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Three days ago our world changed. Radically, and probably for ever.
Again. And although the pain and confusion is far from resolution
-- Griefwork does not happen over night -- we must work our way through.
Many loud OH Shits! And we still can't believe that it really happened...
Memories will start to flow as we recall how it was before the madness of
a few ripped the fabric of our global community... And there will be
despair as we recognize that much of what we trusted and expected no
longer exists. Silence will come as we find ourselves in the Open Space
between what used to be so familiar and whatever it is that will happen
next. And out of that silence comes a question -- What do we do with the
rest of our lives? No answers. Just a question, a Quest....<br>
<br>
For some the shock and anger will never cease. Others will live lives of
Denial, unable to comprehend that it really did happen. All of us will
carry memories of the times we knew -- what might have been -- of
innocence lost and lives snuffed out before their time. The despair we
experience will be intense, and some will chose not to go through it, but
those who do will experience the silence which is at once the ending and
the beginning... And the question -- What do we do with the rest of our
lives?<br>
<br>
I believe this community has the special opportunity and responsibility
to take what we have known and experienced for the past 16 years in Open
Space and make it available to our brothers and sisters around the world.
If ever there was a situation of serious common concern, characterized by
enormous complexity, a staggering diversity of peoples and
needs, blinding conflict, and a decision time of yesterday -- we got it.
And we know what to do about it. Open some Space.<br>
<br>
There is no need for a plan, elaborate proposals, budgets... JUST DO IT!
Wherever, however, and with whomever... Just Do it! With family, friends,
communities, fellow workers, perfect strangers. This is not about selling
Open Space Technology -- it is about confronting the Open Space of our
lives with the tools we have been perfecting. It is fast, cheap,
effective, works with all sorts and sizes of groups, easy to
teach -- and free. We need not operate under the illusion
that we will save the world. But we might just help.<br>
<br>
Folks, Now is the time, and we are the people. I look forward to hearing
from you. <br>
<br>
<br>
Harrison<br>
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Harrison Owen<br>
7808 River Falls Drive<br>
Potomac, MD 20854 USA<br>
phone 301-469-9269<br>
fax 301-983-9314<br>
Summer Phone 207-763-3261<br>
Summer Address<br>
189 Beaucaire Ave.<br>
Camden, ME 04843<br>
Personal website
<a href="http://www.mindspring.com/~owenhh" eudora="autourl">www.mindspring.com/~owenhh</a><br>
Open Space Institute website
<a href="http://www.openspaceworld.org/" eudora="autourl">www.openspaceworld.</a><a href="http://www.openspaceworld.org/" eudora="autourl">org<br>
</a>Open Space Training
<a href="http://www.openspaceworld.com/" eudora="autourl">www.openspaceworld.com</a>
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