such time as Mother Nature and Old Man River decide to
> > take a different course. It turns out that The River is not a static,
> > definable thing but part of a vast ever changing system. Effective Flood
> > Control would require close management of the Planet's atmosphere to say
> > nothing of the cosmos beyond. Good luck!
> >
> >
> >
> > Also under the heading of "NOT to be included" are well intentioned efforts
> > to sugar coat the pill, as it were. Which is to say that we might propose
> > certain limitations that will restrict the possibility of change in Open
> > Space. Some of us have called these "givens" but so far as I can tell the
> > only given is change itself. And to suggest otherwise is not so much to
> > violate the "Spirit of Open Space" but rather the essence of the cosmos
> > itself. Ralph had it right: Everything is moving. In this context, Open
> > Space Technology is a minimal consideration.
> >
> >
> >
> > I am by no means suggesting that our invitation look like the back panel of
> > some medication listing every possible adverce reaction, if in fact
> > unexpected change is such an adverce reaction. And truth to tell I find the
> > appearance of unexpected change in the midst of an Open Space to be one of
> > its (OS's) most delightful consequences. I also think that it is important
> > to note the OS is not the engine of change. It simply provides the space for
> > change to show up and the cosmos (or whatever) takes care of all the heavy
> > lifting.
> >
> >
> >
> > For me an invitation to Open Space is an opportunity to include friends and
> > strangers in the deepest experience of (my) life. It has little to do with
> > selling a product, doing a process, excersizing some sort of professional
> > competence - although there are doubtless elements of all of that.
> > Fundamentally it is my invitation to experience life at its fullest in which
> > chanagability is not the enemy to be suppressed but rather the rich tapestry
> > of an evolving future. I don't make it, I can't predict it - but I can
> > participate both as a sojourner and a co-creator. Stuart Kauffman speaks of
> > being "At Home in the Universe." That is my elemental experience, and I am
> > always looking for playmates.
> >
> >
> >
> > Harrison Owen
> >
> > 7808 River Falls Dr.
> >
> > Potomac, MD 20854
> >
> > USA
> >
> > Phone 301-365-2093
> >
> > www.openspaceworld.com
> >
> > www.ho-image.com (Personal Website)
> >
> > To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of
> > <mailto:oslist at listserv.boisestate.edu> oslist at listserv.boisestate.edu:
> >
> > http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > *
> > *
> > ==========================================================
> > OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
> > -----------------------------
> > To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options,
> > view the archives of oslist at listserv.boisestate.edu:
> > http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
> >
> > To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs:
> > http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist
> >
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> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal>Our friend Suzanne Daigle sent me a note saying =
> > that it
> > seemed I had been very quiet on OSLIST. It is true that I appreciate =
> > silence,
> > but the real truth is, I was just thinking. Dangerous I know, but what =
> > follows
> > is the result – and you can blame it all on Suzanne (Joke!). So =
> > what do
> > you think?<o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
> >
> > <p =
> > class=3DMsoNormal>*******************************************************=
> > *******<o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal>A long time ago a good friend, Ralph Copleman, was =
> > to be
> > found in the middle of a large circle of peers dressed in a flowing cape =
> > and
> > repeating the words, “Everything is moving, Everything is =
> > moving.”
> > Odd to say the least and some doubted Ralph’s sanity. Some still =
> > do, but
> > that image has stuck in my febrile brain ever since – and as time =
> > has
> > passed it occurs to me that Ralph had it precisely right: This is an =
> > energetic
> > cosmos. The problem arises when we (and that includes all of us some of =
> > the
> > time) desperately want everything to stop and stand still. So =
> > desperately
> > in fact that we have created a mental image of our environment =
> > exclusively
> > populated by static things which include everything from mountains to =
> > super
> > nova along with the oddments of our life like professions, chairs,
> > relationships, organizational structures, corporations, countries and =
> > empires.
> > Unfortunately this mental image is a radical illusion, one might say =
> > delusion.
> > Ralph is right. Everything is moving and what we perceive as stable =
> > structures
> > are but the momentary, slice in time, freeze-frame constructs of our
> > imagination.<o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal>Heresy? Psychobabble? Advanced esoteric =
> > insight?
> > – None of the above, I think. As a matter of fact, Ralph’s
> > observation is nothing but a short (poetic?) version of the (now) =
> > standard
> > scientific understanding of the nature of the cosmos. Starting with the =
> > Big
> > Bang it is all flowing energy, albeit now clumped in momentary =
> > configurations
> > – but still flowing energy for all of that. Scratch any rock hard =
> > enough
> > and its essential nature comes through – a whirring bunch of =
> > quarks and
> > neutrons doing the cosmic dance. Doubtless my physicist friends would =
> > take
> > issue with my phrasing – but not, I think, with the core message.
