[OSList] Byron Katie Work in Business and Leadership - February in Amsterdam

Wed Jan 4 16:51:49 PST 2012

Thanks for your sharing and questions all,

I love the synchronicity Suzanne.  And neat to hear that you are playing
with it too Birgitt.   Would love to connect around that some time.

My experience of the questions *"Is it True?"* and *"Can you absolutely
know that it is true?"* (the first two questions of The Work) is that they
are a powerful invitation to open my own mind in the face of certainty
about something.  It is less important what specific answer I come up with
(the invitation is to contemplate the question deeply and then land on a
simple yes or no) and more important the act of inviting the question into
the space of the belief or assumption and then allowing my mind to open to
explore that.  And to find what answer is most true for me.  Not what I
have been taught or what others say, but a process of getting still and
really asking myself for my own clarity and wisdom. (as you were mentioning
Esther). In my experience there is a lot of shift, energy, creativity and
learning that flows just in that simple act.

*"The CEO needs to be at the meeting".*  Is it true?  Can I absolutely know
that it is true?
(and what happens when i attach to it?)

*"We need more money".*  Is it true?  Can I absolutely know that it is true?

"They won't listen to me"....  "It is not possible to overcome this or that
difficulty".... "If I speak up people will get angry"...
"If I leave this conversation people will be offended"....

There are so many big and small assumptions, beliefs and fears that close
us down as facilitators, participants and human beings - and as we often
experience in Open Space - powerful questions and invitations can support
opening.

There are more questions in the Work that support a deeper dive into where
the first question would likely take you in a really deep meditation. And
these questions can surface a lot of material for learning about my self,
others and the situation and open some space for shift.)
*
*
*3. How do you react, what happens when you believe that thought.*
(a meditation and amazing opportunity for self learning about what the
effect of attaching to the belief is)
*
*
*4. Who would you be without that thought?*
(a meditation and opportunity to then open your mind to the same situation
without attachment to that belief, assumption or fear)

And then there is a playful part of the Work called the 'turnarounds' where
you take the initial stressful or stuck thought/belief and 'turn it around'
in different ways to explore where the opposites or other perspectives
could be equally or more true.  Another very specific to the situation way
to open your mind.

for example:  "They won't listen to me"
TA - They will listen to me (and then I really consider where this could
have truth)
TA - I won't listen to them (and then I get to see where this could also be
true - where am I not listening?)
TA - I won't listen to myself (where do I not even listen to myself in this
situation?  possibly because I am so worried about what they will say or do
I am not really listening to me either.

For me, this work hosts me in a really skillful conversation with myself
where I am able to open my mind and heart, and often see things that I
can't see or experience when I am stuck in fear or "I know" mind.
It is the opposite of being 'right' and gives me a way to soften that up in
myself.
It does not offer any specific advice of what to actually do or not do - I
find for myself that wiser and kinder action just flows in the space that
opens when I do it.  (kinda like Open Space)  Lots of "whatever happens"
and "prepare to be surprised" at what emerges in the space the opens.

I have some material on my website about how it applies to organizational
work if you are interested, and some examples, free downloads and
explanations there too if you are interested to explore a little more.
www.caitlinfrost.ca  and I am open to questions if you want to email me.  I
continue to find it to be such a gift in this work and life.

Cheers,

Caitlin.

PS - I am hosting a weekend in The WORK at work (in business, leadership
etc) in Edmonton Alberta in May 26th/27th and that will some fun play and
learning if any of you are game let me know and I'll send you the invite
when it is ready. :)

