Julie, this is incredible! The metaphor of being a 'tuning fork' is the one (and only one) I see as my /our role in Opening Space! it is so present that while preparing for OS event the sponsor will send papers (invitation etc.) for "musical proof reading"...
Thank you for your differentiation between peacemaking and conflict resolution - it clarifies and makes perfect sense to me with love, still digesting Rome Tova Israel [email protected] -----Original Message----- From: OSLIST [mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of Julie Smith Sent: Wednesday, June 12, 2002 6:44 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: A First Step From Rome Dear Harrison, You said >> The experience in Rome provides an opportunity for deep learning about this thing we call Open Space, and possibly an even deeper learning about possible pathways to peace. Since my time 10 years ago in South Africa, it has been clear to me that OS has enormous power for what we might call conflict resolution, but it is a resolution that does not eliminate conflict. If anything the conflict is magnified, but space is provided so that the conflict, and the energy it contains, may become a positive force. All of this takes place without any carefully crafted process or procedure. In a most remarkable way, it seems to happen all by itself. Which leads me to the conclusion that the apparent magic has nothing to do with Open Space Technology, and everything to do with the power of self-organization. All we do in Open Space is to create the conditions under which a completely natural process can start or re-start. If true, this is really good news, for it would mean that we already have at our disposal the "tools" necessary for peace. We have only to be fully what we are. Thoughts? << The distinction between peacemaking and conflict resolution has been germinating for awhile now . It seems to me that conflict resolution is man-made, while peace is our natural state. (Not peace in the sense of dullness and sameness, but peace in the sense of whatever makes the heart swell with awe and appreciation.) I think theres a difference between peacemaking and conflict resolution. I think the difference is that conflict resolution processes are rational man-made processes designed to address man-made concerns. I think peacemaking goes deeper. Peacemaking recognizes who we are. When we do that, we dont resolve conflict, we transcend it. And it isnt hard. When we recognize who we are, there is no conflict to transcend. Conflict ceases to exist for us. Hence, joy. And the peace that passeth understanding. (Im curious about where Wilber fits into this .. Ive only read a bit of his work, but seems like theres something in there about trying to communicate between paradigms, and how that doesnt work. Im beginning to wonder if peacemaking and conflict resolution belong to different paradigms.) OS/OST fits because .. hmmmmm I keep thinking about tuning forks. Harrison, I sometimes think of you as a tuning fork (with all due regard and respect, of course! :) ). My mental image is that you tune yourself to your highest state of being, enter the circle, and hum. As you speak and walk the circle, you hum. Because the hum of love, hope, and kindness is irresistible to us, others begin to attune their hum to yours. Little by little, the collective hum reaches a higher state of consciousness and harmony than it had before it was tuned with the tuning fork (aka Harrison Owen). And then, you let go and let the musicians co-create the music they came to play. The music is better than usual because the musicians begin more closely attuned than usual. The attunement is to our natural state, to peace and OST is thus a practice of peace. Julie
