<html><div style='background-color:'><P>Interesting topic... form exists as long as there is life ... we create form in as many ways as we choose... and... ritual is, in my mind, only of value if there is a deeper understanding of what is behind the ritual.... call it spirit, call it nature, call it unity... if one is just 'going through the motions' of a ritual then it has lost its sense of meaning/purpose... so if you find meaning/purpose in ALL things, then no matter what the form or ritual can you come to the same place? Or do some forms/rituals lend themselves more easily to coming together? Certainly the circle form has been around in many cultures for centuries...</P>
<P>Just random thoughts floating through...</P>
<P>Nancy<BR><BR><BR><BR></P>
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From: <I>Scott Willard <revscott_2000@yahoo.com></I><BR>Reply-To: <I>OSLIST <OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU></I><BR>To: <I>OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU</I><BR>Subject: <I>Re: Imposed Structure, Self-Organisation, Ritual</I><BR>Date: <I>Mon, 23 Apr 2007 10:42:26 -0700</I><BR><BR>
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<DIV>One thing that I would add to the definition of ritual is that ritual is all about spirit. I just finished reading The Healing Wisdom of Africa- great book. I believe it was by P.M. Some' and he states very clearly that ritual is an opportunity for spirit to impact the lives of the observant. To me, that's what happens in OST. One idea sparks the room and the market place, conversations, evening news act as litany that welcomes the spirit of unity and community to emerge. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Writing this, I wonder about what happens after folks leave the room. While in the ritual space of OST a pseudo community is formed. Do folks have experience in fostering community once the meeting is closed and folks go back to their homes? I see the meetings that happen all over the world, where folks go back time after time for OS on OS, but what about smaller scale scenario's?<BR> </DIV>Scott Willard<BR>Affinity Consulting Group<BR>affinity-scottwillard.com
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<DIV style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman, new york, times, serif">----- Original Message ----<BR>From: Andrew Ballance <andrew_ballance@yahoo.com><BR>To: OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU<BR>Sent: Monday, April 23, 2007 5:45:56 AM<BR>Subject: Imposed Structure, Self-Organisation, Ritual<BR><BR>
<DIV style="FONT-SIZE: 12pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman, new york, times, serif">
<DIV>Hi again!<BR><BR>On the subject of my writing.. When it rains, it pours.. I didn't want to clutter the previous post with too much reflection and interpretation. [If you didn't read the previous post, you need to, or you might not know where this is coming from]<BR><BR>There appeared to be a polarity at play here, between order and chaos, or between imposed structure and self-organisation, something that the chaordic thinkers have probably already chanced upon. To paraphrase what some of the participants said, "Why do we need Open Space? Surely we can just decide to be free, and have whatever conversations matter, that's our decision and responsibility, and if anyone needs some help doing that, I'm here to help." This is an important point: Open Space is a structure. To my mind, though, there is an important dimension to it: it is a ritual structure. Rituals allow us to say or do
things that don't normally come out in everyday conversation, they set the tone and say it's ok to express yourself now in a particular way.<BR>There are two definitions of ritual that I find quite interesting in this context:<BR> - any practice or pattern of behavior regularly performed in a set manner<BR> - a prescribed code of behavior regulating social conduct, as that exemplified by the raising of one's hat or the shaking of hands in greeting<BR>It's clear to me that OS already is the first of these. That's great, because that's the way we get results, or rather that's the way in which we as facilitators regular social conduct for a period of time. But what about that word 'prescribed'? What do you think of that? What happens if it is prescribed? By whom? If it's not by anyone in particular, then that means OS is accepted practice. But as accepted (expected?) practice..
does that limit its effectiveness? Is that no longer a structure that generates energy, but one that feels like an imposition and so acts as a dampener?<BR><BR>OK, enough philosophising for one day. Not that I expect we can come to an answer to these questions, I'd be interested to hear what other people think about OS as ritual?<BR><BR>Andrew<BR><BR></DIV></DIV>* * ========================================================== OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of oslist@listserv.boisestate.edu: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs: http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist</DIV><BR></DIV></DIV><BR>
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Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell?<BR>Check out <A href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=48245/*http://autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html;_ylc=X3oDMTE1YW1jcXJ2BF9TAzk3MTA3MDc2BHNlYwNtYWlsdGFncwRzbGsDbmV3LWNhcnM-">new cars at Yahoo! Autos.</A> * * ========================================================== OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of oslist@listserv.boisestate.edu: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html To learn about OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs: http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist <BR></FONT></BLOCKQUOTE></div></html>
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>From Tue Apr 24 15:28:35 2007
Message-Id: <TUE.24.APR.2007.152835.0400.>
Date: Tue, 24 Apr 2007 15:28:35 -0400
Reply-To: hhowen@verizon.net
To: OSLIST <OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU>
From: Harrison Owen <hhowen@verizon.net>
Organization: HH Owen and Co.