On Wed, Jan 4, 2012 at 3:00 PM, Suzanne Daigle <sdaigle4 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Thank you Birgitt and Esther,
>
> When I posted what I did, I hesitated feeling that words are so limiting
> and that really there is so much about this that is my own personal
> internal journey. If I did choose to write, it's because I come at this
> from a place of sheer delight, like a little kid discovering new things and
> wanting to say wow. I love when we share our individual journeys feeling it
> connects us in a common humanity.  What I treasure most is the realization
> that whatever is...is and it's all good however people perceive things,
> however life is.  I aspire to worry less and be in awe more without
> preaching or wishing anything different. When Birgitt mentioned the word
> "dogma" I could see myself in that word especially when I am so smitten
> about what Open Space has unraveled in me when I can't quite keep quiet
> about it. Maybe as I grow older, I will become wiser and quieter but I'm
> only 57 after all, many years ahead.   So again thank you for multiplying
> the delight of discovery in multiple perspectives. Suzanne
>
> On Wed, Jan 4, 2012 at 5:46 PM, Esther Ewing <ewingchange at gmail.com>wrote:
>
>> Hi Birgitt:****
>>
>> Yes, I got what you were saying. I was wondering about a specific
>> example. ****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> However, let me respond to the word, “true”.  ****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> When I hear someone ask if something is true, I wonder if we are thinking
>> about something in the absolute – sort of an absolute truth about a
>> situation whereas I often think that there are multiple truths going on.
>> (And, it’s also possible that concurrent with this particular wondering, I
>> may be missing the point of your question.)****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> I can think of an example. Today, in a book club gathering, I heard
>> someone say in a tone that suggested finality, that the book, Unbroken, was
>> not suitable for a book club choice because it was just a factual,
>> (non-fiction) story – a collection of facts and so it wouldn’t generate a
>> rich discussion. The book in question is the recounting by a woman of her
>> father’s experience in the second world war when he was captured by the
>> Japanese and held in a prison camp. ****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> Regardless of the topic, what came to my mind was the question of what
>> “truth” actually is and what “facts” actually are. So setting aside the
>> ethno-centricity of the topic of the book, how do we actually “know”
>> things? Who says what is true and what is not? ****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> I’ve heard it said that history is written by the victors which certainly
>> suggests that there would be at least one alternate point of view – that
>> held by those who have lost a war. ****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> I’ve also heard it said that he/she who writes the minutes/proceedings of
>> a meeting, holds a certain power because it takes more collective effort to
>> get them amended than it does to write them.****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> Having said all of this, I like Katie Byron’s two questions. I would add
>> a third: Is this true for you? (Or for myself: Is it true for me?) This
>> allows for multiple realities and perspectives which is, of course, what OS
>> is most suitable to generate and makes for very rich decision-making. ***
>> *
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> After 9/11 when President Bush warned other countries that we were either
>> with him or against him, it struck me very strongly as a demand to see
>> things in black and white, whereas there are multiple shades and many other
>> choices.  It certainly felt true for him, I imagine, but it didn’t feel
>> true for me. And I felt that in making it an either/or set of choices,
>> there was a risk of a paucity of possibility in the decision-making.****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> The beauty of OS is the opportunity to bubble up and generate multiple
>> approaches, ideas and truths. Do you agree?****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> With great respect,****
>>
>> Esther (Ewing)****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> *From:* oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org [mailto:
>> oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org] *On Behalf Of *Birgitt Williams
>> *Sent:* January-04-12 5:03 PM
>>
>> *To:* 'World wide Open Space Technology email list'
>> *Subject:* Re: [OSList] Byron Katie Work in Business and Leadership -
>> February in Amsterdam****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> Hi Esther,****
>>
>> I think I didn’t emphasize what I wanted to correctly in my email. I
>> think that there is a tendency to dogma when we buy into stories, myths,
>> and ‘the way it is done’ when we don’t ask those questions highlighted by
>> Byron Katie as the first two questions in The Work. And so, my emphasis was
>> on ‘what would happen if we as a community made a practice of asking ‘is
>> this true?’ and ‘how do I know this is true?’. We would then, I think,
>> manage to dance away from a natural tendency to dogma and to following
>> dogma…which is I think what Harrison was wanting from the beginning. ****
>>
>> Best regards and happy new year to you also,****
>>
>> Birgitt****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> *From:* oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org [mailto:
>> oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org] *On Behalf Of *Esther Ewing
>> *Sent:* Wednesday, January 04, 2012 4:33 PM
>> *To:* 'World wide Open Space Technology email list'
>> *Subject:* Re: [OSList] Byron Katie Work in Business and Leadership -
