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I have spent my professional lifetime watching, thinking and writing
about the transformation of human consciousness. I am not at all sure
that I have made any original contributions, and for sure there exists an
abundance of heavy thinkers in the area who have added greatly to
whatever it is that I think I know. Be all that as it may, beginning in
the early 80's I, and a small group of friends, enunciated the notion of
Organization Transformation, in which we attempted to apply the insights
of individual transformation to our collective manifestations in groups
-- organizations. The full story is a long one, and certainly too long
for a LIST entry -- but certain observations have taken shape in my mind
and informed my practice. I share them, not because I think they are
right, but in the hope that collectively we may take the conversation
deeper.<br>
<br>
First: Transformation is not something we do to ourselves or others -- as
in <i>I am going to transform that organization</i>. Rather
transformation is something initiated at a point in time when changed
environmental circumstances render our old way of being non-operative,
and simultaneously opens the door way to a new way of being
(consciousness). And environment, for human beings, comes in a number of
packages in addition to the physical, such electronic, print, business,
community etc. <br>
<br>
Secondly: Transformation (individually and collectively) is no walk in
the park. The open door ushers in chaotically terrible winds of
discontinuity and change, feelings of loss, loneliness, nostalgia, and
ultimately despair. Fortunately, we as a species seemingly have
"hardwired" into our constitution an effective process for
dealing with all this called Griefwork -- which does work, but not by
eliminating all the pain and anxiety. Transformation under anesthesia is
not a possibility. We have to go through the pain -- not around it.<br>
<br>
Thirdly: Transformation is something best done together even though we
all have to take the trip alone. Something like holding hands when we
cross the street. This is more than whistling as we pass by the cemetery.
We have the opportunity, and I think obligation to be with our fellows.
"Being with" is not to be confused with creating new programs,
espousing new fixes -- Although God knows some new programs and fixes
could be helpful. Rather, I think it is about standing in the center of
the circling storm, totally present and absolutely invisible -- creating
and holding the space/time in which grief can be worked, life renewed,
and consciousness changed. I believe we know something about all of
that.<br>
<br>
Fourth: There are no guarantees, and certainly no guarantee that the
outcome will be as we might have hoped. Evolution sometimes proceeds by
devolution. Occasionally we have to take several steps backwards in order
to achieve a leap forward. And even if the movement is forward, the
outcome is totally un-predictable. Be prepared to be surprised. This
present moment could be the end of the ride, and doubtless a number of
folks will choose to get off the bus. But if our history to date is any
indicator, what lies ahead of us will simply boggle our minds with
possibilities. Good ones, albeit with a shadow side. <br>
<br>
So now What?<br>
<br>
As the bombs fall in Afghanistan, packets of Anthrax wander America, and
major portions of the Islamic world are inflamed by the passion of Jihad
-- now what? For me, the first part of an answer comes with a
recognition: It's over. Not everything, of course -- but the dream like
reality we have lived in the charmed land of America is over. As an
American citizen I am proud of the many good things we have done and been
-- the products we created, the technologies we invented, the degree of
freedom and openness we have created for ourselves, and our willingness
to share all that with the world. But as a global citizen I am also
profoundly aware of the abject poverty and hopelessness which afflicts
the vast majority of people on this planet. I am painfully aware of the
massive (physical) environmental pollution to which we have been a major
contributor. Obviously, we as a people did not create all the ills of the
planet, but I think it fair to state that we have not exercised
sufficient effort towards their resolution. To whom much has been given,
much shall be expected. We have been truly blessed -- it is now time that
we fully share our blessings. For those who see the present moment in
terms of preserving The American Way of Life and Getting Back to Normal
-- and I know I have such feelings -- the word is pretty clear. Forget
it. Should we succeed in the short term -- the next time the tectonic
plates of our global consciousness shift -- it will be a biggie. It's
Over.<br>
<br>
And Then?<br>
<br>
Any person or group who think they have <i>The Plan for Resolution of
Planetary Ills</i> are clearly deluded and possibly mad. The events and
passions that swirl about us are simply too complex, inter-related, and
chaotic for comprehension, let alone rational planning, though Lord knows
many will try. The effort itself is probably worth while, but for reasons
rather different than the "planners" might have intended. At
best these "planners and plans" form critical parts of the
emerging global conversation out of which a new consciousness of what it
means to be human may emerge. The paramount danger of the moment is not
the renewal of terrorist attacks and bloody responses, it is <i>rather
that the space for global conversation will close</i>. Some may feel that
there is also a danger that we may talk it to death, but I think this is
one time where there simply cannot be too much talk.<br>
<x-tab> </x-tab>A series
of stories appearing in The Washington Post make the point, I think. On
Sunday (10/15/01) we had a story about the marvelous electronic miracle
of the Command and Control Center at the FBI, all the effect that our
efforts must be "controlled from Washington." Good luck
Charlie. Then this morning we had three headlines on the Front Page.
