How to talk to new Landmark grads? :?:
Date: November 17, 2006 02:58PM
G'day Getsmart,
Welcome to the club. I know what you're going through and, perhaps, some of things you'll have to deal with...
Landmark language: there are a number of good posts here describing the new language they'll start using. Don't be fooled - it is intended to distance you from them. But be strong and don't accept this jibberish. Simply ask them to define their jargon, i.e. when they speak about seemingly basic ideas such as 'integrity' and 'your story', ask them to explain what they're trying to get at. Sometimes (usually) it is best to be prepared (do some research on their language) and then compare this to what's in the dictionary...integrity is a good start (but they may not be at that stage yet).
One of the first things you'll probably face is the typical Landmark response - 'that's just YOUR STORY or YOUR RACKET.' It'll be tough to begin with, but make them realise that all they're doing is creating a distance where (hopefully) there wasn't one before. A typical Landmark grad. will find reasonable argument difficult. Don't give up, but don't get angry.
The language of Landmark is designed to seperate US from THEM, but if they love you they should listen to you, too. In fact, that's another Landmark trait...they have difficulty listening to anything outside Landmark doctrine. No matter what they may have thought or believed before, it will seem they have truly been brainwashed to respond in new and predictable ways.
I hope this makes some sense. I know the pain of this 'language' barrier. Be strong and patient. I trust there is a way out for all of them.