The Landmark Forum

I recently participated in the Landmark Forum, a 3 1/2 day personal growth program offered by Landmark Education. I enrolled in this program for three reasons: 1) my brother had attended and spoke highly of it; 2) I needed CEUs for my counseling certification; 3) I was really curious, because my brother is not the kind of guy who regularly attends personal development seminars. In addition, my brother sent my two nieces, and I got some positive feedback there, too. While I suspect that most people in the group had more background information than I did, I don't think I was at any disadvantage. For me, the program was eye-opening, enlightening, and truly worthwhile. I would do it again.

Our presenter was personable, caring, and very funny. Our group was diverse. It consisted of 110 people from 18 - 80+ years old. Professionals, students, and retirees were all represented. Some participants were evaluating the program for their companies, others were looking at changing careers, and some were seeking clarification on more personal issues. Everyone interacted with many other members of the group.

The criticisms I have read online are unfounded in my experience. The suggestions that this is a "cult" is just silly. We were not abused, held hostage, or yelled at. We could leave to go to the restroom whenever we wanted. We could get up and get water. We had regular breaks. We could go home if we didn't like it. No one was singled out and embarrassed. We were not brainwashed. No one called us mean names. I returned home as planned. I am not being stalked by zombies.

As a mental health counselor, I'm pretty open to personal growth opportunities. On the other hand, my background can make me a tough audience. After all, I'm hip to the tricks of the trade, right? I can make my Myers-Briggs assessment come out any way I want it to. I've studied all the theories; I've counseled many others. So I figured I'd experience this and see how I could use what I learned professionally. Imagine my surprise when I found myself "transformed"! It did not happen at the Forum. I understood everything intellectually, but it was the following day that the light bulb suddenly went on in my head. It has been incredibly liberating. I wish I had done this years ago!

Honestly, I thought that the goal of "transformation" was a bit too lofty. For a while I thought that some people had issues way too heavy to manage in a large group setting like this. I was genuinely worried about one participant (who I now consider a dear friend), but am happy to report that she had a wonderful, positive outcome. Every indication that I saw was that the Forum leader was truly tuned into the group, recognized issues, and made certain that everyone received support. This is a top-notch organization. They are committed to providing a substantial experience to everyone.

To the critics, if you didn't want to attend, you should not have. If your intention was only to disrupt the process, you did yourself and the other participants no favors.

This program offers the opportunity to take an honest look at our perceptions and how they shape our lives. It helps you to let go of anger and resentment, and to overcome the fears that prevent us from achieving our goals. The Forum can help you find the power within you to become an extraordinary individual living a life of integrity. Isn't that what we really want?

The Landmark Forum cost me $440 for a 3/12 day program: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 am to around 9:30 or 10:00 pm and Tuesday evening from 7:30 - 10:45. It also includes 10 Tuesday evening seminars. It's pretty cheap when you break it down hourly.

Yes, they will ask you to promote the program to your friends and family. I have a few friends and family members who I hope will enroll. What's the problem with this? Mary Kay, Avon, Tupperware, and my financial planner all ask me to refer clients to them. Landmark Education is a business, so why shouldn't they ask the same thing? (OK, everyone knows that Tupperware is a cult, but my financial planner? Please!) And if I had a great experience, why wouldn't I want to share it? I am sending my son to the next program. If his girlfriend wants to go, I will pay for it, too. I cannot think of a greater gift to give two 18 year olds than to free them from the burden of the junk that most of us carry well into our adult years.

Here's my advice: if you are really seeking personal enlightenment and are willing to look honestly at yourself, do this. It's worth every penny and every minute.

It won't change the things life throws at you, but you just might find yourself managing in a very different way. Be extraordinary. We only get one shot at this.

A Small Clarification

For the record, the University Police Department did not turn off Andrew Meyer's microphone at the John Kerry event. The mic was turned off by ACCENT, the group that coordinates on-campus events, when Mr. Meyer's language became objectionable.

The Gainesville Five (or Six, Depending on Who You Talk To)

I am a supporter of free speech. I am also a supporter of the idea that there is a "time and place" for everything. Andrew Meyer violated all semblance of what is appropriate when he barged in line at Kerry's talk last night and proceeded to steamroll questions at Kerry without giving him a chance to respond.

When I watched the first video, I had the suspicion that Meyer's actions seemed premeditated. Many of my colleagues expressed the same opinion. When the police first approached Meyer, he acted "oh-so-surprised" in a very unconvincing way. Anyone who was really surprised would not have started screaming about being arrested at this point. His "Oh, what did I do?" cries also rang very false. Don't believe me? Check out his website . Think this is just a coincidence, complete with T-shirts to come? Right. This guy had this planned way in advance! This particular web site was created on April 5, 2007, and will expire on April 9, 2009 unless renewed.

