Chris has a lovely post today about holding space. The nature of hosting work is such that when the proper care, time and attention have been put into the invitation and design, the actual gathering seems to flow almost too easily. In fact, doing nothing is often the best action you can take as a host. The following is the response given by one of Chris' colleagues when asked "Why do we pay you?":
Usually I then refer to my memories living in West Africa. We mostly had a night watchman in our garden (in many ways the reason was also to give another person a job). They were always there, sitting under a tree, brewing tea and they were great to have a chat with - they knew everything that happened in the neighbourhood! But they never actually did something. And that was the point: you have a night watchmen BECAUSE YOU WANT THEM NOT HAVING ANYTHING TO DO and you have the great desire that they never ever will need to do anything - that was precisely the reason why you have (and paid!) them! They are “holding the night” - and your space to sleep free from worries. And you assume that their mere presence creates this safe space. That’s always how I understood - and explained - my role and the space that I hold as a facilitator. People (who have experienced African night watchmen) always understood…
Our nightwatchman in Accra Ghana in the 1950's - yes I am that old - had a bow and arrow and a club. He was also very old. It was his JuJu though that held the space for us
I am seen Chris Corrigan with a sword but his JuJu, like our night watchman's that is where is power lies
Posted by: Robert Paterson | July 19, 2008 at 02:14 PM