Subject: Re: Imposed Structure, Self-Organisation, Ritual
In-Reply-To: <BAY113-F9FD50F204C84C4BACA13CFB4A0@phx.gbl>
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Nancy - For sure the world is filled with dead rituals along with their
cousins, the myths. That is just what happens when Spirit moves on. But =
just
because we have some dead ones does not invalidate the class. Myths and
rituals (what I call Mythos) are profoundly useful if only because they =
form
the essential ground of our self understanding. In a very real sense, we =
are
the stories we tell (and the rituals we enact). But as our consciousness
changes (evolves or devolves) all of that is made manifest in our =
mythos. I
suppose you could get into an interesting conversation about whether =
Mythos
creates consciousness or visa versa. I would guess it sort of goes both
ways. The church has a wonderful word for myth and ritual, but because =
it is
churchy, people tend to shy away from it - but it still has power I =
think.
The word is Liturgy. Comes from two Greek words "laos" and "ergos"
(people/work) - and can be translated "what the people do." I like that. =
All
of life is liturgy. It is what we do.=20
=20
And why bring any of this up on OSLIST (apart from the fact that you =
gave me
an opening, for which I thank you)? I think that when we pay attention, =
deep
attention to what is happening in Open Space, we are quite apt to catch
Spirit in the act - performing new stories/myths, new rituals, new =
mythos.
It is what the people do. Sure they are having a meeting. Maybe they a
designing a new airplane, launching a new business, solving deep =
problems in
their community, and that is very important. But they are also creating =
new
understandings of what and who they are. It is a birthing process, and =
we
are privileged to be there in that moment. I think it helps if we have =
some
idea of what is going on, even if we don't understand (or even care =
about)
the details.
=20
Harrison
=20
Harrison Owen
7808 River Falls Drive
Potomac, Maryland 20854
Phone 301-365-2093
Skype hhowen
Open Space Training <http://www.openspaceworld.com/> =
www.openspaceworld.com
Open Space Institute <http://www.openspaceworld.org/>
www.openspaceworld.org
Personal website <http://www.ho-image.com/> www.ho-image.com=20
OSLIST: To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the =
archives
Visit: <http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html>
www.listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
=20
-----Original Message-----
From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] On Behalf Of Nancy
Wells
Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2007 11:17 AM
To: OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: Re: Imposed Structure, Self-Organisation, Ritual
=20
Interesting topic... form exists as long as there is life ... we create =
form
in as many ways as we choose... and... ritual is, in my mind, only of =
value
if there is a deeper understanding of what is behind the ritual.... call =
it
spirit, call it nature, call it unity... if one is just 'going through =
the
motions' of a ritual then it has lost its sense of meaning/purpose... so =
if
you find meaning/purpose in ALL things, then no matter what the form or
ritual can you come to the same place? Or do some forms/rituals lend
themselves more easily to coming together? Certainly the circle form =
has
been around in many cultures for centuries...
Just random thoughts floating through...
Nancy
_____ =20
From: Scott Willard <revscott_2000@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: OSLIST <OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU>
To: OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: Re: Imposed Structure, Self-Organisation, Ritual
Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2007 10:42:26 -0700
One thing that I would add to the definition of ritual is that ritual is =
all
about spirit. I just finished reading The Healing Wisdom of Africa- =
great
book. I believe it was by P.M. Some' and he states very clearly that =
ritual
is an opportunity for spirit to impact the lives of the observant. To =
me,
that's what happens in OST. One idea sparks the room and the market =
place,
conversations, evening news act as litany that welcomes the spirit of =
unity
and community to emerge. =20
=20
Writing this, I wonder about what happens after folks leave the room. =
While
in the ritual space of OST a pseudo community is formed. Do folks have
experience in fostering community once the meeting is closed and folks =
go
back to their homes? I see the meetings that happen all over the world,
where folks go back time after time for OS on OS, but what about smaller
scale scenario's?
=20
Scott Willard
Affinity Consulting Group
affinity-scottwillard.com=20
=20
----- Original Message ----
From: Andrew Ballance <andrew_ballance@yahoo.com>
To: OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2007 5:45:56 AM
Subject: Imposed Structure, Self-Organisation, Ritual
Hi again!
