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<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><st1:place><font size=2
color="#339966" face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:#339966'>Harrison</span></font></st1:place><font size=2 color="#339966"
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'>
wrote:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 color="#333399"
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#333399'><br>
</span></font><font color=red face=Arial><span style='font-family:Arial;
color:red'>Doubtless there are innumerable situations such as you describe,
particularly ones where upper management refuses engagement or change. One side
of all of us says -- well if we can't do everything, let's do what we can. And above
everything else let's try and help the people caught in the middle. I know the
syndrome, but I question it's wisdom. Organizations with such short sighted
management hopefully will not survive too long, and in any event I am not sure
that I want to be party to their sustenance. My reasons are two. First
life is very short and sweet, and given the fact that there are endless
opportunities to help folks who really do want to get on with the business of
meaningful life, why should we waste it helping those who refuse to help
themselves? Secondly, and this becomes an ethical consideration for me, let's
suppose that we are wildly successful -- the conflict has been mediated AND the
folks at the top never got their hands dirty, nor did they have take responsibility
for a miserable situation they created. Who wins? Harsh, I suppose, but we only
have so much life to give -- and how we choose to give it makes a difference, I
think.<br style='mso-special-character:line-break'>
<![if !supportLineBreakNewLine]><br style='mso-special-character:line-break'>
<![endif]></span></font><font color="#333399" face=Arial><span
style='font-family:Arial;color:#333399'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><st1:place><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'>Harrison</span></font></st1:place><font
size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:
Arial;color:#339966'>, I like this playing with colors thing.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>I feel like my five-year-old self
reaching for my box of crayolas.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>Helps me get in that mind-space of “life is very short and
sweet…..”<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>What fun life
can be if we just let <span class=GramE>it.</span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>:)<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'>As for who we help, my
choice has been to help and be helped by whoever happens along.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>For me, remaining aware of the quality
of my response to whoever arrives in front of me and whoever I arrive in front
of is part of the flow.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>It’s
part of letting go of any particular expectation and any particular outcome.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>A Good response is one that meets the
other where they are, joins with them authentically, interacts with integrity
until the interaction is done, and gently moves on.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The interaction can be very
brief…. a moment of eye contact or a smile….. <span class=GramE>or</span>
it can last varying amounts of time, up to a lifetime.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>I know it’s over when it feels
good.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>(Glory, you have such a
lovely signature line that gets at this…. I don’t recall exactly
what it says…… something like ‘if it doesn’t feel good,
our story isn’t over…..’)<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'>A glimmer of
understanding on my horizon now….. <span class=GramE>it</span>
isn’t authentic, </span></font><st1:place><font size=2 color="#339966"
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'>Harrison</span></font></st1:place><font
size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:
Arial;color:#339966'>, for you to interact with groups in ways that require
more words or technique or reliance on you as a facilitator/leader.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>What is authentic for you is to express
trust in their ability to find their own answers, and to help by holding space
with them.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>What that “holding
space” is, is a manifestation of Spirit at work in you, co-creating with
them <span class=GramE>an energy</span> of creativity, good will, and unbounded
possibility.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Having experienced
this so many times, it is inconceivable to you to respond to requests for a
lesser experience.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Your inner
wisdom resists being and doing less than you are capable of.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'>Is that it?<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'>As for the rest of us,
we also have to find what is authentic for us.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Authenticity isn’t something that
can be transferred.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>We each have to
look inside and find what is authentic for us.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>My understanding of OS is that it
encourages each of us to authentically express our true selves, unbounded by
artificial boundaries or expectations.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 color=red
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;color:red'>I guess part of
the problem here is that there seems to be a general presumption that just
because you as the facilitator are not saying <span class=GramE>something,</span>
or doing something (overt) you have no impact or contribution. There are in
fact subtle realms to be explored and worked with, and maybe another strand of
our conversation might take a look at all of this? </span></font><font
color="#333399"><span style='color:#333399'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#333399" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#333399'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'>I do not assume the
facilitator needs to be speaking or doing something to have a positive impact
on a group.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>One of my favorite
lines is:<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>“Don’t just
do something, sit there!”<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>(I
first read this in something by Thich Naht Hanh, I’m not sure of the
original author.)<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>I would be very
interested in exploring more about the subtle realms.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></span></font><font color=red><span
style='color:red'><br style='mso-special-character:line-break'>
<![if !supportLineBreakNewLine]><br style='mso-special-character:line-break'>
<![endif]></span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 color="#333399"
face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#333399'> </span></font><span
class=GramE><font color=red><span style='color:red'>So how about this as an
idea -- All Open Space is Mediation, and all Mediation is Open Space?</span></font></span><font
color=red><span style='color:red'> </span></font><font color="#333399"><span
style='color:#333399'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#333399" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#333399'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'>Ummmmmm…….