> > Everything is moving. <o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal>So what does all this have to do with the price of =
> > eggs? Or
> > for that matter – Open Space and our role as facilitators and
> > consultants? A lot, I believe.<o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal>Starting with Open Space which is many things to =
> > different
> > people. For some it is a Large Group Intervention. Others might see it =
> > as an
> > aberrant phenomenon peculiar to a cultish few. For myself Open Space is =
> > a trial
> > ride in the flow of life which has a lot of similarities to my boat. =
> > <o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal>My boat is smallish in size (32 feet) but =
> > definitely larger
> > than the average punt. She is very seaworthy and shares a common =
> > heritage with
> > the local Lobster Boats here in Maine. We have many visitors, most of =
> > whom have
> > never been on a boat such as the Ethelyn Rose. When you walk on board, =
> > things
> > look sort of familiar. Chairs for sitting, a comfortable nook for =
> > dining, and
> > even an oriental rug on the floor – excuse me, sole. If you look =
> > further
> > there are the standard amenities such as a shower and commode, all =
> > sequestered
> > in their separate quarters. Even a complete landlubber will feel more or =
> > less
> > at home.<o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal>But the moment we leave the dock the world changes =
> > –
> > apparent stability yields to constant motion. Everything is moving even =
> > if it
> > seems to be staying in the same place! In the harbor motion is minimal, =
> > but the
> > moment we clear the breakwater marking the harbor entrance the =
> > experience
> > can be radically different. Sea swells from the open Atlantic Ocean take =
> > us up
> > and down in distances measured in yards, and should we have a good cross =
> > wind
> > the surface chop adds an interesting side to side motion. The Ethelyn =
> > Rose is
> > right at home, but some of our visitors have a different impression. And
> > navigating in these conditions is a definite learning experience. Even a =
> > simple
> > walk through the main cabin can be a challenge. Hand holds that you had =
> > carefully
> > plotted at the start of your journey suddenly changed position relative =
> > to you
> > as you made your way. What was up is now down and who knows what is =
> > happening
> > in between. Interesting, and as they say, It ain’t Kansas. =
> > <o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'text-align:justify'><o:p> </o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal>Most people meet the challenge and after a few =
> > educational
> > bumps to various parts of their anatomy they learn not to fight =
> > reality.
> > No matter what you may have thought you were going to do, the only =
> > useful
> > option is to go with the flow. And the next level of learning is that =
> > when you
> > do that well (flow) you can actually arrive where you need to be. =
> > Wonderful!
> > Sounds a lot like Open Space.<o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal>We start in the static stability of a circle. This =
> > may seem
> > strange to some, but there is a place for everybody and everybody finds =
> > a
> > place. A familiar and enduring structure for sure. Then it happens. The =
> > circle
> > crumbles in bits and pieces as people come to center, announcing their =
> > passions
> > – only to be briefly restored as they return to their seats. =
> > However the
> > restoration is but momentary. Shortly everybody leaves their seats to =
> > join a
> > chaotic gaggle at the wall. So much for static structure, and it goes =
> > downhill
> > from there. <o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal>Ebbing and flowing, groups form and reform all =
> > without
> > benefit of the standard constraints essential for orderly organizational =
> > life—or
> > so we might have thought. Pre-arranged agenda (sometimes called Mission, =
> > Goals,
> > Objectives) is nonexistent. The Schedule might be posted but never =
> > followed
> > – things start when they start. Assigned participation is nowhere =
> > to be
> > found, and yet the right people show up. And to make things even worse, =
> > the air
> > is filled with buzzing and flutters as Bees and Butterflies do their =
> > thing.
> > Madness! To be sure there may be a few people who are utterly flummoxed =
> > as the
> > hand holds they may have expected (see above under “Ethelyn Rose =
> > at
> > Sea”) disappear . . . or reappear in unexpected places. Their =
> > condition
> > is not helped, for should they ask what to do the answer is likely to =
> > come back
> > as a question – What would they care to do?<o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal>A trifling few will lose heart and head for the =
> > shore
> > – perceived stability. But the vast majority, as we have seen over =
> > the
> > years and around the globe, will be totally captivated by the moment, =
> > and a
> > smaller group will experience that moment as total exhilaration. They =
> > are doing
> > what their prior life experience taught them could not be done –
> > seriously and intentionally going with the flow. And rather than being =
> > rank
> > hedonism, the experience proves to be massively productive and =
> > fulfilling.
> > Doing well and good – and feeling great. A hard to beat =
> > combination.<o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal>And then we come to Monday Morning. Back to =
> > reality, as they
> > say. But is it? The truth, I believe is rather different. They have =
> > experienced
> > reality and come to the edge of shedding illusion/delusion. In the words =
> > of
> > friend Ralph, “Everything is moving” – and this is now =
> > a fact
> > of life to be savored and enjoyed. No longer a terrifying unknown, it is =
> > to be
> > affirmed and embraced. Not without a few “white knuckle” =
> > moments to
> > be sure – but infinitely better than hanging onto the (illusory) =
> > rock of
> > stability. <o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal>So what about us – those privileged folks who =
> > have
> > accepted the honor of opening space in people’s lives? Short =
> > answer:
> > Invite our guests over the edge. Please note I did not say, Push them =
> > over the
> > edge.<o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal>Crafting this invitation is always a matter of =
> > personal
> > style and must come from the heart. The invitation I have in mind =
> > never
> > appears on a piece of paper (or the electronic equivalent). It arrives =
> > in our
> > personhood – who we are and how we present ourselves, which is to =
> > say,
> > from the heart. Not to be confused with a gushy valentine or formulaic
> > presentation, the invitation manifests in our simple presence, revealing =
> > our
> > own acceptance and joy in the moving flow of life. Without words we =
> > express the
> > swimmer’s call: Come on in, the water is fine! Of course you have =
> > to be
> > in the water for that call to have any credibility.<o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal>It is perhaps easier to say how NOT to create this
> > invitation. First off, it is not a matter of rational argument and =
> > presentation
> > of facts. Most people already know the facts at some level, and I think =
> > the
> > case could be made that it was “rational argument” that has =
> > gotten
> > us into the bind we experience. Given the “fact” of a =
> > moving,
> > changing world which can be very uncomfortable, it is quite
> > “rational” to define that world in terms of controllable =
> > static
> > chunks that may be contained, or better, bent to our =
> > specifications. This
> > has led us to such wonderful things as “Flood Control” which =
> > works
> > until such time as Mother Nature and Old Man River decide to take a =
> > different
> > course. It turns out that The River is not a static, definable thing but =
> > part
> > of a vast ever changing system. Effective Flood Control would require =
> > close
> > management of the Planet’s atmosphere to say nothing of the cosmos
> > beyond. Good luck!<span =
> > style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal>Also under the heading of “NOT to be =
> > included”
> > are well intentioned efforts to sugar coat the pill, as it were. Which =
> > is to
> > say that we might propose certain limitations that will restrict =
> > the
> > possibility of change in Open Space. Some of us have called these
> > “givens” but so far as I can tell the only given is change =
> > itself.
