Thanks Harrison for that; especially about the non verbal "space holding". A
nice addition (at least for me) to ways to be "present while being invisible".
I suspect it is a good idea even when you do understand the language...
Winston
----- Original Message -----
From: Harrison Owen
To: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2001 9:04 AM
Subject: Re: So now what.
At 10:29 PM 10/16/01 -0400, you wrote:
So, I would greatly appreciate anyone's wisdom about using OS in this kind
of
third world context. I will get a translator for when I walk the circle,
etc. I think we can get enough computers, and a space. I expect that many
participants will be illiterate. The politics will range from royal
loyalists
to Maoists. Humility and responsiveness to those with power is a big part of
the culture. I have worked for a couple of weeks in Nepal about 18 months
ago
but that was my one and only time in there.
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.
Have fun.
Harrison
Harrison Owen
7808 River Falls Drive
Potomac, MD 20854 USA
phone 301-469-9269
Open Space Training www.openspaceworld.com
Open Space Institute www.openspaceworld.org
Personal website www.mindspring.com/~owenhh
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