On the subject of my writing.. When it rains, it pours.. I didn't want =
to
clutter the previous post with too much reflection and interpretation. =
[If
you didn't read the previous post, you need to, or you might not know =
where
this is coming from]
There appeared to be a polarity at play here, between order and chaos, =
or
between imposed structure and self-organisation, something that the =
chaordic
thinkers have probably already chanced upon. To paraphrase what some of =
the
participants said, "Why do we need Open Space? Surely we can just decide =
to
be free, and have whatever conversations matter, that's our decision and
responsibility, and if anyone needs some help doing that, I'm here to =
help."
This is an important point: Open Space is a structure. To my mind, =
though,
there is an important dimension to it: it is a ritual structure. Rituals
allow us to say or do things that don't normally come out in everyday
conversation, they set the tone and say it's ok to express yourself now =
in a
particular way.
There are two definitions of ritual that I find quite interesting in =
this
context:
- any practice or pattern of behavior regularly performed in a set =
manner
- a prescribed code of behavior regulating social conduct, as that
exemplified by the raising of one's hat or the shaking of hands in =
greeting
It's clear to me that OS already is the first of these. That's great,
because that's the way we get results, or rather that's the way in which =
we
as facilitators regular social conduct for a period of time. But what =
about
that word 'prescribed'? What do you think of that? What happens if it is
prescribed? By whom? If it's not by anyone in particular, then that =
means OS
is accepted practice. But as accepted (expected?) practice.. does that =
limit
its effectiveness? Is that no longer a structure that generates energy, =
but
one that feels like an imposition and so acts as a dampener?
OK, enough philosophising for one day. Not that I expect we can come to =
an
answer to these questions, I'd be interested to hear what other people =
think
about OS as ritual?
Andrew
* * =
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU ------------------------------ To =
subscribe,
unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of
oslist@listserv.boisestate.edu:
http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html To learn about
OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs: =
http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist
=20
=20
_____ =20
Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell?
Check out new
<http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=3D48245/*http:/autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html;=
_ylc=3D
X3oDMTE1YW1jcXJ2BF9TAzk3MTA3MDc2BHNlYwNtYWlsdGFncwRzbGsDbmV3LWNhcnM-> =
cars
at Yahoo! Autos. * *
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU ------------------------------ To =
subscribe,
unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of
oslist@listserv.boisestate.edu:
http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html To learn about
OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs: =
http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist=20
* * =
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU ------------------------------ To =
subscribe,
unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of
oslist@listserv.boisestate.edu:
http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html To learn about
OpenSpaceEmailLists and OSLIST FAQs: =
http://www.openspaceworld.org/oslist
*
*
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OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
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<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dred face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Nancy</span></font><font =
color=3Dred
face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-family:Arial;color:red'> – For =
sure the
world is filled with dead rituals along with their cousins, the myths. =
That is
just what happens when Spirit moves on. But just because we have some =
dead ones
does not invalidate the class. Myths and rituals (what I call Mythos) =
are
profoundly useful if only because they form the essential ground of our =
self
understanding. In a very real sense, we are the stories we tell (and the
rituals we enact). But as our consciousness changes (evolves or =
devolves) all
of that is made manifest in our mythos. I suppose you could get into an
interesting conversation about whether Mythos creates consciousness or =
visa versa.
I would guess it sort of goes both ways. The church has a wonderful word =
for
myth and ritual, but because it is churchy, people tend to shy away from =
it –
but it still has power I think. The word is Liturgy. Comes from two =
Greek words
“</span></font><font color=3Dred face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-family:Arial;
color:red'>laos</span></font><font color=3Dred face=3DArial><span
style=3D'font-family:Arial;color:red'>” and “ergos”
(people/work) – and can be translated “what the people =
do.” I
like that. All of life is liturgy. It is what we do. </span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dred face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'> </span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dred face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>And why bring any of this up on =
</span></font><font
color=3Dred face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-family:Arial;color:red'>OSLIST</span></font><font
color=3Dred face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-family:Arial;color:red'> =
(apart from the
fact that you gave me an opening, for which I thank you)? I think that =
when we
pay attention, deep attention to what is happening in Open Space, we are =
quite
apt to catch Spirit in the act – performing new stories/myths, new
rituals, new mythos. It is what the people do. Sure they are having a =
meeting.
