The circle brings many benefits--not the least is that it is a very ancient way for people to gather, and so brings energy gathered through the aeons.
I think creating a circle bounds the gathering, helps to focus on the theme, creates a container that give participants a sense both of safety and of awe. I remember reading in the newspaper a few years back about a planned gathering in Seattle--I think a demonstration or protest of some sort. The article named a tribal elder and shaman who had come to the site every day for a week before, and walked prayerfully around the entire geographical space included in the proposed march. I often remember this story when I am preparing to facilitate Open Space. The circle truly does put people in a position of equality, and participants sense this right away, with or without mention. I usually invite the sponsor to open the space from the center of the circle, if he or she is willing. They feel a bit awkward or vulnerable, and this feels just right. As for getting rid of tables, I still chuckle over the report of a friend, who years ago was beginning to have engineering problem-solving groups meet in a circle, without a table. I asked him how that was going. "It's really funny," he replied, to stand in the center and watch all these guys trying to cover their balls." My 2 cents' worth-- Joelle * * ========================================================== osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of osl...@listserv.boisestate.edu, Visit: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html