> > And to suggest otherwise is not so much to violate the “Spirit of =
> > Open
> > Space” but rather the essence of the cosmos itself. Ralph had it =
> > right:
> > Everything is moving. In this context, Open Space Technology is a =
> > minimal
> > consideration.<o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal>I am by no means suggesting that our invitation =
> > look like
> > the back panel of some medication listing every possible adverce =
> > reaction, if
> > in fact unexpected change is such an adverce reaction. And truth to tell =
> > I find
> > the appearance of unexpected change in the midst of an Open Space to be =
> > one of
> > its (OS’s) most delightful consequences. I also think that it is
> > important to note the OS is not the engine of change. It simply provides =
> > the
> > space for change to show up and the cosmos (or whatever) takes care of =
> > all the
> > heavy lifting.<o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal>For me an invitation to Open Space is an =
> > opportunity to
> > include friends and strangers in the deepest experience of (my) life. It =
> > has little
> > to do with selling a product, doing a process, excersizing some sort of
> > professional competence – although there are doubtless elements of =
> > all of
> > that. Fundamentally it is my invitation to experience life at its =
> > fullest in
> > which chanagability is not the enemy to be suppressed but rather the =
> > rich
> > tapestry of an evolving future. I don’t make it, I can’t =
> > predict it
> > – but I can participate both as a sojourner and a co-creator. =
> > Stuart
> > Kauffman speaks of being “At Home in the Universe.” That is =
> > my
> > elemental experience, and I am always looking for =
> > playmates.<o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin-left:1.0in'><o:p> </o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal>Harrison Owen<o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal>7808 River Falls Dr.<o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal>Potomac, MD 20854<o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal>USA<o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal>Phone 301-365-2093<o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal><a =
> > href=3D"http://www.openspaceworld.com">www.openspaceworld.com</a><o:p></o=
> > :p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal><a =
> > href=3D"http://www.ho-image.com">www.ho-image.com</a>
> > (Personal Website)<o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
> > style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Consolas'>To
> > subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of =
> > </span><a
> > href=3D"mailto:oslist at listserv.boisestate.edu"><span =
> > style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;
> > font-family:Consolas'>oslist at listserv.boisestate.edu</span></a><span
> > style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-family:Consolas'>:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal><a =
> > href=3D"http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html">http://lists=
> > erv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html</a><o:p></o:p></p>
> >
> > <p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
> >
> > </div>
> >
> > </body>
> >
> > </html>
> > *
> > *
> > =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
> > OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
> > -----------------------------
> > To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options,
> > view the archives of oslist at listserv.boisestate.edu:
> > http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
> >
> > To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs:
> > http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist
> >
> > ------=_NextPart_000_0001_01CB4222.699A9210--
> >
> > ------------------------------
> >
> > Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2010 16:53:25 -0700
> > From: Christine Whitney Sanchez <cwhitneysanchez at gmail.com>
> > Subject: Re: Everything is Moving: An Invitation to Join the flow (longish)
> >
> > --Apple-Mail-64--728671987
> > Content-Type: text/plain;
> > charset=WINDOWS-1252;
> > format=flowed;
> > delsp=yes
> > Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
> >
> > Stunning, Harrison. I will play with you and Ethelyn Rose (perhaps on =20=
> >
> > the Ethelyn Rose) any time!
> >
> > Love,
> >
> > Christine
> >
> > Christine Whitney Sanchez
> > CWS - Collaborative Wisdom & Strategy
> > 2717 E. Mountain Sky Avenue
> > Phoenix, AZ 85048, USA
> > +1.480.759.0262
> > www.christinewhitneysanchez.com
> > www.innovationpartners.com
> > www.collaborativespark.com
> >
> > On Aug 22, 2010, at 2:49 PM, Harrison Owen wrote:
> >
> >> Our friend Suzanne Daigle sent me a note saying that it seemed I had =20=
> >
> >> been very quiet on OSLIST. It is true that I appreciate silence, but =20=
> >
> >> the real truth is, I was just thinking. Dangerous I know, but what =20
> >> follows is the result =96 and you can blame it all on Suzanne (Joke!). =
> > =20
> >> So what do you think?
> >>
> >> **************************************************************
> >>
> >> A long time ago a good friend, Ralph Copleman, was to be found in =20
> >> the middle of a large circle of peers dressed in a flowing cape and =20=
> >
> >> repeating the words, =93Everything is moving, Everything is moving.=94 =
> > =20
> >> Odd to say the least and some doubted Ralph=92s sanity. Some still do, =
> > =20
> >> but that image has stuck in my febrile brain ever since =96 and as =20
> >> time has passed it occurs to me that Ralph had it precisely right: =20
> >> This is an energetic cosmos. The problem arises when we (and that =20
> >> includes all of us some of the time) desperately want everything to =20=
> >
> >> stop and stand still. So desperately in fact that we have created a =20=
> >
> >> mental image of our environment exclusively populated by static =20
> >> things which include everything from mountains to super nova along =20
> >> with the oddments of our life like professions, chairs, =20
> >> relationships, organizational structures, corporations, countries =20
> >> and empires. Unfortunately this mental image is a radical illusion, =20=
> >
> >> one might say delusion. Ralph is right. Everything is moving and =20
> >> what we perceive as stable structures are but the momentary, slice =20
> >> in time, freeze-frame constructs of our imagination.