Maybe they a designing a new airplane, launching a new business, solving =
deep
problems in their community, and that is very important. But they are =
also
creating new understandings of what and who they are. It is a birthing =
process,
and we are privileged to be there in that moment. I think it helps if we =
have
some idea of what is going on, even if we don’t understand (or =
even care
about) the details.</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dred face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'> </span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dred face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Harrison</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dred face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'> </span></font></p>
<div>
<p align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font size=3D2 color=3Dred =
face=3DArial><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Harrison =
Owen</span></font></p>
<p align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font size=3D2 color=3Dred =
face=3DArial><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>7808 River Falls =
Drive</span></font></p>
<p align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font size=3D2 color=3Dred =
face=3DArial><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Potomac,
Maryland 20854</span></font></p>
<p align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font size=3D2 color=3Dred =
face=3DArial><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Phone =
</span></font><font size=3D2 color=3Dred face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:red'>301-365-2093</span></font></p>
<p align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font size=3D2 color=3Dred =
face=3DArial><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Skype =
hhowen</span></font></p>
<p align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font size=3D3 color=3Dred =
face=3DArial><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Open Space =
Training</span></font><font
color=3Dred><span style=3D'color:red'> <a =
href=3D"http://www.openspaceworld.com/"><font
face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-family:Arial'>www.openspaceworld.com</span></font></a>
</span></font></p>
<p align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font size=3D3 color=3Dred =
face=3DArial><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Open Space =
Institute</span></font><font
color=3Dred><span style=3D'color:red'> <a =
href=3D"http://www.openspaceworld.org/"><font
face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-family:Arial'>www.openspaceworld.org</span></font></a></spa=
n></font></p>
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face=3DArial><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Personal =
website</span></font><font
color=3Dred><span style=3D'color:red'> <a =
href=3D"http://www.ho-image.com/"><font
face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-family:Arial'>www.ho-image.com</span></font></a> =
</span></font></p>
<p align=3Dcenter style=3D'text-align:center'><font size=3D3 color=3Dred =
face=3DArial><span
=
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>OSLIST</span></fon=
t><font
color=3Dred face=3DArial><span style=3D'font-family:Arial;color:red'>: =
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tml</span></font></a></span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal><font size=3D3 color=3Dred face=3DArial><span =
style=3D'font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'> </span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin-left:.5in'><font size=3D2 =
face=3DTahoma><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'>-----Original =
Message-----<br>
<b><span style=3D'font-weight:bold'>From:</span></b> OSLIST
[mailto:OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] <b><span =
style=3D'font-weight:bold'>On
Behalf Of </span></b>Nancy Wells<br>
<b><span style=3D'font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></b> Tuesday, April 24, =
2007
11:17 AM<br>
<b><span style=3D'font-weight:bold'>To:</span></b> =
OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU<br>
<b><span style=3D'font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></b> Re: Imposed =
Structure,
Self-Organisation, Ritual</span></font></p>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin-left:.5in'><font size=3D3 =
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<div>
<p style=3D'margin-left:.5in'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Interesting topic... form exists as long as =
there is
life ... we create form in as many ways as we choose... and... ritual =
is, in my
mind, only of value if there is a deeper understanding of what is behind =
the
ritual.... call it spirit, call it nature, call it unity... if one =
is
just 'going through the motions' of a ritual then it has lost its sense =
of
meaning/purpose... so if you find meaning/purpose in ALL things, then no =
matter
what the form or ritual can you come to the same place? Or do some
forms/rituals lend themselves more easily to coming together? =
Certainly
the circle form has been around in many cultures for =
centuries...</span></font></p>
<p style=3D'margin-left:.5in'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New =
Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Just random thoughts floating =
through...</span></font></p>
<p =
style=3D'margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:.5in'><font =
size=3D3
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Nancy<br>
<br>
<br>
</span></font></p>
<blockquote style=3D'border:none;border-left:solid #A0C6E5 =
1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 3.0pt;
margin-left:2.5pt;margin-top:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt'>=
<div class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter =
style=3D'margin-left:.5in;text-align:center'><font
size=3D1 face=3DTahoma><span =
style=3D'font-size:5.5pt;font-family:Tahoma'>
<hr size=3D1 width=3D"100%" noshade color=3D"#a0c6e5" align=3Dcenter>
</span></font></div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:
.5in'><font size=3D1 face=3DTahoma><span =
style=3D'font-size:5.5pt;font-family:Tahoma'>From:
<i><span style=3D'font-style:italic'>Scott Willard
<revscott_2000@yahoo.com></span></i><br>
