Page 366 - Mike Ratner CC - WISR Complete Dissertation - v6

one or more likely participant groups. For some attendees safety within the dialogue group

outweighed concerns about being seen while arriving or departing; thus, they attended even with

the concerns of retaliation caused from being seen arriving or leaving. In addition to the dialogue

space itself, creating space to move from tension to healing addresses how the dialogue practice

aided movement and shifts in perception and understanding of some participants.

The movement going from tension to connection to healing was fostered by the interactions

among facilitators towards their participant group members through the Community Conversation

Metasphere that can be observed through physical setting of the dialogue table seating

arrangements and circles. It can also be said that having the freedom to move around between

dialogues to get refreshments or go to the bathroom provided a break in the action simply by having

the mobility options to do so.

Wheatley (2007) commented that circles “create a soothing space where even reticent

people can realize that their voice is welcome” (p. 186). The dialogue space and circular seating

arrangement used for gathering acted as a holding space. A circular seating arrangement was

essential to achieve space authenticity and equality of voice and expressions and the first step on

a path from tension to healing. Member authenticity was achieved as indicated by the comments

of each volunteer respondent to voice opinions and thoughts during the dialogue sessions.

Participants’ ability to achieve authenticity was aided by their sense of equality within the group

regardless of their gender, ethnicity, or social standing.

The facilitators were particularly sensitive to making sure that no one person dominated

the dialogue and that the opportunities for all members of the group to interject their voice and

opinions into the dialogue conversation. Participant respondents commented:

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