Implementing GS
GS Practitioners:
I am hoping to get your insight and to learn from your experience.
Have you ever ran into a "wall" with GS? What I mean is, Ghandi tells us to "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Along the same lines, a pastor once told me that when his brother died, it was the ultimate test: did he really believe what he preached, or was it all just something he said but didn't really believe. How did he react when he was tested? In his case, his faith prevailed.
I am running into a hurdle. I believe in GS and want to practice it. But when it becomes personal, it is that much more challenging. My studies are about collaborative social change and social capital and gracious space as applied to development and social change organizations. I am interested in dynamics of power in development and social change. But before I expect that of anyone else, I have to internalize it and practice it myself. But I find this challenging. Introspection and self-practice can be one of the most difficult things.
Does anyone have advice or face this same challenge?
Hoping we can learn from each other: learn in public. :) Peace to all in your GS journeys.
Mariah Ortiz
I am hoping to get your insight and to learn from your experience.
Have you ever ran into a "wall" with GS? What I mean is, Ghandi tells us to "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Along the same lines, a pastor once told me that when his brother died, it was the ultimate test: did he really believe what he preached, or was it all just something he said but didn't really believe. How did he react when he was tested? In his case, his faith prevailed.
I am running into a hurdle. I believe in GS and want to practice it. But when it becomes personal, it is that much more challenging. My studies are about collaborative social change and social capital and gracious space as applied to development and social change organizations. I am interested in dynamics of power in development and social change. But before I expect that of anyone else, I have to internalize it and practice it myself. But I find this challenging. Introspection and self-practice can be one of the most difficult things.
Does anyone have advice or face this same challenge?
Hoping we can learn from each other: learn in public. :) Peace to all in your GS journeys.
Mariah Ortiz
Tags: Gracious Space
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Dru Rafkin Jackman on
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Hi Mariah,
I'd be curious to hear more specifically about what you are finding challenging and to see if I can support you. Guessing I, and many others, can identify with what you are seeing. I'm away from my computer this afternoon through the 8th, but feel free to call or email me directly after that. info@solutionsbydru.com 406.862.2400
Dru
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Permalink Reply by Dan Leahy on
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Mornin' Mariah,
While I'm not exactly sure what the focus of your question is, it has stimulated my thinking.
"Does anyone face this same challenge?" I don't think I've every come across someone in this field that didn't/doesn't. In fact, I think it is this struggle, this ordeal, that initiates one into this work. If I can transform/transcend me internal demons, my own toxic "ca-ca", then maybe, just maybe, I can replicate the process in some small way in my external context. And it follows for that some form of regular practice (medication, Faith tradition, yoga, etc.) combined with some form of peer consultation and/or periodic coaching/counseling in order to honestly reassess one's alignment to their purpose on the planet is a discipline helpful in maintaining one's self in the work. Now while this is what I believe "works," it's a discipline I have yet to master. I typically "remember" it and return the the practice when I find myself in an emotional and/or professional cul de sac.
As for the question of "power"... While it's a very complex dynamic, I tend to distinguish it into two "types"; externalized and internalized. Externalized pertains to things like the organizational authority to hire & fire and commit or withhold resources. It also includes legal authority to withhold privileges. And at the "far end" would be "power over" such as in cases of threatened &/or actual abuse/violence. Our inclination tends to be that the only way to resist or fight such power is with equal or greater power.
Internalized power I think comes from a sense of personal clarity about my "purpose on the planet," how it contributes to the health of the Whole, and having the courage to stand in this Integrity. I think Victor Frankel, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Ann Son Suu Key are great individual examples of this. I think that what's happening in Iran right now, Obama's election, our Civil Rights movement, the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, and the democracy demonstrations in Tienanmen Square are collective examples of this. While in the short term this appears to be the "weaker" form of power and requires the the most courage, especially in the beginning, it is ultimately the most powerful. It is irresistible. And it begins with personal clarity and integrity in service of the health of the Whole.
Each of these "types" have their own set of dynamics. Since it seems that we are in a transformational era where we may be seeing a shift in which type of power we value, it may be interesting to look at the dynamics emerging between the two types. Is there a third kind of power that integrates the two in a more mature/developed way?
Not sure if any of this is useful, Mariah, but it's what came to mind in response to your question. I'd be curious to see what other GS practitioners think about this.
Be Well,
Dan
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Permalink Reply by Mariah Ortiz on -
Thank you Dan and Dru, for your replies! Dru, I will email you directly.
Dan, your insights are much appreciated. Thank you for the help along the GS journey.
Dan Leahy said:Mornin' Mariah,
While I'm not exactly sure what the focus of your question is, it has stimulated my thinking.
"Does anyone face this same challenge?" I don't think I've every come across someone in this field that didn't/doesn't. In fact, I think it is this struggle, this ordeal, that initiates one into this work. If I can transform/transcend me internal demons, my own toxic "ca-ca", then maybe, just maybe, I can replicate the process in some small way in my external context. And it follows for that some form of regular practice (medication, Faith tradition, yoga, etc.) combined with some form of peer consultation and/or periodic coaching/counseling in order to honestly reassess one's alignment to their purpose on the planet is a discipline helpful in maintaining one's self in the work. Now while this is what I believe "works," it's a discipline I have yet to master. I typically "remember" it and return the the practice when I find myself in an emotional and/or professional cul de sac.
As for the question of "power"... While it's a very complex dynamic, I tend to distinguish it into two "types"; externalized and internalized. Externalized pertains to things like the organizational authority to hire & fire and commit or withhold resources. It also includes legal authority to withhold privileges. And at the "far end" would be "power over" such as in cases of threatened &/or actual abuse/violence. Our inclination tends to be that the only way to resist or fight such power is with equal or greater power.
Internalized power I think comes from a sense of personal clarity about my "purpose on the planet," how it contributes to the health of the Whole, and having the courage to stand in this Integrity. I think Victor Frankel, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Ann Son Suu Key are great individual examples of this. I think that what's happening in Iran right now, Obama's election, our Civil Rights movement, the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, and the democracy demonstrations in Tienanmen Square are collective examples of this. While in the short term this appears to be the "weaker" form of power and requires the the most courage, especially in the beginning, it is ultimately the most powerful. It is irresistible. And it begins with personal clarity and integrity in service of the health of the Whole.
Each of these "types" have their own set of dynamics. Since it seems that we are in a transformational era where we may be seeing a shift in which type of power we value, it may be interesting to look at the dynamics emerging between the two types. Is there a third kind of power that integrates the two in a more mature/developed way?
Not sure if any of this is useful, Mariah, but it's what came to mind in response to your question. I'd be curious to see what other GS practitioners think about this.
Be Well,
Dan
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