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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=red face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Peggy my experience has been that
everything works well in the circle PROVIDED you really have the space and the
time to allow it all work. Specifically, in two really intense situations (one
was the Israelis and Palestinians I worked with in Rome) – when I knew
there was some really heavy duty baggage coming in the door I opened the space
just about as much as I could. Not to be mysterious, when the people arrived
for the morning circle, I greeted them and simply acknowledged the tension in
the air. I didn’t go into details, because I really didn’t know
what they were, but there was no question that the temperature was high and going
higher. After that acknowledgement I said something to the effect that I felt
we were at a point of choosing. We could all choose to go home (mad, sad,
whatever) or we could confront the elephant in our midst. To assist our
choosing I proposed a one hour break. People were invited to go wherever they
wished, and at the end of an hour, those who so desired could return, and we
would take it from there. I did not offer any opportunity for discussion, but
simply left the circle myself. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=red face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=red face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Precisely one hour later I came back, not
having any sort of clue as to who might be there upon my return. To my surprise
everybody (Everybody!) had returned and was sitting in their seats. I
acknowledged their presence and passed the talking stick (in the case of the
Palestinians/Israelis it was an Olive Branch). Two and a half hours later, or
thereabouts – the stick came back to me. It had been quite a ride with
sharing at levels I could not believe. Tears, anger, laughter – we had it
all. And when it was all over it turned into what I can only describe as a “hug-fest.”</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=red face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=red face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>In both cases, we had anticipated going
into Action Planning – but there was clearly no way for that until we had
dealt with the elephant. Once done, however, the action planning rolled out in
a very natural and organic fashion. People just made deals and promises. Most
surprising, everything came to a conclusion at precisely the announced stopping
time – well more or less – because then we had lunch, and the plans
and promises continued throughout the meal.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=red face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=red face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>I must confess that in the first instance,
it was pretty much of a “Hail Mary” (Americanism for “desperation
play.”). Truthfully, I couldn’t think of anything else. But the
second time around it was very conscious and intentional on my part. I am not
sure which one was better, but the second situation surely felt better to me.
More to the point, given the same or a similar situation I would do the same
thing again. My learning was profound, confirming what I already knew, but
tended to forget. Open the space so the people can make their own way, and they
will take care of the business. Nothing else needed.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=red face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=red face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Harrison</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=red face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'> </span></font></p>
<div>
<p align=center style='text-align:center'><font size=2 color=red face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Harrison Owen</span></font></p>
<p align=center style='text-align:center'><font size=2 color=red face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>7808 River Falls Drive</span></font></p>
<p align=center style='text-align:center'><font size=2 color=red face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Potomac,
Maryland 20854</span></font></p>
<p align=center style='text-align:center'><font size=2 color=red face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Phone </span></font><font size=2 color=red face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;
color:red'>301-365-2093</span></font></p>
<p align=center style='text-align:center'><font size=2 color=red face=Arial><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Skype hhowen</span></font></p>
<p align=center style='text-align:center'><font size=3 color=red face=Arial><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Open Space Training</span></font><font
color=red><span style='color:red'> <a href="http://www.openspaceworld.com/"><font
face=Arial><span style='font-family:Arial'>www.openspaceworld.com</span></font></a>
</span></font></p>
<p align=center style='text-align:center'><font size=3 color=red face=Arial><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Open Space Institute</span></font><font
color=red><span style='color:red'> <a href="http://www.openspaceworld.org/"><font
face=Arial><span style='font-family:Arial'>www.openspaceworld.org</span></font></a></span></font></p>
<p align=center style='text-align:center'><font size=3 color=red face=Arial><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>Personal website</span></font><font
color=red><span style='color:red'> <a href="http://www.ho-image.com/"><font
face=Arial><span style='font-family:Arial'>www.ho-image.com</span></font></a> </span></font></p>
<p align=center style='text-align:center'><font size=3 color=red face=Arial><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'>OSLIST</span></font><font
color=red face=Arial><span style='font-family:Arial;color:red'>: To subscribe,
unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives Visit: </span></font><font
color=red><span style='color:red'><a
href="http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html"><font face=Arial><span
style='font-family:Arial'>www.listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html</span></font></a></span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=red face=Arial><span style='font-size:
12.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:red'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=2 face=Tahoma><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'>-----Original Message-----<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>From:</span></b> OSLIST
[mailto:OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>On
Behalf Of </span></b>Peggy Holman<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></b> Sunday, October 14, 2007
10:14 PM<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>To:</span></b> OSLIST@LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></b> Alternatives for
Challenging Morning Circles</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>Sometimes we know a highly emotional time is
coming, particularly in multiple day OS's. What best serves the group
when we know this is coming?</span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>After years of experiencing the rhythm of groups at