>> February in Amsterdam****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> Birgitt:****
>>
>> Can you give an example of what you are seeing as dogma?****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> Best regards and happy new year,****
>>
>> Esther (Ewing)****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> *From:* oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org [mailto:
>> oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org] *On Behalf Of *Birgitt Williams
>> *Sent:* January-04-12 4:07 PM
>> *To:* 'World wide Open Space Technology email list'
>> *Subject:* Re: [OSList] Byron Katie Work in Business and Leadership -
>> February in Amsterdam****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> Dear all,****
>>
>> In early years of learning OST from Harrison, I found that he was
>> emphatic that he did not want to do anything that created ‘dogma’. In the
>> years since then, I have watched what I believe is the creation of dogma by
>> people who become involved with OST. I am not judging this. I am fascinated
>> by how it happens despite an intention to avoid it.  Dogma seems to be
>> created by the stories that are told, retold, remembered, and passed on
>> until they become ‘truth’. I have been fascinated for most of my life by
>> the power of myth, story, and patterns that humans use to create personal
>> and collective operating systems. I have watched myth, story, and patterns
>> develop amongst those who work with OST. I have watched as some things
>> appear to have evolved to being ‘dogma’, the very thing that Harrison
>> wanted to avoid. I don’t believe it could be avoided despite best efforts
>> because people have a tendency with myth, stories and patterns to create
>> dogma. I have found this development in this community of people to be
>> quite fascinating as it has been an intentional study for me based on what
>> Harrison wanted to set into motion. ****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> As well as personal use of the Work by Byron Katie, I find it very
>> helpful to use for business and group work. What happens if as a community
>> of people who embrace Open Space and Open Space Technology, that we make
>> frequent use of: ****
>>
>> Is this true?****
>>
>> How do I know this is true?****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> Two of the great questions in The Work. If we apply even these two
>> questions in our conversations about OST and open space, I believe we could
>> remove ourselves from what could be perceived as ‘dogma’. ****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> Caitlin, thanks for bringing Byron Katie’s work forward…and Suzanne…have
>> fun with it all…humor is a key to the great discoveries I am sure you will
>> find.****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> Blessings to all,****
>>
>> Birgitt Williams****
>>
>> www.dalarinternational.com ****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> *From:* oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org [mailto:
>> oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org] *On Behalf Of *Suzanne Daigle
>> *Sent:* Wednesday, January 04, 2012 11:30 AM
>> *To:* World wide Open Space Technology email list
>> *Subject:* Re: [OSList] Byron Katie Work in Business and Leadership -
>> February in Amsterdam****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> Dear Caitlin,
>>
>> Strange coincidences happen in life sometimes or maybe it's all just
>> meant to be.  As I immersed myself more and more into Open Space, peeling
>> the layers of what it invited in me and seems to invite in so many others,
>> I often felt myself to be "truly not good enough" as a facilitator and in
>> others roles. Not fun and quite painful. Oh indeed that little voice of
>> judgment was alive and well!
>>
>> It is one thing to intellectually understand "letting go", "not
>> controlling", not expecting "outcome", but to live the "being of it" is a
>> whole other kettle of fish. If it is said that Open Space is like coming
>> home. The coming home for me has been a coming home inside myself,
>> surfacing stuff that ain't always pretty, that can feel quite confusing,
>> frustrating and actually kinda depressing sometimes.  Of course, on the
>> other side of that is lots of bliss and joy.
>>
>> So like everything else, I decided to tackle the "let's fix me" and
>> figure this out. (grin! grin!).  Someone had mentioned Lynne Forrest's
>> work  to me http://www.lynneforrest.com/html/the_faces_of_victim.html.
>> On the Drama Triangle which is an integral part of her work,  I could
>> easily see myself as the "born rescuer" which is really just another form
>> of "victim".  Funny how much society reveres rescuers, fixers and having
>> all the answers -- an exhausting way to live and lead or worse, an arrogant
>> way to be as if people can't take care of themselves! Lynne speaks of
>> "Victim Consciousness" based on Dr. Stephen Kharpman's work and "Observer
>> Consciousness" which is about Bryon Katie work.
>>
>> Now finally to get to the point of "*the coincidence" *with your email
>> Caitlen, well that morning as I was reading Lynne's book, she recommended
>> downloading Byron Katie's worksheets at the same website you mentioned :
>> http://www.thework.com/index.php.  I had printed the sheets quickly
>> thinking I would look at them later and then that evening your email came.
>> I read it quickly without giving it a second thought.
>>
>> Later that night, Byron Katie's name came back into my consciousness and
>> I had this nagging little thought. "No, I said to myself, it can't be!".
>> An email that connects OS and Byron Katie?  I rushed to my computer to read
>> your email. Could it have been the same name? It was!  Like wow, what a
>> coincidence! Well I sure was paying attention now.  Felt like the universe
>> was giving me another whack on the side of the head...AGAIN!
>>