Reply-To: <i><span style=3D'font-style:italic'>OSLIST
<OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU></span></i><br>
To: <i><span =
style=3D'font-style:italic'>OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU</span></i><br>=
Subject: <i><span style=3D'font-style:italic'>Re: Imposed Structure,
Self-Organisation, Ritual</span></i><br>
Date: <i><span style=3D'font-style:italic'>Mon, 23 Apr 2007 10:42:26 =
-0700</span></i></span></font></p>
<div>
<div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin-left:.5in'><font size=3D3 =
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>One thing that I would add to the definition =
of ritual
is that ritual is all about spirit. I just finished
reading The Healing Wisdom of Africa- great book. I believe =
it was
by P.M. Some' and he states very clearly that ritual is an opportunity =
for
spirit to impact the lives of the observant. To me, that's what =
happens
in OST. One idea sparks the room and the market
place, conversations, evening news act as litany that welcomes the =
spirit
of unity and community to emerge. </span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin-left:.5in'><font size=3D3 =
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin-left:.5in'><font size=3D3 =
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Writing this, I wonder about what =
happens after
folks leave the room. While in the ritual space of OST a pseudo =
community
is formed. Do folks have experience in fostering community =
once the
meeting is closed and folks go back to their homes? I see the
meetings that happen all over the world, where folks go back time after =
time
for OS on OS, but what about smaller scale scenario's?<br>
</span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin-left:.5in'><font size=3D3 =
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Scott Willard<br>
Affinity Consulting Group<br>
affinity-scottwillard.com </span></font></p>
<div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:
.5in'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:
.5in'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>-----
Original Message ----<br>
From: Andrew Ballance <andrew_ballance@yahoo.com><br>
To: OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU<br>
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2007 5:45:56 AM<br>
Subject: Imposed Structure, Self-Organisation, Ritual</span></font></p>
<div>
<div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal =
style=3D'margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:
.5in'><font size=3D3 face=3D"Times New Roman"><span =
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>Hi
again!<br>
<br>
On the subject of my writing.. When it rains, it pours.. I didn't want =
to
clutter the previous post with too much reflection and interpretation. =
[If you
didn't read the previous post, you need to, or you might not know where =
this is
coming from]<br>
<br>
There appeared to be a polarity at play here, between order and chaos, =
or
between imposed structure and self-organisation, something that the =
chaordic
thinkers have probably already chanced upon. To paraphrase what some of =
the
participants said, "Why do we need Open Space? Surely we can just =
decide
to be free, and have whatever conversations matter, that's our decision =
and
responsibility, and if anyone needs some help doing that, I'm here to
help." This is an important point: Open Space is a structure. To my =
mind,
though, there is an important dimension to it: it is a ritual structure.
Rituals allow us to say or do things that don't normally come out in =
everyday
conversation, they set the tone and say it's ok to express yourself now =
in a
particular way.<br>
There are two definitions of ritual that I find quite interesting in =
this
context:<br>
- any practice or pattern of behavior regularly performed in a =
set
manner<br>
- a prescribed code of behavior regulating social conduct, as =
that
exemplified by the raising of one's hat or the shaking of hands in =
greeting<br>
It's clear to me that OS already is the first of these. That's great, =
because
that's the way we get results, or rather that's the way in which we as
facilitators regular social conduct for a period of time. But what about =
that
word 'prescribed'? What do you think of that? What happens if it is =
prescribed?
By whom? If it's not by anyone in particular, then that means OS is =
accepted
practice. But as accepted (expected?) practice.. does that limit its
effectiveness? Is that no longer a structure that generates energy, but =
one
that feels like an imposition and so acts as a dampener?<br>
<br>
OK, enough philosophising for one day. Not that I expect we can come to =
an
answer to these questions, I'd be interested to hear what other people =
think
about OS as ritual?<br>
<br>
Andrew</span></font></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin-left:.5in'><font size=3D3 =
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'>* *
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your =
options,
view the archives of oslist@listserv.boisestate.edu:
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</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin-left:.5in'><font size=3D3 =
face=3D"Times New Roman"><span
style=3D'font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin-left:.5in'><font size=3D1 =
face=3DTahoma><span
style=3D'font-size:5.5pt;font-family:Tahoma'> </span></font></p>
<div class=3DMsoNormal align=3Dcenter =
style=3D'margin-left:.5in;text-align:center'><font
size=3D1 face=3DTahoma><span =
style=3D'font-size:5.5pt;font-family:Tahoma'>
<hr size=3D1 width=3D"100%" align=3Dcenter>
</span></font></div>
<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin-left:.5in'><font size=3D1 =
face=3DTahoma><span
style=3D'font-size:5.5pt;font-family:Tahoma'>Ahhh...imagining that =
irresistible
"new car" smell?<br>
Check out <a
href=3D"http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=3D48245/*http:/autos.yahoo.com/new_car=
s.html;_ylc=3DX3oDMTE1YW1jcXJ2BF9TAzk3MTA3MDc2BHNlYwNtYWlsdGFncwRzbGsDbmV=
3LWNhcnM-">new
cars at Yahoo! Autos.</a> * *
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU ------------------------------ To =
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</blockquote>
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