Like many other things which I try to do well, I'm no expert in the art of dialog, either. I do try to practice it and bring aspects of it into my conversations (and open space participation) as well. Dialog is a "specific" practice and is not inherent to the practice of open space...but the characteristics of dialog may (and I think, for myself, should) be brought into OS and other reflective ways of sharing a conversation with others.
Here's something I "clipped" and kept some years ago...I apologize that I don't remember where I got it, though I may have modified it some. I have used these words to invoke an open space. More importantly, it helps me stay focused in the conversational style I want to practice...and it reflects my understanding of the spirit of dialog: The Way of Learning We each bring our own truth; We each share the passion of our personal vision without attachment, releasing it to the larger truth of the circle; We speak from the deep place inside ourselves, without concern that we will be interrupted, criticized or judged; We don't seek to argue or persuade; We seek stillness and quiet, attempting to connect to the greater wisdom; We allow the truth to be spoken-and recognize its' authenticity when we hear it; We seek to listen without reacting, without intent to respond; We listen without influence from memories, or long-held images; We look deeply into the sense of what is said; We choose to speak honestly and truthfully or we choose not to speak; We choose to be brief in respect to others; We honor silence when words are less wise; We listen actively, with our full attention to the speech, silence, and presence of the group. ======= regards, Doc ------------------ "The salvation of the world lies in the human heart." -Vaclav Havel Richard Charles Holloway - P.O. Box 2361, Olympia, WA 98507 USA Telephone 253.539.4014 or 206.568.7730 Thresholds <http://www.thresholds.com> Meeting Masters <http://www.thresholds.com/meeting.html>
