colleagues, we talk a lot about what it means to open/hold space. we often say that it is tiring and that it can be draining. i often find it to be so. i ask if these are not characteristics that we put on ourselves as a result of our resistance toward letting go.
if this is correct, why do we need to struggle so? what are we resisting and why? as we grow and become more mature, should we not arrive at a place where opening space, just like any other activity, is nothing more than breathing in, breathing out, ... breathing/nourishing our souls, being open/aware to what is happening? i continue to wonder to what extent we give ourselves, as facilitators, greater importance than what we deserve when it comes to presentation...when it comes to being in front of the group. less is more, yes? for sure, it often requires time, commitment, and skill in accompanying leaders as they consider doing an open space event. determining the theme, creating the letter of invitation, and organizing the actual space for the meeting are responsibilities which must be handled with care and devotion. yet once these important tasks are carried out well, why do i get tired and feel drained at times when i open space? as i have shared before, i never walk the circle in the center of the group. when i have done that in the past, i have felt to much "center stage." in me not walking the circle, participants have never failed to rise to the occasion of taking charge when i stop talking. over the years as i have observed myself and many others facilitating open space, i have found harrison's message to be true: even if the facilitator fails miresably in delivering a polished presentation, the process will still work. the participants will rise to the occasion. i ask that you forgive me if i come across as judgemental. i'm seeking to better understand the essence. sincerely, john engle port au prince, haiti _________________________________________________________________ Rejoignez le plus grand service de messagerie au monde avec MSN Hotmail. http://www.hotmail.com * * ========================================================== [email protected] ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of [email protected], Visit: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