> >>
> >> Heresy? Psychobabble? Advanced esoteric insight? =96 None of the =20
> >> above, I think. As a matter of fact, Ralph=92s observation is nothing =20=
> >
> >> but a short (poetic?) version of the (now) standard scientific =20
> >> understanding of the nature of the cosmos. Starting with the Big =20
> >> Bang it is all flowing energy, albeit now clumped in momentary =20
> >> configurations =96 but still flowing energy for all of that. Scratch =20=
> >
> >> any rock hard enough and its essential nature comes through =96 a =20
> >> whirring bunch of quarks and neutrons doing the cosmic dance. =20
> >> Doubtless my physicist friends would take issue with my phrasing =96 =20=
> >
> >> but not, I think, with the core message. Everything is moving.
> >>
> >> So what does all this have to do with the price of eggs? Or for that =20=
> >
> >> matter =96 Open Space and our role as facilitators and consultants? A =20=
> >
> >> lot, I believe.
> >>
> >> Starting with Open Space which is many things to different people. =20
> >> For some it is a Large Group Intervention. Others might see it as an =20=
> >
> >> aberrant phenomenon peculiar to a cultish few. For myself Open Space =20=
> >
> >> is a trial ride in the flow of life which has a lot of similarities =20=
> >
> >> to my boat.
> >>
> >> My boat is smallish in size (32 feet) but definitely larger than the =20=
> >
> >> average punt. She is very seaworthy and shares a common heritage =20
> >> with the local Lobster Boats here in Maine. We have many visitors, =20
> >> most of whom have never been on a boat such as the Ethelyn Rose. =20
> >> When you walk on board, things look sort of familiar. Chairs for =20
> >> sitting, a comfortable nook for dining, and even an oriental rug on =20=
> >
> >> the floor =96 excuse me, sole. If you look further there are the =20
> >> standard amenities such as a shower and commode, all sequestered in =20=
> >
> >> their separate quarters. Even a complete landlubber will feel more =20
> >> or less at home.
> >>
> >> But the moment we leave the dock the world changes =96 apparent =20
> >> stability yields to constant motion. Everything is moving even if it =20=
> >
> >> seems to be staying in the same place! In the harbor motion is =20
> >> minimal, but the moment we clear the breakwater marking the harbor =20=
> >
> >> entrance the experience can be radically different. Sea swells from =20=
> >
> >> the open Atlantic Ocean take us up and down in distances measured in =20=
> >
> >> yards, and should we have a good cross wind the surface chop adds an =20=
> >
> >> interesting side to side motion. The Ethelyn Rose is right at home, =20=
> >
> >> but some of our visitors have a different impression. And navigating =20=
> >
> >> in these conditions is a definite learning experience. Even a simple =20=
> >
> >> walk through the main cabin can be a challenge. Hand holds that you =20=
> >
> >> had carefully plotted at the start of your journey suddenly changed =20=
> >
> >> position relative to you as you made your way. What was up is now =20
> >> down and who knows what is happening in between. Interesting, and as =20=
> >
> >> they say, It ain=92t Kansas.
> >>
> >> Most people meet the challenge and after a few educational bumps to =20=
> >
> >> various parts of their anatomy they learn not to fight reality. No =20
> >> matter what you may have thought you were going to do, the only =20
> >> useful option is to go with the flow. And the next level of learning =20=
> >
> >> is that when you do that well (flow) you can actually arrive where =20
> >> you need to be. Wonderful! Sounds a lot like Open Space.
> >>
> >> We start in the static stability of a circle. This may seem strange =20=
> >
> >> to some, but there is a place for everybody and everybody finds a =20
> >> place. A familiar and enduring structure for sure. Then it happens. =20=
> >
> >> The circle crumbles in bits and pieces as people come to center, =20
> >> announcing their passions =96 only to be briefly restored as they =20
> >> return to their seats. However the restoration is but momentary. =20
> >> Shortly everybody leaves their seats to join a chaotic gaggle at the =20=
> >
> >> wall. So much for static structure, and it goes downhill from there.
> >>
> >> Ebbing and flowing, groups form and reform all without benefit of =20
> >> the standard constraints essential for orderly organizational life=97=20=
> >
> >> or so we might have thought. Pre-arranged agenda (sometimes called =20
> >> Mission, Goals, Objectives) is nonexistent. The Schedule might be =20
> >> posted but never followed =96 things start when they start. Assigned =20=
> >
> >> participation is nowhere to be found, and yet the right people show =20=
> >
> >> up. And to make things even worse, the air is filled with buzzing =20
> >> and flutters as Bees and Butterflies do their thing. Madness! To be =20=
> >
> >> sure there may be a few people who are utterly flummoxed as the hand =20=
> >
> >> holds they may have expected (see above under =93Ethelyn Rose at Sea=94)=
> > =20
> >> disappear . . . or reappear in unexpected places. Their condition is =20=
> >
> >> not helped, for should they ask what to do the answer is likely to =20
> >> come back as a question =96 What would they care to do?
> >>
> >> A trifling few will lose heart and head for the shore =96 perceived =20=
> >
> >> stability. But the vast majority, as we have seen over the years and =20=
> >
> >> around the globe, will be totally captivated by the moment, and a =20
> >> smaller group will experience that moment as total exhilaration. =20
> >> They are doing what their prior life experience taught them could =20
> >> not be done =96 seriously and intentionally going with the flow. And =20=
> >
> >> rather than being rank hedonism, the experience proves to be =20
> >> massively productive and fulfilling. Doing well and good =96 and =20
> >> feeling great. A hard to beat combination.
