MMP--
Think of a bowl on a potter's wheel--it is open--now it is open
more--soon it will be open even more.
Even though the space is already open, we can always open it more. So
opening space matters!
:- Doug. Germann
On 12/20/2015 10:27 AM, Michael M Pannwitz via OSList wrote:
Dear Alan,
assuming that space is always open, asking what can or could open space
somehow doesn't fit.
There seems to be no need to open something thats been open all along.
Unless, of course, this is a scam to pull someones leg or to get someone
to pay you a wad.
So, what then on earth is Open Space Technology for?
It could not possibly be such stuff as increasing knowledge or wealth or
bliss or joy or fun or participation or passion or creativity or
innovation or team work or .... stuff that myriads of approaches tend to
and some are pretty good at it.
In the three decades before running into OST at age 56 I worked with
many approaches that were more or less successful in the stuff I
mentioned above.
In some way or another, these various approaches did not match my
interest in seeing teams, groups, projects, organisations or
neighborhoods unfold from within. There was always a need for
intervention. I got very good at interventions, in fact I was a
champion... but it kept me in the trap that I wanted to escape.
After all, most of what we see or experience happening in the Universe
gets along very well... in fact most of the stuff we see or experience
that happens through human intervention is not so pretty.
After I experienced OST, I immediately started using it... 16 times in
the first year and a one-day Training form 10am to 10pm and spreading
the word in Berlin. Not only was I hooked but I started to delve into
exploring what was actually going on. Not that I found out and if I
remember correctly a lot of folks were interested in finding the
essence. It was clearly not only a meeting methodology. And one hint
came from the technique of doing one less thing...
Eventually, colleagues began to think that people in an os-event did not
only self-organize whatever it was they were keenly interested in but
that the force of selforganisation itself found os-events to be the
perfect playground for its antics. The less we meddled and the more we
stood aside (widening the space) the better.
As with space being always open and there being no need to open it, the
force of selforganisation was always active. But it seemed to run up
full steam under the conditions of os-events, especially when
complexity, diversity, conflict, urgency and no single person knowing
the answer were in place.
So, my guess is that it suffices to have the preconditions in place that
the force of selforganisation needs to to fully thrive.
And an OST event is a tried and true way of achieving this simply and
elegantly.
At the same time any approach that supplies the preconditions and avoids
shrinking space for the unfolding of the force of self-organisation will
work.
Greetings from Berlin and have a grand Holiday Season
mmp
On 19.12.2015 08:08, Alan Stewart via OSList wrote:
G’day All
Here’s something for you to ponder over during the Festive Season.
<smile>
*Can we open space without the format of Open Space Technology? *
* *
Here’s where my question arises:
When living in Hong Kong for six happy years until 2011 I invented a
novel form of socialising which I called *Conversare* from the Latin
/con versare – to turn or to dance together. /See//The purpose of
*Conversare * <http://conversare.net/?page_id=1957>and here
<http://conversare.net/?page_id=2002>for what it is and what it is
not.
This is now being conducted in what may well be regarded as a 'right
place’ - the Adelaide Central Market
<http://us6.forward-to-friend.com/forward/show?u=d2a5886c33ebf0bb6486eeb16&id=8b30b0cef0>and
here
<http://www.southaustralia.com/en/things-to-do/ideas-and-suggestions/markets>.
With regard to my question I recently took the opportunity to consult
with a group of Spaceniks (Raffi’s term!) on their perspectives,
expressing it in this way:
*Is Conversare a variety of Open Space?*
**
Which, in turn, arose in relation to two issues which I had recently
noticed on the OSList:
. Open Space wherever, however, whenever, with whomever as often as
you can. /Lively thread of exchanges initiated by Harrison/
/ /
. “all OS events I have seen are highly structured.” /Michael M
Pannwitz (mmp)/
/ /
The language becomes tricky here as to whether ‘opening space’ and
OS events are to do with the principles and practice of *Open Space
Technology* operating through of the format of sitting in a circle
and co-creating a market place ofnominated topics related to the
resolution of complex issues.
