Somewhere beyond the notion of peace-as-the-cessation-of-war (as one side oppresses another) exists the possibility of a future that works for all. Wondering what such a future might look like and what would be required of us to create such a reality, I've been exploring theories and methods from a variety of fields. At an Open Space Technology (OST) event this weekend, the value of authentic invitation was highlighted. It deeepend my appreciation for the gift of invitation in Montessori education and how each day it edges the world closer towards Dr. Montessori's vision of peace.
Open Space Technology "is an approach to purpose-driven leadership, including a way for hosting meetings and events focused on a specific and important purpose or task, but beginning without any formal agenda beyond the overall purpose or theme". (Wikipedia) Montessorians who attend an Open Space event often comment that it feels "Montessori-like" in that the facilitator creates a safe and often beautiful environment where all choices are displayed so individuals may freely choose based on their curiosity and passion, and they are encouraged to remain with their choice only as long as they are meaningfully engaged, at which time they are free to move around and explore other choices.
Having experienced the power of OST to stimulate, shift, and galvanize groups, I wanted to dive deeper and learn more from its founder, Harrison Owen, who was co-hosting, "Opening Space for Peace and High Performance" in NYC this past weekend. An intrepid and diverse group of individuals from as far away as France and Chile gathered, recognizing that humans, our organizations, indeed the entire cosmos, are all self-organizing systems, and considering how we might leverage the power of self-organization to guide society through the turbulence and chaos of our times.
Harrison emphasized that the magic associated with Open Space Technology is not something we "make" happen. Rather, OST establishes the conditions for it to emerge by providing a safe space in which the power of self-organization (similar to "self-construction") is freed to flourish. He cautioned that fear and force collapse space, and that when space is shut, options disappear and creativity evaporates.
Fear is infectious, Harrison noted, as evidenced throughout today's world. The only way out of fear, he explained, is to open the space somehow -- but you cannot force people into that space. Any time someone is forced to do something, the spark of engagement, innovation, and possibility is extinguished. An authentic invitation -- an invitation to realize one own's humanity -- is essential for the magic of transformation to emerge.
Peter Block echos this sentiment in Community: The Structure of Belonging: "Choice [is] another term for engaging the whole person", and "the only way real transformation occurs". (Pg 114-115) "Invitation is not only a step in bringing people together, it is also a fundamental way of being in community...and manifests the willingness to live in a collaborative way." (Pg 117)
Invitation, in the world of self-organizing systems, is a seed of possibility that may someday flourish into a more harmonious, just, and sustainable future. Although intuitively it makes sense that such a future will be beckoned, rather than mandated, into existence, it seems radical to consider that rather than toppling institutions, peace might spread virally as the global organism/self-organizing system known as humanity recognizes that "every day, in every moment, in every encounter, we have an opportunity to open space, inviting someone to realize his/her own humanity".* And that's something Montessorians are doing everyday!
(*Quote from Harrison Owen)
(*Quote from Harrison Owen)
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