Everything is moving
Ralph Copleman
rcopleman at comcast.net
Mon Aug 23 06:46:09 PDT 2010
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: =
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> font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; "><span style=3D"font-size: 10.5pt; =
> font-family: Consolas; ">To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, =
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> =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=
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> End of OSLIST Digest - 21 Aug 2010 to 22 Aug 2010 (#2010-205)
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