Or whether opening space can be done independently of this format.
Of the thoughtful responses received there are two which answer the
question most ‘wonder fully’ and usefully for me and maybe for you
too.
From Anne Stadler:
“Here's my current POV [point of view]:
Opening a Marketplace is ONE form for OST. In my view all sorts of
forms exist.
On all occasions, the "space" i open FIRST is the heart space
within, via emptying my mind & getting meditatively in touch with the
intention I'm called to take responsibility for. Then the form of the
open space will become evident as the opportunity clarifies.
A hallmark of opening space with others for me is I must explicitly
invite them to "take responsibility for what you love" (Law of Two
Feet) or "follow what has heart and meaning."
So conversare as you describe it, Alan, would be OS for me, if you'd
invite that. In using this approach to conversare, I would encourage
people to follow their hearts or intuition & find another person to
talk with; asking that person what he/she cares about, & discovering
the resonance/connection that exists between you.”
From michael herman:
“i would say, absolutely, yes, alan. this IS open and opening space
-- fully within the wherever, whomever spirit. on structure, there
is the container that is offered, and then all of the decisions that
are made within it. you make the offer and leave the details to the
paired participants to work out for themselves. i think there is a
big question or theme, even if it's not explicitly stated. there is
a big thing to work out together, and it's going to take everyone.
maybe the articulation of this would be something along the lines of
the bit you shared at vosonos, about "loving the one in front of
you." there is nothing in the definition of open space that says we
have to limit ourselves to questions on which we can make
"measurable" progress in 90 mins or 2.5 days. quite the opposite, i
think! thanks for all of this.”
I have also received supportive comments from locals here about
their experience of being in *Conversare* events and their ideas on
potential applications. Among these:
“Congratulations Alan
For getting conversare up and running in such an exceptional place.
And support this idea – not before its time.
An idea for our time.” /Tim Walsh/
/ /
“What uniquely exciting and practical ideas. And what a way it could
be for our wonderful new refugees to learn real English, and perhaps
for all of us to at least feel other languages.” /Andrew Booth/
/ /
Here are two closing thoughts to stimulate your 'pondering' ...
1. Could introducing the *Conversare* process be a way to open space
for all attendees to be full participants when we meet and greet in
the evening prior to the commencement of WOSonOS?
Such an approach has not been used in the five of these which I have
attended, beginning in Monterey in 1998. Sitting in a circle in this
context did not enable everyone to be an active participant, in my
experience. Seeds have been sown and are likely sprouting in Manila
…
2. Could hosting *Conversare* kind of gatherings be a new career
option for lively spirits who are so inclined? If this idea catches
your attention do have a good look around my blog as this has a
wealth of background on its principles, practices and inspirations.
See also Some underpinnings of Conversare events
<http://conversare.net/?page_id=1920> and Reclaiming Conversation:
the power of talk in a digital age
<http://conversare.net/?page_id=2022>
With love and good wishes to you all for a joyous, peaceful and
merry Festive Season.
And warmest salaams from Adelaide where today's temperature is 44C -
111F!
Looking forward.
Go well
Alan
*Alan Stewart, PhD Social Artist Senior Fulbright Scholar Facilitator
of conversations that matter and participatory fun Based in Adelaide
and operating throughout Austral-Asia Em:
**a...@multimindsolutions.com*
<mailto:a...@multimindsolutions.com>*and **alanmstew...@gmail.com*
<mailto:alanmstew...@gmail.com>* **Web: **www.multimindsolutions.com*
<http://www.multimindsolutions.com>* Blog: **Conversare **Mob:
+61**_413848680_** * <http://conversare.net>*Member **National
Trouble Makers Union* <http://www.ntmu.com.au>**
*New book: **Time to converse - at the heart of human warmth*
<http://www.multimindsolutions.com/?page_id=243>
** <http://www.multimindsolutions.com/?page_id=243>
* * <http://www.multimindsolutions.com/?page_id=243>
*"If there's dancing count me in"*
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