Greetings folks I'm just in the middle of a OS Facilitator Co-Learning workshop - always recalling with gratitude to the wonderful resources gleaned from Lisa Heft, Michael Herman and so many others on this list - and have been fascinated by the rich contributions of the current group of eight 'seekers' on this trip.... Once again I am in awe of the power of Open Space as a process for engaging people in their own learning - the topic for the Open Space 'practice' chosen by the group today was "What makes Open Space Meaningful for Sponsors, Facilitators and Participants?" By the end of the five hour 'event' (no declared experienced OS facilitators among them while most have participated in at least one OS event) - they had shared so much wisdom, knowledge and skill that tomorrow's day promises many more riches and I will continue to learn from them about OS. There is no need to seek control of any learning outcomes with folks like these - the fact that they are ready and ripe for this, evidenced by their choice to be here, is sure sign that they will create the 'nutrient-rich environment' in which to take responsibility for declaring their passion and constructing their own learning - so tomorrow I will just listen attentively to their responses from today, tell a few old 'politically-incorrect' jokes and stories (always true of course), laugh and languish in the comfort of sacred space in the presence of Spirit....and this is 'WORK'..???
The past two days has reminded me of why I do this...a trinity of 'homecomings' as a facilitator: First Homecoming - when I first experienced an OS event as a participant Second Homecoming - when I facilitated my first OS Third Homecoming - when I facilitated my first OS Co-Learning workshop and I've been on the way 'home' ever since... One of the participants today created a wee bit of a stir in the closing circle.. I had expressed my amazement at the depth and richness of the group's engagement with each other and the content of their conversations - he asked if I really meant what I said or was I merely flattering the group at the end of a long day.... I 'breathed in my curiosity' at his comment (thanks Jack R for the Two Hands of Dialogue) and responded that 'in this space, if I don't believe in the truth of what I speak, then I cannot, and will not, facilitate Open Space' - we went on to have a highly energised conversation and group discussion on the need to genuinely believe in the principles of the process and the risks/dangers to self, to sponsor and to participants if we are not able or willing to 'walk our talk' or indeed to 'talk our walk' (so that my speaking expresses the beliefs that emerge from my own lived experience - not merely second-hand truths) For me this is one of the core aspects of OS facilitation - without which I am unlikely to experience a 'homecoming' in the space - a genuine, deep and unwavering belief in, and passion for, the spiritual depth of this service to self and others... I must off to sleep and prepare for the treasures to be discovered tomorrow - thanks for the 'listening, List' Brendan At 08:51 PM 7/7/2004, you wrote: The core of all this is (as you point out) Letting Go -- and
being comfortable with doing that. Almost every training program I have been a part of eventually got to this core element. I guess I find some real justification for training programs in this fact. I am not sure that you can "learn to Let Go" -- but the whole process of thinking about that and taking some first steps seems to go better with some friends and fellow travelers in attendance. Strange -- we have real problems giving up something we never had in the first place! Call it what you will -- attitude adjustment, spiritual journey -- this is not about gaining some new skill or technique. I guess it is really about a life change. And not everybody will choose to take the trip. Harrison
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