I put this poem together from words used by participants in the Open Space on Future of Learning in Manila in 2011. As I listened I wrote down all the beautiful words and phrases and organized them. I listened and wrote, and when It was my turn to speak, I read this piece. SEAMEO Innotech, Manila, March 2012.
Help us to just be
Not controlling
Help us share what we learned
To listen to everyone since we are all brilliant and wise
Fill us with hope
So that we may be the rockets and stars in open space
As we sit at the edge of the lake, keep us still and peaceful
So that we can marvel at the beauty of open spaces
Thank you for the gift of the moment
To slow down, because to be slow also means to be fast
Lead us to walk towards
what is life giving
We were initially hesitant
But we have learned to open ourselves to others
We have found the open space
in our silence within
From living in tight spaces
We now know how to live in open spaces
We thank the sacred source
For the space of humility and listening from the heart
For our nature is to be free
Within this happy sacred circle
Help us bring healing to others
Make our circle continuously open
So that our learning will never stop
Thank you that we have regained our lost passion
And turned our cynicism into idealism
Beyond this meeting
Use our passions to shape a better future
May this be just a beginning of more open spaces
New choices, which are the key to freedom
Keep us curious
Help us sustain the convergence
Instil in us a sense of urgency
To embrace and own the direction towards what is right and good.
Carmela Ariza (Manila, the Philippines)