> >>
> >> And then we come to Monday Morning. Back to reality, as they say. =20
> >> But is it? The truth, I believe is rather different. They have =20
> >> experienced reality and come to the edge of shedding illusion/=20
> >> delusion. In the words of friend Ralph, =93Everything is moving=94 =96 =
> > and =20
> >> this is now a fact of life to be savored and enjoyed. No longer a =20
> >> terrifying unknown, it is to be affirmed and embraced. Not without a =20=
> >
> >> few =93white knuckle=94 moments to be sure =96 but infinitely better =
> > than =20
> >> hanging onto the (illusory) rock of stability.
> >>
> >> So what about us =96 those privileged folks who have accepted the =20
> >> honor of opening space in people=92s lives? Short answer: Invite our =20=
> >
> >> guests over the edge. Please note I did not say, Push them over the =20=
> >
> >> edge.
> >>
> >> Crafting this invitation is always a matter of personal style and =20
> >> must come from the heart. The invitation I have in mind never =20
> >> appears on a piece of paper (or the electronic equivalent). It =20
> >> arrives in our personhood =96 who we are and how we present ourselves, =
> > =20
> >> which is to say, from the heart. Not to be confused with a gushy =20
> >> valentine or formulaic presentation, the invitation manifests in our =20=
> >
> >> simple presence, revealing our own acceptance and joy in the moving =20=
> >
> >> flow of life. Without words we express the swimmer=92s call: Come on =20=
> >
> >> in, the water is fine! Of course you have to be in the water for =20
> >> that call to have any credibility.
> >>
> >> It is perhaps easier to say how NOT to create this invitation. First =20=
> >
> >> off, it is not a matter of rational argument and presentation of =20
> >> facts. Most people already know the facts at some level, and I think =20=
> >
> >> the case could be made that it was =93rational argument=94 that has =20=
> >
> >> gotten us into the bind we experience. Given the =93fact=94 of a =
> > moving, =20
> >> changing world which can be very uncomfortable, it is quite =20
> >> =93rational=94 to define that world in terms of controllable static =20=
> >
> >> chunks that may be contained, or better, bent to our =20
> >> specifications. This has led us to such wonderful things as =93Flood =20=
> >
> >> Control=94 which works until such time as Mother Nature and Old Man =20=
> >
> >> River decide to take a different course. It turns out that The River =20=
> >
> >> is not a static, definable thing but part of a vast ever changing =20
> >> system. Effective Flood Control would require close management of =20
> >> the Planet=92s atmosphere to say nothing of the cosmos beyond. Good =20=
> >
> >> luck!
> >>
> >> Also under the heading of =93NOT to be included=94 are well =
> > intentioned =20
> >> efforts to sugar coat the pill, as it were. Which is to say that we =20=
> >
> >> might propose certain limitations that will restrict the =20
> >> possibility of change in Open Space. Some of us have called these =20
> >> =93givens=94 but so far as I can tell the only given is change itself. =
> > =20
> >> And to suggest otherwise is not so much to violate the =93Spirit of =20=
> >
> >> Open Space=94 but rather the essence of the cosmos itself. Ralph had =20=
> >
> >> it right: Everything is moving. In this context, Open Space =20
> >> Technology is a minimal consideration.
> >>
> >> I am by no means suggesting that our invitation look like the back =20
> >> panel of some medication listing every possible adverce reaction, if =20=
> >
> >> in fact unexpected change is such an adverce reaction. And truth to =20=
> >
> >> tell I find the appearance of unexpected change in the midst of an =20
> >> Open Space to be one of its (OS=92s) most delightful consequences. I =20=
> >
> >> also think that it is important to note the OS is not the engine of =20=
> >
> >> change. It simply provides the space for change to show up and the =20
> >> cosmos (or whatever) takes care of all the heavy lifting.
> >>
> >> For me an invitation to Open Space is an opportunity to include =20
> >> friends and strangers in the deepest experience of (my) life. It has =20=
> >
> >> little to do with selling a product, doing a process, excersizing =20
> >> some sort of professional competence =96 although there are doubtless =20=
> >
> >> elements of all of that. Fundamentally it is my invitation to =20
> >> experience life at its fullest in which chanagability is not the =20
> >> enemy to be suppressed but rather the rich tapestry of an evolving =20
> >> future. I don=92t make it, I can=92t predict it =96 but I can =
> > participate =20
> >> both as a sojourner and a co-creator. Stuart Kauffman speaks of =20
> >> being =93At Home in the Universe.=94 That is my elemental experience, =20=
> >
> >> and I am always looking for playmates.
> >>
> >> Harrison Owen
> >> 7808 River Falls Dr.
