Anne Stadler 18468—47th Place NE Lake Forest Park, Washington 98155, USA (206) 364-1676 email

What is an underlying question that gives form to your work or interest in this field?

How can I foster collective evolution living moment to moment in sacred union with universal intelligence/consciousness?

What is your personal experience of collective wisdom in groups?

I’m a Founder of several groups which practice self-organizing methods of accessing collective wisdom: the Open Space Institute of the US; Spirited Work (now in its sixth year) which meets in Open Space seasonally to explore the appropriate archetype of the Angeles Arrien’s Four Fold Way. Since a year and a half ago, I am also experienced in fluent communication group processes. In each of these cases, we use a self-organizing method in which each participant accesses spirit, and takes responsibility for what has heart and meaning. As a collective circle, we access spirit asking what purpose is the group serving? as well. The group’s evolution emerges from that practice. My experience is that as the band-width of each individual widens, collective wisdom emerges with ease and clarity.

What is it about the work in this field that excites you and connects you to your own deepest self?

My spiritual practice done in moment to moment, day to day living. My spiritual practice evolves as opportunities for learning emerge. It is currently the practice of Fluent Communication: a system of direct connection with universal consciousness which is innate within each individual. For as long as I can remember, I have practiced evolving my direct relationship with universal consciousness—unconsciously in the earlier days of my life, and in the past thirty-three years, consciously. My practice has been grounded in the principle less is more.

Please provide a brief storyline or snapshot of what brought you to this work.

Key factors have been
(1) My spiritual evolution via the study of transpersonal psychology and the work of David Spangler.
(2) My family life: I am married to a geneticist. We have four children and nine grandchildren. The gift exchange of our family life has been crucial in evolving my awareness of my soul’s purpose AND experience of our transcendent humanity.
(3) My observation of human life and activity in three distinct phases of my work life:
(1960-1971) as a Founder and organizer of local, national and international peace efforts involving non-profit groups who had fostering peace as part of their mission (unions, churches, educational groups, service groups such as Rotary International, and peace organizations);
(1973-1990) as a multi-award winning Public Affairs and Specials Producer at KING-TV 5 (NBC affiliate), Using Appreciative Inquiry (although I didn’t know it as such!!) to tell the stories of people who were generating miracles in their lives;
(1990-present) as a Consultant for organizations and individuals who intend to open space for spirited living and continuous learning supporting the sustainable evolution of people and the planet.

I was a very early adopter of Open Space Technology. using it in my consulting practice with a range of organizations, including major corporations, philanthropic foundations, non-profit organizations, educational and research institutions, arts organizations. I have also facilitated educational and training programs in Open Space Technology, Appreciative Inquiry, and Fluent Communication in a variety of venues in the North America and India.
I have been a founder and principal organizer of cross cultural collective efforts which involved very diverse participants in value centered emergent projects aimed at sustaining life on the planet.
My work is guided by these values: Yes..And?, inclusion, following what has heart and meaning, truth-telling, partnership, high play, and my conviction/experience that everyone is a potential leader.

How would you like to be available to others in this field?

If you feel I can be of service, please contact me. I will listen, ask for guidance, and assist in whatever way is optimal. I am available for whatever has heart and meaning for all. I am not available for fundraising.

Links to this site or others:

Reflections on the Evolution of Collective Wisdom

A Story of Radiant Networking