"<b>Anti-US Sentiment Spreading In Pakistan</b>," "<b>US
Message Lost Overseas</b>." and finally "<b>Bush Rejects
Taliban Offer on Bin Laden</b>." Except for the fact that I am a
citizen of the US and a resident of Planet Earth, I felt a semblance of a
chuckle coming from some strange place in me. I guess if you totally lose
your sense of humor, the alternative might be madness.<br>
<br>
So What to do?<br>
<br>
I don't know what you should do in specifics -- except to keep the space
open, in whatever way that is humanly possible to do. For myself, there
are a few specifics. For example:<br>
<br>
<i>Keep the electronic space open.</i> I have an electronic colleague in
India. His name is Mirza Yawar Baig <leadtrain@hotmail.com>. He is
Muslim and has taken it upon himself to share thoughts that appear in the
world press with his western colleagues. Not all of it is pleasant
reading, but he opens a window on a world than many of us never see. Best
of all he will answer if you email him. Or at least he "talks"
to me. <br>
<br>
<i>Help others to Open Space</i> -- In January, God willing and the
creeks don't rise -- I am going to Israel to do a training program with
Tova Averbuch. Outside of a certain hesitation I feel (surprise) about
jumping on an international flight at the present, I confess to other,
deeper hesitations, primary of which is a genuine dis-ease with current
Israeli policy towards the Palestinians. Tova and I have talked about
this and she still wants me to come, and I want to go. And she has
promised to make best effort to insure that our participants are not just
Israeli. Given the present circumstances, I am not sure how successful
she will be, but that is the intention.<br>
<br>
<i>Seize the moment and Invite a new consciousness to show up</i> This
sounds pretty grandiose, and I guess it is. I also think it is possible.
Of course it presumes that we might actually recognize this New
Consciousness if we ran into it -- but I think we have some definite
clues. Characteristics include: High Learning, High Play, Appropriate
Structures and controls and Genuine Community, all of which, of course,
put in regular appearances in Open Space. It is critical to remember,
however, that this is not a matter of the magic of Open Space, but rather
the pre-existing reality of any well functioning self-organizing system.
In Open Space we simply come face to face with what we already are. What
makes all this different (or at least <i>can</i> make this different) is
the conscious awareness and acceptance of our own reality as a
self-organizing system. The consequences of this awareness/acceptance
include an understanding that we are not in charge of the universe.
Further, that our continued existence (in all senses of that word) depend
upon a positive, effective, open, and symbiotic relationship with our
environment at all levels. Should we choose differently as in closure,
control, disrespect, we will cease (loose, fail, go kaput) because the
open, living, self-organization which we are will stop. So what can we
do? Simple. Open some Space and invite people to be fully what they are
-- with respect.<br>
<br>
Should we then think that self-organization is but some other words for
Nirvana and the Kingdom of God? Definitely not, as I think we are
painfully discovering with al-Qaeda. It has been pointed out that
al-Qaeda is, in many regards, the perfect example of a well functioning
self-organizing system -- The New Paradigm Organization. Flat,
decentralized, value driven, agile to a fault -- and very effective. To
what extent bin Laden and company are conscious of this, I haven't a
clue, but that they are currently manifesting all the "Right
Stuff" is pretty much beyond dispute, I think. Which makes the point
that the power of self-organization, like all natural powers, are
essential value neutral. The power or force of gravity keeps us from
floating off into space. That same power also allows bombs to fall.
<br>
<br>
I think we know some other things about self-organizing systems which may
tell us a lot about the adequacy of current US policy and response.
<i>Self-organizing systems under attack actually increase their
effectiveness so long as they are basically in harmony with their
environment -- and can continue to draw support and
nutrient.</i> At the moment al-Qaeda is like a fish in its
own sea -- a sea of the dispossessed who happen to be Islamic. It is
theoretically possible to surgically remove the offending organism -- but
highly unlikely. And even if successful in this particular instance, it
is predictable that the same environmental conditions, which gave rise to
the organism <i>al-Qaeda,</i> will do so again. Only next time the life
form will be more effective, efficient, and virulent. Ultimately, the
only effective strategy is to change the environment in more positive and
healthy directions. I might also point out that the net effect of
the current US/Western efforts, which isolate that environment, is to
protect it from change. I shudder at the prospects of the long term
implications what is now being called The Bush Doctrine (Washington Post
10/16/01) -- "If you aren't with us, you are against us."
<br>
<br>
The alternatives? Open the space -- and keep opening the space --
wherever and however that can be done. We have learned, I think ,that
conflict, in and of itself is not bad. Indeed conflict has positive
attributes -- it shows that people care, they have passion. However, when
the space is constricted, passions conflict. All attempts to dampen the
passion, or force it into preconceived structures which are socially
acceptable to one group according to their agenda eventually fail, or at
best are counter-productive. Fifteen years in Open Space has taught us
this -- if nothing else. It would be wonderful, of course, if some wise
great soul could effectively design The New World Order and all 6 billion
of us could fit in comfortably. Lots of luck, Charlie. Now, if ever, we
are forced back on the deep wisdom of the people -- all the people -- in
the faith that the species, like all species will seek to optimize itself
-- otherwise known as creating a better life. Perhaps there were times
when one group could decimate all others, and thereby create its own
environment. Those times are gone, if they ever existed. We are all in
this together. We will get through it together or not at all. For sure it
will be quite ride. And as we ride, it may be well to remember --<br>
<br>
Whoever comes are the right people -- and that has to be all of us<br>
Whatever happens is the only thing that could have -- even (or
especially) if it doesn't turn out to meet our specifications.<br>
Whenever it starts is the right time -- and now seems to be the
time.<br>
When it's over, it's over. One way or another.<br>
<br>
And so I am talking to Mirza, Going to Israel, and opening space
wherever, and however I can. <br>
<br>
<br>
Harrison<br>
<br>
<br>
<x-sigsep><p></x-sigsep>
<div align="center">
Harrison Owen<br>
7808 River Falls Drive<br>
Potomac, MD 20854 USA<br>
phone 301-469-9269<br>
Open Space Training
<a href="http://www.openspaceworld.com/" eudora="autourl">www.openspaceworld.com</a>
<br>
Open Space Institute <a href="http://www.openspaceworld.org/" eudora="autourl">www.openspaceworld.org</a><br>
Personal website <a href="http://www.mindspring.com/~owenhh" eudora="autourl">www.mindspring.com/~owenhh</a><br>
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