[OSList] Why I Actually Like Calling it "The Law of Two Feet"

[Graydancer]

For a couple of events I tried using "the Law of Mobility", but it never
quite had the resonance that "the Law of Two Feet" had (even with one
particular participant who only had one leg).

Then it was pointed out that, at least in some countries, "two feet" is a
unit of measurement. So..."...move yourself at least two feet in some
direction where you can contribute or benefit." Works for everyone!

And if someone asks why we're using antiquated measuring methods...well,
it's to commemorate the nationality of the person who gave us this version
of Open Space in the first place, of course, Harrison himself. :-)

Just my .02,

Gray

On Sat, Oct 22, 2011 at 1:36 PM, Phelim <phelim at mac.com> wrote:

> Yes Florian,
>
> As you say they are always both present and on a micro level are both
> happening simultaneously or if in sequence very fast! This takes a "subtle
> impulse discernment" which is harder to believe in rather than the loud
> voices of society other people our own inner critics etc. This is definitely
> one of the inner work aspects of open space as a practice.
>
> I like that you notice one of the reasons we might not perceive the move
> towards as being present ( which it always is as you say) is because it has
> a relationship to the unknown, the emergent and what cannot yet be named. I
> often know how to name what I am moving away from but need to be prepared to
> be surprised where I might be going and what does not yet have a name...
>
> In other words to return to the same metaphor it's good to remember both
> feet and that it might be easier to walk away rather than hop!
>
> Not that hopping can't be fun of course :)
>
> Love
>
> Phelim X
>
> ________________________________
>
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>
> On 22 Oct 2011, at 05:31, fischer florian <florianfischer at ff-wey.com>
> wrote:
>
> Phelim, great. I like this precisiation of the so called »law of two feet«
> There is a dynamic between or round the two feet. The move forward needs
> the move away from.
> The move away from includes the move towards. Actually the move away
> sometimes seems hard or rude,
> because the field which is left is known while the field which will open
> with the next closest step is unknown.
> Then it helps only: be prepared to be surprised. Or in my words: be
> surprised to be prepared.
> My two cents.
> Florian
>
> Am 21.10.2011 um 23:19 schrieb Phelim:
>
>
> In open space technology there is only one law. It’s know as “The Law of
> Two Feet” Some people don’t like calling it this and it is objected to on
> the grounds of diversity/disability issues. So it gets re-christened “The
> law of mobility”. However, I think it’s a very useful metaphor and as such
> think all should have access to it. However that’s not what I want to talk
> about today.
>
> Sometimes people concentrate on “The law of two feet.” as being about
> leaving somewhere: it might be a session, a person who is dominating a
> conversation, a topic that goes off somewhere you are no longer interested
> in, all these are things one might want to move away from.
>
> However it’s good to remember it’s a law of TWO feet. Let’s say the first
> foot or step is away from. Then the second step in terms of our metaphor
> could be what we are moving towards. If the emphasis is just on the first
> step the potential energy or even an awareness of the second step can get
> overwhelmed. Veiled in issues of possibility or social politeness.
>
> So remember both aspects of the Law: “away from” but also “towards”. Where
> have you already taken yourself or your mind? Where inside yourself have you
> already taken your next step somewhere else?
>
> This is a useful thing to remember not least because it might support you
> over the threshold of your imagined impoliteness or arrogance when you find
> yourself worrying about the fact that you are leaving somewhere and being
> rude.
>
> Maybe if you focus on where you are going to or where your presence has
> gone.. Then you could realise it might be rude to have already left a less
> than present self amongst the group. Or perhaps it’s even arrogant to assume
> people will even notice that you left.
> So whether you are attending to “The Law of Two Feet” or “The Law of
> Mobility: Focus on the TWO feet of the dynamic and as Hal and Sidra Stone
> say “Sweat the choice”.
>
>
> Love Phelim
>
> <http://www.tumblr.com/tumblelog/clusterform>
> http://www.tumblr.com/tumblelog/clusterform
>
>
> ________________________________
>
> I generally pick up emails only at the beginning and end of the working
> day. I am currently aiming to respond the following day. If it is urgent
> please call me on 07956 187298.
> _____________________________________
>
> <http://www.improbable.co.uk>www.improbable.co.uk
> @openspacer
> @Wosonos2012
>
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