I hope Mr. Meyer has enjoyed his few minutes of fame. He may have support (yes, Dad, I know what you think about this one), but he certainly doesn't have anything to offer his supporters except an obnoxious attitude and a few tips on how to turn yourself into the media event of the moment. He did, however, suck 6 UPD officers into his little drama, with no regard for the consequences to them. Isn't it interesting that this SOB would only "resist" when the cameras were on him, but when they were not, he was calm and cooperative, telling the officers that he wasn't mad at them and they were just doing their jobs? Isn't it interesting that this has been reported in the news and by the officers involved? If all the evidence points to a setup by Meyer, then will these police officers still find themselves suspended?

I don't advocate unnecessary force. I also do not believe for a single moment that this was a normal circumstance. Under normal circumstances, I believe that this many officers would have been able to cuff and remove Mr. Meyer. Check out his Facebook Page. Not too many of his peers are feeling sympathetic.

OK, Andrew. You won. You got on the front pages of CNN, ABC, NBC, The Gainesville Sun, the Ocala Star Banner, and the Alligator. Now admit that you are the publicist for this whole thing, let the officers be counseled, and drop the whole mess before you ruin someone else's life for no good reason. (YOU are not a good reason.)

Sick of Celebrities

Can someone please explain to me why Paris Hilton equals "news"? Paris Hilton is a wealthy young woman, who (in my humble opinion) has nothing but her money to commend her. She has never been cited for doing anything productive or kind. She does not work, she does not contribute to society, she is not remotely representative of the American public. Yet, each morning, when I sit down to read the news and enjoy a cup of coffee, I am greeted by Paris Hilton in the headlines. So nice to know that she has found god since her stay at our expense.

Robert Kennedy Jr. has said that we (Americans) are the best entertained, but least informed group of people. I think he is probably right. (No party remarks here, please, this is not a political issue.)Are we so complacent and bored that we think it's okay for Paris to get top billing when the Presidential election is coming up and we are still at war in Iraq?

Paris must be selling, because she continues to be headline news, along with Britney's ridiculous antics, and Lindsay's rehab. Who really cares? These people do not impact our lives, except in the way that they influence our youngest women to emulate them. They are only a circus act distracting us from the important things that do affect our lives.

Tracking celebrity misadventures is best suited to the National Enquirer and People magazine. It's time to pay attention to important issues. Just in case you didn't notice, gasoline is at $3.00 per gallon. Do you know why? Do you know who Ron Paul is? Is ethanol a sustainable source of automobile fuel for our future? What is happening to Florida's fresh water supply and how will we continue to support our growing population?

It's time to get off of our collective butts and let the so called "news" sites know that we want real news in the headlines. Put the celebrity junk where it belongs - in entertainment only - and keep it off the front page. We have important issues facing us nationally and globally. Paris is probably not going to help us resolve any of those things. It's our responsibility. Let's take it seriously.

I suggest that we boycott any news page that features celebrity hijinks as headlines from July 1 through July 7. Send an email to your news page (look at the bottom for "contact us" and send your comment). If each of you can get just a couple of people involved, we have the potential to make an impact.

It's your world. Make it the best it can be.

P.S. Today I was looking for a new dog. The kennel closest to my home advertises that "39 celebrities have bought our dogs." You know what? I'm looking elsewhere and I'm letting them know why.

In Memory of Lt. Corey Dahlem

I am all for celebrating victories, but not at the cost of life. It is time for us to determine what carries a greater weight -- our national championships, or the lives of those who must protect us in celebration of victory.

I am truly saddened by the needless death of Lt. Corey Dahlem, a dedicated public servant. To his family, our basketball win is meaningless. I believe that the University Athletic Association owes a huge monetary debt to this family. Nothing will ever make up for this tragic loss.

Games have been important since the beginning of ancient history. But it is irresponsible for the University of Florida (or any other university) to sacrifice it's local law enforcement personnel to life endangering situations because of a sports event.

Nothing will ever replace Lt. Corey Dahlem for his family. It's time for the University Athletic Association to make a huge contribution to ensuring the Dalmen family's livelihood or else to provide their own personnel to manage events that they cause.

This is above and beyond any local police department's call of duty, and universities should be held responsible for their impact on local neighborhoods.

To the family of Lt. Corey Dahlem I offer my sincerest condolences. You are in my prayers. I am terribly sorry for this horrible and tragic accident.