[OSList] Begin with yourself

[Alan Stewart via OSList]

Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 30, 2016, at 9:18 AM, Birgitt Williams via OSList <oslist at lists.openspacetech.org> wrote:
> 
> Dear friends and colleagues,
> I write this to you because it may be of interest to you as something you can do personally, in this time of turbulence in the world, with difficult elections happening in so many countries, with challenges about water and other essentials, and with humanity in some chaos.I was thinking about how many people including facilitators of OST are getting swept up in the chaos, getting in touch with their own anger, fear, positionality, and some significant feelings of despair. It happens to the best of us...we intend to stay balanced, to be of service to humanity....and we end up off kilter somehow.
> 
> I was reading the posts on civil discourse and of course cheer on anyone who feels ready to tackle creating openings for important and hopefully bridge building conversations. However, if you are not ready, and find yourself reeling, it may be time to focus on yourself, regaining your own equilibrium, health and balance. This is not a selfish act. Rather, it makes good sense. You might take a little time and invest in yourself and your personal well being. Once you are ready, you will be coming at any facilitation for civil discourse from a personal reservoir that can help you stay neutral and balanced. It is that whole business of putting the oxygen mask on your own face first. I am not referring only to those affected by the USA election...no matter what country you are in or what the issues and opportunities are that are generating the chaos in your area. There is a lot of political unrest in most countries with elections and strong polarizations.
> 
>  Even if you are not in a position to facilitate OST meetings in your area for civil discourse right now, and even if you got your own self out of your own personal balance and ability to hold steady without adding to polarization, and even if you feel somewhat hopeless or in shock, you can take some action about your state of 'being' as an important, important gift to the world...likely a greater gift than your 'doing', although doing is important too if you can manage it.
> 
> I just wanted to add my voice to say 'you don't need to do anything now' if that is not possible for you. Your state of being is just as important to harmony in the world.
> 
> Blessings all around,
> Birgitt
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