> >> Potomac, MD 20854
> >> USA
> >> Phone 301-365-2093
> >> www.openspaceworld.com
> >> www.ho-image.com (Personal Website)
> >> To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of =
> > oslist at listserv.boisestate.edu=20
> >> :
> >> http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
> >>
> >> * * =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
> > =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
> > =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU=20
> >> ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change =20
> >> your options, view the archives of oslist at listserv.boisestate.edu: =
> > http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html=20
> >> To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs: =
> > http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist
> >
> >
> > *
> > *
> > =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
> > OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
> > -----------------------------
> > To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options,
> > view the archives of oslist at listserv.boisestate.edu:
> > http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
> >
> > To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs:
> > http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist
> >
> > --Apple-Mail-64--728671987
> > Content-Type: text/html;
> > charset=WINDOWS-1252
> > Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
> >
> > <html><body style=3D"word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; =
> > -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; ">Stunning, Harrison. I =
> > will play with you and Ethelyn Rose (perhaps on the Ethelyn Rose) any =
> > time!<div><br></div><div>Love,</div><div><br><div =
> > apple-content-edited=3D"true"> <span class=3D"Apple-style-span" =
> > style=3D"border-collapse: separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: =
> > Candara; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; =
> > letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: =
> > auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; =
> > widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; =
> > -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; =
> > -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: =
> > auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-size: medium; "><div =
> > style=3D"word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; =
> > -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; =
> > "><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Christine<div><br></div><div>Chr=
> > istine Whitney Sanchez</div><div>CWS - Collaborative Wisdom & =
> > Strategy</div><div>2717 E. Mountain Sky Avenue</div><div>Phoenix, AZ =
> > 85048, USA</div><div>+1.480.759.0262</div><div><a =
> > href=3D"http://www.christinewhitneysanchez.com">www.christinewhitneysanche=
> > z.com</a></div><div><a =
> > href=3D"http://www.innovationpartners.com">www.innovationpartners.com</a><=
> > /div><div><a =
> > href=3D"http://www.collaborativespark.com">www.collaborativespark.com</a><=
> > /div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></span> =
> > </div><br><div><div>On Aug 22, 2010, at 2:49 PM, Harrison Owen =
> > wrote:</div><br class=3D"Apple-interchange-newline"><blockquote =
> > type=3D"cite"><span class=3D"Apple-style-span" style=3D"border-collapse: =
> > separate; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Candara; font-style: normal; =
> > font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; =
> > line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: auto; text-indent: 0px; =
> > text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; =
> > -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: =
> > 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: =
> > auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-size: medium; "><div =
> > lang=3D"EN-US" link=3D"blue" vlink=3D"purple"><div class=3D"WordSection1" =
> > style=3D"page: WordSection1; "><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; =
> > margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: =
> > 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">Our friend Suzanne Daigle sent =
> > me a note saying that it seemed I had been very quiet on OSLIST. It is =
> > true that I appreciate silence, but the real truth is, I was just =
> > thinking. Dangerous I know, but what follows is the result =96 and you =
> > can blame it all on Suzanne (Joke!). So what do you =
> > think?<o:p></o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; =
> > margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: =
> > Calibri, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: =
> > 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; =
> > font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; =
> > ">**************************************************************<o:p></o:p=
> >> </div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: =
> > 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, =
> > sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; =
> > margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: =
> > 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">A long time ago a good friend, =
> > Ralph Copleman, was to be found in the middle of a large circle of peers =
> > dressed in a flowing cape and repeating the words, =93Everything is =
> > moving, Everything is moving.=94 Odd to say the least and some doubted =
> > Ralph=92s sanity. Some still do, but that image has stuck in my febrile =
> > brain ever since =96 and as time has passed it occurs to me that Ralph =
> > had it precisely right: This is an energetic cosmos. The problem arises =
> > when we (and that includes all of us some of the time) desperately want =
> > everything to stop and stand still. So desperately in fact that we =
> > have created a mental image of our environment exclusively populated by =
> > static things which include everything from mountains to super nova =
> > along with the oddments of our life like professions, chairs, =
> > relationships, organizational structures, corporations, countries and =
> > empires. Unfortunately this mental image is a radical illusion, one =
> > might say delusion. Ralph is right. Everything is moving and what we =
> > perceive as stable structures are but the momentary, slice in time, =
> > freeze-frame constructs of our imagination.<o:p></o:p></div><div =
> > style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; =
> > margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; =
> > "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: =
> > 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; =
> > font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">Heresy? Psychobabble? Advanced =
> > esoteric insight? =96 None of the above, I think. As a matter of fact, =
> > Ralph=92s observation is nothing but a short (poetic?) version of the =
> > (now) standard scientific understanding of the nature of the cosmos. =
> > Starting with the Big Bang it is all flowing energy, albeit now clumped =
> > in momentary configurations =96 but still flowing energy for all of =
> > that. Scratch any rock hard enough and its essential nature comes =
> > through =96 a whirring bunch of quarks and neutrons doing the cosmic =
> > dance. Doubtless my physicist friends would take issue with my phrasing =
> > =96 but not, I think, with the core message. Everything is =
> > moving.<o:p></o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: =
> > 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; =
> > font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div =
> > style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; =
> > margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; =
> > ">So what does all this have to do with the price of eggs? Or for that =
> > matter =96 Open Space and our role as facilitators and consultants? A =
> > lot, I believe.<o:p></o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; =
> > margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: =
> > 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div =
> > style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; =
> > margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; =
> > ">Starting with Open Space which is many things to different people. For =
> > some it is a Large Group Intervention. Others might see it as an =
> > aberrant phenomenon peculiar to a cultish few. For myself Open Space is =
> > a trial ride in the flow of life which has a lot of similarities to my =
> > boat.<o:p></o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; =
> > margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: =
> > Calibri, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: =
