The Landmark

[moneypenny]

A few weeks ago, I had the rather curious experience of attending "friends and family night" at The Landmark Forum. For those of you who, like me, were not aware that this program existed, Landmark offers pricey courses in "self-development." For those who are aware of this program, please tell me your own experiences now. In any event, I hope

Comments

[picodulce]

my now not-friend (the ridiculous dani, as i describe to dora) who was always on the hunt for friendship and answers, went to a couple of Landmark sleep and water deprivation sessions (they deprive you water, right?); it's typical cult behavior. weaken your resistance and lull you, mesmerize you with self-help and fellowship.

i have to say that shit wasn't funny in her case-- my friend nathan and i spent a short period in constant contact with her to convince her not to go to any more of the sessions-- me on the phone, nathan in person (they were in Chicago at the time). and we were already a bit iffy about her already! but it's hard to let anyone fall into lunacy like that.

"the circle of shame will break her defenses"

[perich]

Good essay, esse.

I never get that far into downtown Quincy so I don't believe I've ever seen the Landmark Center. Whereabouts were you?

Re: "the circle of shame will break her defenses"

[moneypenny]

Hancock Street. It was actually my first time in Quincy, apart from several occasions where I forgot the turnoff for 93 on the way to the Cape.

Re: "the circle of shame will break her defenses"

[sanspoof]

Crikey, JP works right near there. I will have him scrawl arcane symbols on the building or something.

A guy I know tried to get me to go to a Landmark thing. I thought it sounded awful, so I didn't go. You have shown me that I was correct.

Hey, wanna come see Aquabats with us on saturday?

Re: "the circle of shame will break her defenses"

[moneypenny]

Aquabats! I had not heard of them but have now seen their website. It sounds exciting. Just as long as it's not in QUINCY.

My friend upthekidsget may be coming to town one last time before spending the year in Australia. If that doesn't pan out, though, or if she'd like to come along, that would be awesome (if you didn't mind an extra person or two). If you need to know more definitively now, though, I certainly won't be offended if you ask someone else. I will attempt to reply with greater certainty within 24 hours.

[sororbabylon]

Da-yum. Just....damn.

[melvillean]

Oh man. That blows. I, of course, know Dr. T too and I know exactly what you're talking about. E had mentioned she was getting into Landmark -- I'm sad to hear it's still going on. Interesting narrative of the occasion, though. I'm always too cautious to go to one of those sorts of things even though they intrigue me in their cultiness.

[soldier]

How mortifying. Can you adopt your friend for a while?

This was a while ago. I'm impressed that you remember it all so well. The conversations in the bathroom stall are particularly bizarre - she refers her current patients to Landmark?

When I'm rich I think I'm going to start my own cult. But there will be no therapy, only laughing and dancing. And the dancers will be youthful (if not also young) and talented, and the macarena will be strictly forbidden. Meetings will be once a month, in a large venue with many lavish rooms, and guests will pay nothing and will be provided with all the food and water they want.