[OSList] Globalization, open space and Open Space ! ?

[Chris Kloth via OSList]

Thank you Harrison, for such a concise and clear summary. Your framing  
fits my beliefs and biases. Over the years people who know me as a  
consultant, family member or friend are used to hearing me ask about  
exploring the both/and perspective in the context of all the either/or  
thinking we are surrounded by in so many parts of the world.

I am interested in your invitation and see it as an opportunity to  
reenter the world of OST beyond my own work and community.

-- 
Shalom,

Chris Kloth
ChangeWorks of the Heartland
254 South Merkle Road
Bexley, OH 43209-1801
ph 614-239-1336
fax 614-237-2347
www.got2change.com

Think globally. Act locally.


Quoting Harrison Owen via OSList <oslist at lists.openspacetech.org>:

> Globalization. For some people this word describes Opportunity. For others,
> Disaster. Both are correct, I believe.
>
>
>
> Stripped to essence, Globalization means that the artificial (as in manmade)
> barriers and boundaries which divide our planet are dissolving, thereby
> revealing our natural, global unity. For better or for worse. Nation States,
> Business Enterprises, Tribal Territories, Religions, Cultures .. Are all
> becoming more porous, interconnected, and increasingly irrelevant to the
> emerging life form of Homo sapiens - otherwise known as Us, and the way we
> live.
>
>
>
> Nobody planned  Globalization, nobody runs it, although lots of folks are
> claiming credit or passing blame. The actual causes are multiple, including
> the Internet, global transportation, telephones, TV, FAX, the printing
> press, etc, etc. to name just a few. But the really funny part is  --
> Globalization is nothing new. We have always been one planet/globe - a fact
> the astronauts recognized with some wonder and shock. Seen from space, none
> of the barriers and boundaries, which seem so important to us, show up. They
> are all in our mind. You might think of Globalization as a psychosomatic
> healing! It might also be that we are simply getting back to normal.
>
>
>
> The Disaster/Opportunity Reactions are real and important. When all of the
> defining characteristics of our world become fuzzy or invisible - it is
> incredibly hard to know who you are. And if nobody and nothing tells you who
> you are, I guess that is real open space. Terrifying! A genuine Disaster --
> with capital "D." It is no wonder that those who find themselves in such a
> mess (which is pretty much all of us) are angry, aggressive, apparently
> irrational - and willing to listen to anybody who promises Stability and the
> "Return to the Normal." As in, "Make America (or choose another country)
> Great Again!"
>
>
>
> For those viewing Globalization as an Opportunity - that too is real. The
> elimination of illusory barriers and boundaries offers the potential for a
> radical increase of efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability (if those
> are your goals) as well as creativity and the capacity share the load and
> support our fellows in times of need. When the full diversity of humanity is
> brought to bear on the issues at hand, the collective power is immense.
>
>
>
> But there is a serious caveat.
>
> This is not an Either/Or.
>
> Both/And.For sure!
>
>
>
> The Opportunity is real. The Disaster also. Both are present. Both must be
> dealt with.
>
>
>
> Perhaps this sounds novel and shocking - but truthfully the recognition of
> this polarity is ancient. The Yin and the Yang, Shiva as creator and
> destroyer, The Chinese symbol for Chaos combines two symbols, Disaster and
> Opportunity, I'm told. To which we might add the modern newcomer,
> Chaos/Emergence Theory. Old story in new attire.
>
>
>
> So what do you do?
>
>
>
> I think our 32 year experiment with Open Space offers some suggestions. At
> least it might be a good place to start the conversation.
>
>
>
> Interested?
>
>
>
> Harrison
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> 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
>
>
>
>



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