> > 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; =
> > font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">My boat is smallish =
> > in size (32 feet) but definitely larger than the average punt. She is =
> > very seaworthy and shares a common heritage with the local Lobster Boats =
> > here in Maine. We have many visitors, most of whom have never been on a =
> > boat such as the Ethelyn Rose. When you walk on board, things look sort =
> > of familiar. Chairs for sitting, a comfortable nook for dining, and even =
> > an oriental rug on the floor =96 excuse me, sole. If you look further =
> > there are the standard amenities such as a shower and commode, all =
> > sequestered in their separate quarters. Even a complete landlubber will =
> > feel more or less at home.<o:p></o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: =
> > 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; =
> > font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; =
> > "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: =
> > 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; =
> > font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">But the moment we leave the dock the =
> > world changes =96 apparent stability yields to constant motion. =
> > Everything is moving even if it seems to be staying in the same place! =
> > In the harbor motion is minimal, but the moment we clear the =
> > breakwater marking the harbor entrance the experience can be radically =
> > different. Sea swells from the open Atlantic Ocean take us up and down =
> > in distances measured in yards, and should we have a good cross wind the =
> > surface chop adds an interesting side to side motion. The Ethelyn Rose =
> > is right at home, but some of our visitors have a different impression. =
> > And navigating in these conditions is a definite learning experience. =
> > Even a simple walk through the main cabin can be a challenge. Hand holds =
> > that you had carefully plotted at the start of your journey suddenly =
> > changed position relative to you as you made your way. What was up is =
> > now down and who knows what is happening in between. Interesting, and as =
> > they say, It ain=92t Kansas.<o:p></o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: =
> > 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; =
> > font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; text-align: justify; =
> > "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: =
> > 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; =
> > font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">Most people meet the challenge and =
> > after a few educational bumps to various parts of their anatomy =
> > they learn not to fight reality. No matter what you may have thought you =
> > were going to do, the only useful option is to go with the flow. And the =
> > next level of learning is that when you do that well (flow) you can =
> > actually arrive where you need to be. Wonderful! Sounds a lot like Open =
> > Space.<o:p></o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; =
> > margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: =
> > Calibri, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: =
> > 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; =
> > font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">We start in the =
> > static stability of a circle. This may seem strange to some, but there =
> > is a place for everybody and everybody finds a place. A familiar and =
> > enduring structure for sure. Then it happens. The circle crumbles in =
> > bits and pieces as people come to center, announcing their passions =96 =
> > only to be briefly restored as they return to their seats. However the =
> > restoration is but momentary. Shortly everybody leaves their seats to =
> > join a chaotic gaggle at the wall. So much for static structure, and it =
> > goes downhill from there.<o:p></o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; =
> > margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: =
> > 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div =
> > style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; =
> > margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; =
> > ">Ebbing and flowing, groups form and reform all without benefit of the =
> > standard constraints essential for orderly organizational life=97or so =
> > we might have thought. Pre-arranged agenda (sometimes called Mission, =
> > Goals, Objectives) is nonexistent. The Schedule might be posted but =
> > never followed =96 things start when they start. Assigned participation =
> > is nowhere to be found, and yet the right people show up. And to make =
> > things even worse, the air is filled with buzzing and flutters as Bees =
> > and Butterflies do their thing. Madness! To be sure there may be a few =
> > people who are utterly flummoxed as the hand holds they may have =
> > expected (see above under =93Ethelyn Rose at Sea=94) disappear . . . or =
> > reappear in unexpected places. Their condition is not helped, for should =
> > they ask what to do the answer is likely to come back as a question =96 =
> > What would they care to do?<o:p></o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: =
> > 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; =
> > font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; =
> > "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: =
> > 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; =
> > font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">A trifling few will lose heart and =
> > head for the shore =96 perceived stability. But the vast majority, as we =
> > have seen over the years and around the globe, will be totally =
> > captivated by the moment, and a smaller group will experience that =
> > moment as total exhilaration. They are doing what their prior life =
> > experience taught them could not be done =96 seriously and intentionally =
> > going with the flow. And rather than being rank hedonism, the experience =
> > proves to be massively productive and fulfilling. Doing well and good =96 =
> > and feeling great. A hard to beat combination.<o:p></o:p></div><div =
> > style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; =
> > margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; =
> > "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: =
> > 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; =
> > font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">And then we come to Monday Morning. =
> > Back to reality, as they say. But is it? The truth, I believe is rather =
> > different. They have experienced reality and come to the edge of =
> > shedding illusion/delusion. In the words of friend Ralph, =93Everything =
> > is moving=94 =96 and this is now a fact of life to be savored and =
> > enjoyed. No longer a terrifying unknown, it is to be affirmed and =
> > embraced. Not without a few =93white knuckle=94 moments to be sure =96 =
> > but infinitely better than hanging onto the (illusory) rock of =
> > stability.<o:p></o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: =
> > 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; =
> > font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div =
> > style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; =
> > margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; =
> > ">So what about us =96 those privileged folks who have accepted the =
> > honor of opening space in people=92s lives? Short answer: Invite our =
> > guests over the edge. Please note I did not say, Push them over the =
> > edge.<o:p></o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; =
> > margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: =
> > Calibri, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: =
> > 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; =
> > font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">Crafting this =
> > invitation is always a matter of personal style and must come from the =
> > heart. The invitation I have in mind never appears on a piece of =
> > paper (or the electronic equivalent). It arrives in our personhood =96 =
> > who we are and how we present ourselves, which is to say, from the =
> > heart. Not to be confused with a gushy valentine or formulaic =
> > presentation, the invitation manifests in our simple presence, revealing =
> > our own acceptance and joy in the moving flow of life. Without words we =
> > express the swimmer=92s call: Come on in, the water is fine! Of course =
> > you have to be in the water for that call to have any =
> > credibility.<o:p></o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; =
> > margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: =
