[OSList] Begin with yourself

Harrison Owen via OSList oslist at lists.openspacetech.org
Wed Nov 30 13:48:58 PST 2016


Alan, Birgitt --- For as long as I can remember (which gets shorter and
shorter) it has been clear to me, and I actually think I have said (wrote)--
"Open Space begins with yourself."

Doing the "Big One" for whatever cause or reason is great -- but
fundamentally immaterial to emerging life. A little splash in the pond, so
to speak. And likewise, I do believe that the "difference" between "inside"
and "outside" is illusory. What you is -- is what you is. What you do is
what you are. 

Opening space is not -- as I experience it -- A Facilitated Process, a
method, a process. Something we learn and do for and with people. Opening
space is fundamental to our relationship with fellow human beings. If we
have the privilege and pleasure of Opening Space on the big stage for a
grand cause --the results can be awesome. But all that is really trivial
compared to opening space every day, in every way, with everyone. That's
useful. I think.

ho

Winter Address
7808 River Falls Dr.
Potomac, MD 20854
301-365-2093

Summer Address
189 Beaucauire Ave
Camden, ME 04843
207 763-3261

Websites
www.openspaceworld.com
www.ho-image.com

-----Original Message-----
From: OSList [mailto:oslist-bounces at lists.openspacetech.org] On Behalf Of
Alan Stewart via OSList
Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2016 11:30 PM
To: Birgitt Williams; World wide Open Space Technology email list
Subject: Re: [OSList] Begin with yourself



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
> _______________________________________________
> 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
> Past archives can be viewed here: 
> http://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org
_______________________________________________
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
Past archives can be viewed here:
http://www.mail-archive.com/oslist@lists.openspacetech.org



More information about the OSList mailing list