Hello dear colleagues - I was wondering what you folks do for closings. Usually the amazing reflections shared in a Closing Circle are completely enough, and powerful, and amazing. And nothing more is needed. In addition to that, sometimes, in some instances, in some cultures, and where appropriate to the event and the people, we do one more thing. Some of you experienced a group poem at OSonOS Halifax or saw my post about that. And if I'm not mistaken I posted how to do that (if not do remind me and I shall - I haven't visited the archives to double-check that). Sometimes as participants have returned to their Closing Circle seats I have placed a brightly-colored paper (or shape cut out of paper) on their seats, along with a marker. I have asked them to reflect in silence and to think of one word that describes.whatever is pertinent to the event but often something like: After having shared this experience together, what do you bring back out with you into the world / your community? After silent reflective writing, I invite participants to, in turn, stand, say their word and tape their shape to the wall, creating a mosaic of gifts, emotions, whatever I am inviting. Other times - for example for a faith community - we have set up candles in the center and the group has stood for a final prayer (ideally through song). You can see photos of some of these closings at http://www.openingspace.net/gallery/agora.cgi?cart_id=6584162.28703*qu7_ p6 <http://www.openingspace.net/gallery/agora.cgi?cart_id=6584162.28703*qu7 _p6&next=126&exact_match=on&product=Anatomy_of_an_Open_Space_Event> &next=126&exact_match=on&product=Anatomy_of_an_Open_Space_Event (see Marei sitting in the circle at OSonOS 2003? See Mikk singing a song he learned from a tree, at that same event? See the cross on the floor made of candles from a strategic planning session I did with a Catholic diocese? (we hoped the hotel sprinklers would not turn on!). See the balloons tied to the chairs? At OSonOS 2003 (thank you Thomas and Gerard for facilitating) at the very end we all untied our balloons and walked outside the magnificent barn we were meeting in and released our balloons into the air. And see the circle of people doing something physical together - that is our group at OSonOS 2003 making the sound of rain. Ms. Gabriela, would you please describe that for us? Gabriela was the one who invited us to do that. And: what else have you done, dear colleagues, for closing? I will collect your answers here and make a paper for us all to share in the future. Thank you, Lisa ___________________________ L i s a H e f t Consultant, Facilitator, Educator O p e n i n g S p a c e 2325 Oregon Berkeley, California 94705-1106 USA +01 510 548-8449 <mailto:lisah...@openingspace.net> lisah...@openingspace.net <http://www.openingspace.net> www.openingspace.net
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