>> Another "be prepared to be surprised" moment in my life which has been
>> happening a lot since Open Space -- never really noticed stuff like that
>> before, too busy fixing, rescuing and being my corporate self. Now
>> coincidences seem to happen all the time and in those simple acts of
>> synchronicity, I just feel so connected with the universe and life.
>>
>> Yes it's been said that facilitating Open Space is a life long journey.
>> I'm on this journey now, welcoming whatever shows up, the hard parts and
>> fun parts. Living more in the now, less in the past and the future.
>>
>> By the way I then Googled Caitlin on this OS list and saw earlier emails
>> of hers talking about Byron Katie. Others in our community had added their
>> voice of support to this wonderful work and how well it fits with Open
>> Space, with facilitation, etc.  Just goes to show that sometimes we're not
>> ready to see or hear.  I wasn't ready then but I sure am ready now.  So
>> thank you Caitlin.
>>
>> From a very grateful, Open Space colleague! Perhaps others will take a
>> second look at your email following my very long "up close and personal"
>> story. A wonderful way to start 2012!
>>
>> Suzanne
>>
>> ****
>>
>> On Mon, Jan 2, 2012 at 9:18 PM, Caitlin Frost <caitlin.frost at gmail.com>
>> wrote:****
>>
>> Hello friends,****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> For any of you interested in the Work of Byron Katie - as a powerful tool
>> for working with limiting beliefs, and opening mind and heart in
>> leadership, organization and change, she is hosting a first ever intensive
>> in The Work for leaders and people in business.  It is taking place in
>> Amsterdam - February 8th to 11th.  ****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> I have found this work to be profoundly powerful in supporting my
>> practice as a facilitator and host - and very aligned with Open Space.  For
>> me it supports opening space in my own mind and heart - so that I can
>> invite and hold that space with others more fully.  It is a brilliant tool
>> for working with fear and attachment to outcome, and opening to possibility
>> in places that feels stuck. ****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> And Byron Katie is quite an amazing person to have the opportunity to
>> experience live.  I am sure it will be very engaging with many
>> opportunities to bring your self and work into this deep practice.****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> More info here: http://www.thework.com/events.php?eid=94#94****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> Maybe I will see some of you there!****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> Happy New Year,****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> Caitlin.
>> ****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> --
>> *UPCOMING WORKSHOPS in the transformative inquiry process of The Work: *
>> ****
>>
>> Being Peace, Salt Spring Centre of Yoga, April 13 - 15, 2012; *Beyond
>> Belief <http://goog_407455611>*, Nova Scotia<http://www.windhorsefarm.org/pages/programs-events/beyond-belief.php?utm_source=Windhorse+Farm+List&utm_campaign=d3b9498abc-Early_Winter_2012_at_Windhorse_Farm&utm_medium=email>May 4-6, 2012;
>> ****
>>
>> *The Work *at work. What is Holding You Back?<http://caitlinfrost.ca/workshops/the-work-at-work/>Edmonton May 26 & 27, 2012
>> www.caitlinfrost.ca****
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> ** **
>>
>> *The Art of Participatory Leadership*<http://berkana.org/berkana_events/aoh_utah/>
>> *,* Utah, February 8th - 11th
>>
>> *If you really knew how beautiful you are,
>> you would fall at your own feet.*
>> *Byron Katie.*
>>
>> CAITLIN FROST
>> Coaching and Facilitation
>> Certified Facilitator - The Work of Byron Katie
>> Principal - Harvest Moon Consultants Ltd.
>> www.caitlinfrost.ca****
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
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>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Suzanne Daigle
>> NuFocus Strategic Group
>> 7159 Victoria Circle
>> University Park, FL 34201
>> FL 941-359-8877;
>> CT 203-722-2009
>> www.nufocusgroup.com
>> s.daigle at nufocusgroup.com
>> twitter @suzannedaigle****
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> OSList mailing list
>> To post send emails to OSList at lists.openspacetech.org
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>>
>>
>
>
> --
> Suzanne Daigle
> NuFocus Strategic Group
> 7159 Victoria Circle
> University Park, FL 34201
> FL 941-359-8877;
> CT 203-722-2009
> www.nufocusgroup.com
> s.daigle at nufocusgroup.com
> twitter @suzannedaigle
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> OSList mailing list
> To post send emails to OSList at lists.openspacetech.org
> To unsubscribe send an email to OSList-leave at lists.openspacetech.org
> To subscribe or manage your subscription click below:
> http://lists.openspacetech.org/listinfo.cgi/oslist-openspacetech.org
>
>

-- 
*UPCOMING WORKSHOPS in the transformative inquiry process of The Work: *
Being Peace, Salt Spring Centre of Yoga, April 13 - 15, 2012; *Beyond
Belief<http://goog_407455611>
*, Nova Scotia<http://www.windhorsefarm.org/pages/programs-events/beyond-belief.php?utm_source=Windhorse+Farm+List&utm_campaign=d3b9498abc-Early_Winter_2012_at_Windhorse_Farm&utm_medium=email>May
4-6, 2012;
*The Work *at work. What is Holding You
Back?<http://caitlinfrost.ca/workshops/the-work-at-work/>Edmonton May
26 & 27, 2012
www.caitlinfrost.ca

*The Art of Participatory
Leadership*<http://berkana.org/berkana_events/aoh_utah/>
*,* Utah, February 8th - 11th

*If you really knew how beautiful you are, **
you would fall at your own feet.*
*Byron Katie.*

CAITLIN FROST
Coaching and Facilitation
Certified Facilitator - The Work of Byron Katie
Principal - Harvest Moon Consultants Ltd.
www.caitlinfrost.ca
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