> > 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div =
> > style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; =
> > margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; =
> > ">It is perhaps easier to say how NOT to create this invitation. First =
> > off, it is not a matter of rational argument and presentation of facts. =
> > Most people already know the facts at some level, and I think the case =
> > could be made that it was =93rational argument=94 that has gotten us =
> > into the bind we experience. Given the =93fact=94 of a moving, changing =
> > world which can be very uncomfortable, it is quite =93rational=94 to =
> > define that world in terms of controllable static chunks that may be =
> > contained, or better, bent to our specifications. This has led us =
> > to such wonderful things as =93Flood Control=94 which works until such =
> > time as Mother Nature and Old Man River decide to take a different =
> > course. It turns out that The River is not a static, definable thing but =
> > part of a vast ever changing system. Effective Flood Control would =
> > require close management of the Planet=92s atmosphere to say nothing of =
> > the cosmos beyond. Good luck!<span style=3D"font-size: 12pt; =
> > "><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: =
> > 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; =
> > font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div =
> > style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; =
> > margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; =
> > ">Also under the heading of =93NOT to be included=94 are well =
> > intentioned efforts to sugar coat the pill, as it were. Which is to say =
> > that we might propose certain limitations that will restrict the =
> > possibility of change in Open Space. Some of us have called these =
> > =93givens=94 but so far as I can tell the only given is change itself. =
> > And to suggest otherwise is not so much to violate the =93Spirit of Open =
> > Space=94 but rather the essence of the cosmos itself. Ralph had it =
> > right: Everything is moving. In this context, Open Space Technology is a =
> > minimal consideration.<o:p></o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; =
> > margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: =
> > 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "> <o:p></o:p></div><div =
> > style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; =
> > margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">I =
> > am by no means suggesting that our invitation look like the back panel =
> > of some medication listing every possible adverce reaction, if in fact =
> > unexpected change is such an adverce reaction. And truth to tell I find =
> > the appearance of unexpected change in the midst of an Open Space to be =
> > one of its (OS=92s) most delightful consequences. I also think that it =
> > is important to note the OS is not the engine of change. It simply =
> > provides the space for change to show up and the cosmos (or whatever) =
> > takes care of all the heavy lifting.<o:p></o:p></div><div =
> > style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; =
> > margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; =
> > "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: =
> > 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; =
> > font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">For me an invitation to Open Space =
> > is an opportunity to include friends and strangers in the deepest =
> > experience of (my) life. It has little to do with selling a product, =
> > doing a process, excersizing some sort of professional competence =96 =
> > although there are doubtless elements of all of that. Fundamentally it =
> > is my invitation to experience life at its fullest in which =
> > chanagability is not the enemy to be suppressed but rather the rich =
> > tapestry of an evolving future. I don=92t make it, I can=92t predict it =
> > =96 but I can participate both as a sojourner and a co-creator. Stuart =
> > Kauffman speaks of being =93At Home in the Universe.=94 That is my =
> > elemental experience, and I am always looking for =
> > playmates.<o:p></o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: =
> > 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1in; font-size: 11pt; =
> > font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div =
> > style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; =
> > margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; =
> > ">Harrison Owen<o:p></o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; =
> > margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: =
> > 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">7808 River Falls =
> > Dr.<o:p></o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; =
> > margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: =
> > Calibri, sans-serif; ">Potomac, MD 20854<o:p></o:p></div><div =
> > style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; =
> > margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; =
> > ">USA<o:p></o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; =
> > margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: =
> > Calibri, sans-serif; ">Phone 301-365-2093<o:p></o:p></div><div =
> > style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; =
> > margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; =
> > "><a href=3D"http://www.openspaceworld.com" style=3D"color: blue; =
> > text-decoration: underline; =
> > ">www.openspaceworld.com</a><o:p></o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: =
> > 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; =
> > font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><a =
> > href=3D"http://www.ho-image.com" style=3D"color: blue; text-decoration: =
> > underline; ">www.ho-image.com</a><span =
> > class=3D"Apple-converted-space"> </span>(Personal =
> > Website)<o:p></o:p></div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: =
> > 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; =
> > font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span style=3D"font-size: 10.5pt; =
> > font-family: Consolas; ">To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, =
> > view the archives of<span =
> > class=3D"Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a =
> > href=3D"mailto:oslist at listserv.boisestate.edu" style=3D"color: blue; =
> > text-decoration: underline; "><span style=3D"font-size: 10.5pt; =
> > font-family: Consolas; ">oslist at listserv.boisestate.edu</span></a><span =
> > style=3D"font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: Consolas; =
> > ">:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: =
> > 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; =
> > font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><a =
> > href=3D"http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html" =
> > style=3D"color: blue; text-decoration: underline; =
> > ">http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html</a><o:p></o:p></div>=
> > <div style=3D"margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: =
> > 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, =
> > sans-serif; "><o:p> </o:p></div></div>* * =
> > =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
> > =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
> > =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D<span =
> > class=3D"Apple-converted-space"> </span><a =
> > href=3D"mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU" style=3D"color: blue; =
> > text-decoration: underline; ">OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU</a><span =
> > class=3D"Apple-converted-space"> </span>-----------------------------=
> > - To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives =
> > of<span class=3D"Apple-converted-space"> </span><a =
> > href=3D"mailto:oslist at listserv.boisestate.edu" style=3D"color: blue; =
> > text-decoration: underline; ">oslist at listserv.boisestate.edu</a>:<span =
> > class=3D"Apple-converted-space"> </span><a =
> > href=3D"http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html" =
> > style=3D"color: blue; text-decoration: underline; =
> > ">http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html</a><span =
> > class=3D"Apple-converted-space"> </span>To learn about =
> > OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs:<span =
> > class=3D"Apple-converted-space"> </span><a =
> > href=3D"http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist" style=3D"color: blue; =
> > text-decoration: underline; =
> > ">http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist</a></div></span></blockquote></div>=
> > <br></div></body></html>=
> > *
> > *
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