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.