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At 10:29 PM 10/16/01 -0400, you wrote:<br>
<blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>So, I would greatly appreciate
anyone's wisdom about using OS in this kind of<br>
third world context. I will get a translator for when I walk the
circle,<br>
etc. I think we can get enough computers, and a space. I
expect that many<br>
participants will be illiterate. The politics will range from royal
loyalists<br>
to Maoists. Humility and responsiveness to those with power is a big part
of<br>
the culture. I have worked for a couple of weeks in Nepal about 18 months
ago<br>
but that was my one and only time in there.</blockquote><br>
Based on a number of similar experiences, I can tell you will have a
wonderful time, and congratulations on venturing out -- in Space! I can
also tell you that you will come face to face with what I have always
felt to be the core essentials of Open Space -- creating and holding
space without understanding a word of the discussion -- and equally
"core" -- without being able to contribute a word (directly) of
direction/intervention. And guess what, it works just fine. I have found,
however that my own, personal preparation becomes (if possible) even more
critical. For 99.999% of the folks in the circle, it will be your
"being" that speaks. If you can enter that circle in a state of
clear presence -- as best as you can -- everything else just moves along.
A good translator will help, but I find the process so intuitive that
even a poor job of translation seems to work. You will also find the
opportunity to experience modes of presence that words ordinarily cover
up, and modes of perception that our thirst for "the detailed
facts" retard. To be a little more specific, I find that in order to
comprehend what is going on it is sometimes helpful to shut your eyes and
ears and ask your self "How does it smell?" Or," What are
the colors?" With a little practice, I think you will find that the
nose knows -- and the activities of the group create fields of colors. I
don't mean to be weird, and maybe this is all about auras or something --
but all I can tell you is that when I consciously operate in these
non-verbal channels I feel totally connected to what is going on so that
I can effectively do my space creating/holding function. And the
carryover once you return to an English speaking (or whatever your native
language might be) environment is also very useful. It keeps you
"above" the words. Which becomes essential, particularly when
you are dealing with a large, disbursed group. <br>
<br>
Have fun.<br>
<br>
Harrison<br>
<br>
<blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>Harrison Owen</blockquote>
<x-sigsep><p></x-sigsep>
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