Open Space Technology — Fifth Principle

Appreciating these words from Harrison Owen on the OS Listserve. It is all open space. Goes along with the other four basics: When it starts is the right time. When it is over, it is over. Whatever happens is the only thing that could have. Whoever comes are the right people.

The 5th Principle is indeed alive, well, and living all over! Raffi – I think you’ve got it. At the very least you are confirming my experience that all the years of opening space (OS) prepares you well to see space opening wherever that happens. I guess the skeptic could say that when the only tool you have is a hammer, all the world look like a nail. Probably true, but I think this may be the exception that proves the rule. All the world is Open Space – we just didn’t quite notice it before. Of course that doesn’t mean that everything is open, free and delicious, for we all know of closed, dark, nasty places. BUT it COULD open, and that is the promise. This promise is realized in the Arab Spring, and presently in OWS. None of that will last for ever, nothing ever does. So I guess the secret is find a rhythm – open/close/open… Maybe that is what we do?

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Gifts of Circle - Question Cardsasd
Gifts of Circle is 30 short essays divided into 4 sections: 1) Circle's Bigger Purpose, 2) Circle's Practice, 3) Circle's First Requirements, and 4) Circle's Possibility for Men. From the Introduction: "Circle is what I turn to in the most comprehensive stories I know -- the stories of human beings trying to be kind and aware together, trying to make a difference in varied causes for which we need to go well together. Circle is also what I turn to in the most immediate needs that live right in front of me and in front of most of us -- sharing dreams and difficulties, exploring conflicts and coherences. Circle is what I turn to. Circle is what turns us to each other."

Question Cards is an accompanying tool to Gifts of Circle. Each card (34) offers a quote from the corresponding chapter in the book, followed by sample questions to grow your Circle hosting skills and to create connection, courage, and compassionate action among groups you host in Circle.

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This set of Note Cards (8 cards + envelopes)  quotes a few favorite passages from poems in Most Mornings. I offer them as inspiration. And leave room for you to write personal notes.

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