work, I almost always know when people are bringing "downloads" with
them into the morning circle. (It is particularly easy to predict when
something powerful happens the evening before.)</span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>For those who read the description of the Story Field
Conference (SFC), Wednesday morning was a turning point. The morning
circle was intense and very controversial, and for most, highly
productive. As I have reflected with other colleagues on the choice we
made to use the morning circle as a reflection space, I have wondered if our
choice is what best served the group. In my conversations, three
alternatives emerged, each with its strengths and short comings. I've
shared them below. </span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>I'd love to hear how others have handled such
challenging moments.</span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>appreciatively,</span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>Peggy</span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>*************************************8</span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>When you know there will be lots to process in the
morning, here are three options:</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>* Do it in the circle</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>* Send the energy back out into the
breakout spaces</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>* And a non-traditional thought:</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>Take 30 minutes in groups of 4, then 30 minutes in the
large circle</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><strong><b><font size=3
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Doing it in the large
circle</span></font></b></strong></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>The pros:</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>* If it is a well hosted space, it can the
safest space in the room for those who bring a different voice. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>* When there is as much to be surfaced, the
benefit of it being a collective experience can be a turning point, creating a
deep sense of shared experience and community.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>What can be lost:</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>* People who find the space too intense check
out. If the gathering is held in a location that is easy
to leave, they would likely be gone for good. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>* It sets up a dynamic that everything of
significance needs to happen in the big group</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>* This significant opportuity for people to
have the experience of the fractal nature of conversation is lost </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>* It breaks the lived experience that this
is a system in which the parts that care about someting are handling it on
behalf of the whole. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><strong><b><font size=3
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Keep the morning circle
short and send the intensity into the space</span></font></b></strong></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>The pros: </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>* People experience the fractal nature of
conversation</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>* People learn and experience that ideas
can and do filter back into the whole. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>* It allows people to meet their own needs;
those who are focused on "let's get it done" can do so and not be
subjected to stuff they don't want to be subjected to. There is no
tyranny of the whole operating. Much easier to follow the law of two
feet.</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>What can be lost:</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>* a different group of people check out
- the ones who have trouble speaking out because they don't have a safe
space</span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>* some people take their angst into
butterfly conversations, which can help it come out in the larger whole.
By going sideways first in the small, helps clarity and confidence surface in
the large circle. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>* A risk is that the conversations never
happen. </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><strong><b><font size=4
face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:13.5pt'>Reflect in small groups
that feed back into the whole</span></font></b></strong></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:13.5pt'>In the context of OST, it is the least known, since it
isn't part of the traditional form. (Variation: Having a home group, or
buddy; can be a volunteer function)</span></font> </p>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:13.5pt'>The pros:</span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:13.5pt'>* It ensures some level of personal
processing. </span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:13.5pt'>What can be lost:</span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:13.5pt'>* a risk is the most important angst is
dissipated</span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:13.5pt'>* May be most comfortable because has a foot in
both worlds, allows processing time though it may not generate the benefits of
disturbance. </span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=4 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:13.5pt'>* May be best way to suppress what might be
creative dissonance. </span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>One last note from the Story Field Conference: my bias
would have been to send people out to handle their "stuff" via
breakout sessions and butterfly conversations. My colleagues - Mark
Jones, Candi Foon and Anne Stadler - felt that this would have caused the most
marginalized voices to remain silent. As you reflect on your own
experiences, I'm particularly interested in this aspect of dominant culture
voices and those who are least heard or seen.</span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>BTW, I don't think there are right or wrong answers on
this. Each alternative results in something useful and something
lost. I'm just interested in understanding the consequences of our
different choices so that we can grow in wisdom and consciousness.</span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>________________________________<br>
Peggy Holman<br>
The Open Circle Company<br>
15347 SE 49th Place<br>
Bellevue, WA 98006<br>
(425) 746-6274 </span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'><a href="http://www.opencirclecompany.com">www.opencirclecompany.com</a></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'><br>
For the new edition of The Change Handbook, go to: <br>
<a href="http://www.bkconnection.com/ChangeHandbook">www.bkconnection.com/ChangeHandbook</a>
</span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'> </span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>"An angel told me that the only way to step into
the fire and not get burnt, is to become <br>
the fire".<br>
-- Drew Dellinger</span></font></p>
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