I would prefer to not adopt this particular idea.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>:)<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Mediation has a hard enough time
defining itself without adding OS into the mix!<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>In spite of the many similarities,
I think there are also important differences.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Many mediators are minimalists, and
believe strongly in the power of doing nothing when nothing is <span
class=GramE>called<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>for</span>.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>I think most mediators also believe that
sometimes, something is called for.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>Usually that something is small….. <span class=GramE>but</span> it
is something.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>The something might
share space in the subtle realms, but it also sometimes manifests in the
material realm through words or actions.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'>I think mediators
create emotionally safe space so people can reach a deeper understanding of
themselves and others.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>In the
subtle realm, understanding and love and healing are somehow all the same.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>I don’t usually use the words love
and healing to describe what happens in mediation, but I think this is an
accurate description of what sometimes happens in mediation. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'>Mediators provide
their presence, and hold space.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>In
this way, mediation is like OS.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>Mediators also speak.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>In
this way, mediation is unlike OS.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'>When mediators speak,
they speak their understanding of the Now of each participant.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>They speak their understanding of the
present state of consciousness, of the understanding of the world currently
perceived by each person.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>As that
understanding is spoken, each person (including the mediator) shifts.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Sometimes there is relief that comes
from being understood by another.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>Sometimes there is insight from hearing another speak the thoughts they
couldn’t hear from the person they are fearful of.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Sometimes there is a spiral of
increasing clarity as information is shared and understandings are explored.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'>Mediators make
choices.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><span class=GramE>When to
speak, when to remain silent.</span><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>I often tend toward silence, toward letting things go as they will.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>I also choose to speak sometimes.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>For me, there is <span class=GramE>an
openness</span>, a freedom, that comes from being in a process in which I, too,
can speak.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>For me, it is an expression
of my inclusion in the humanity of the situation…… we are all in
the room, together with the goal of helping solve the problem.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>If my words can be salve to the soul of
those engaged in the struggle, and can perhaps help move the struggle forward,
then I want to offer them.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>I have
so often been the beneficiary of the words of others that I feel compelled to
return the gift.</span></font><font color=red><span style='color:red'><br
style='mso-special-character:line-break'>
<![if !supportLineBreakNewLine]><br style='mso-special-character:line-break'>
<![endif]></span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>Julie -- I think there is an enormous amount that we
can all learn from each other. And for sure I am not advocating the elimination
of Mediation as a thing to do. There is definitely a time and a place for the
intense, face-to-face, supportive environment that a good mediator provides. I
guess what concerns me is that I see a lot of folks in organizational life who
assume that every time conflict shows its ugly head a call goes out for the
mediators. At worst this creates mountains of learned helplessness and needless
co-dependency. I would say essentially the same thing about those involved in
Community Building and Stress Reduction. We have learned a great deal from both
groups -- but from where I sit the real issue is to find effective ways in
which to enhance the self-healing process in our communities (whether that be
businesses or whatever) -- with the absolute minimum of intervention. I think
what we have learned from 15 years of Open Space is how much can be
accomplished with less. And I don't think we are at the end of that learning.
My mantra over the years has been -- Think of one more thing NOT to do. You
keep striping away and striping away. Perhaps there is an irreducible minimum,
but I haven't seen it yet. All of which I take to be extraordinarily good news,
if only for reasons of economics. Given the levels and complexity of the stress
and conflict in our world, we simply do not have enough stress reducers,
community builders and mediators to go around, and it is doubtful that we could
pay for them all, even if we did have the numbers. I consider Open Space not so
much a tool as an on-going natural experiment in enabling the process of
self-healing, which is but one of the many gifts of self-organization --
otherwise known as Spirit at Work. <font color="#333399"><span
style='color:#333399'><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#333399" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#333399'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><st1:place><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'>Harrison</span></font></st1:place><font
size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:
Arial;color:#339966'>, you make me chuckle.<span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Most mediators I know definitely do NOT
see themselves as mainstream.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><span
class=GramE>Far from it.</span><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>I
would also differ with you about characterizing mediation as fostering learned
helplessness and needless co-dependency.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>
</span>I see mediation, like OS, as a means of fostering self-determination and
self-empowerment.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'>I’m interested in
your thought about enhancing self-healing in our communities….. <span
class=GramE>and</span> wonder what the difference is between self-healing and
healing….. <span class=GramE>but</span> my brain is tired and my stomach
oh so empty…… don’t you serve food at these OS events?????<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'>Thanks for this forum and
for this enriching conversation.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#339966" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#339966'>Julie <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#333399" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#333399'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color="#333399" face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:#333399'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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