Thanks for your posting on this At...it was quite rich and humane.
One of the limitations of cyber-dialog is the tension created by silence.
When I've participated in a conversation with someone who is very loathe
to speak, I've found that the tension created by my silence will often
draw that other person into speaking. Among native peoples, we tend to be
with one another for long periods without speech. In dialog circles,
remembering to speak "only when my heart moves me," allows the rich
tapestry of silence to drape itself over our hearts and minds and brings
us into a different kind of relationship with one another. It is at this
time that your "deemsters" speak their hearts and enrich our collective
lives and help us move toward a higher sense of shared meaning.
Perhaps if this list were silent of the voices that speak the loudest, it
would encourage those voices to speak who are most silent in their
participation--I don't know.
I'm more inclined, though, to view this list as a series of open meetings,
side-conversations and networking (much like an open space). As you said,
At, many people approach you in side-bars who might not be willing to
expose themselves to the larger circle. They are not hiding, then. Their
voice is heard and may often influence your voice in the larger circle.
walk in peace,
Doc
-- "I never hit a shot, not even in practice, without having a very sharp, in-focus picture of it in my head." -Jack NicklausThresholds <http://www.thresholds.com> Meeting Masters <http://www.thresholds.com/masters.html> Richard Charles "Doc" Holloway Astoria, OR & Olympia, WA USA ICQ# 10849650 voice 360.786.0925
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