The Wright Institute for Lifelong Learning?
Date: August 18, 2007 02:30PM
I have a close family member who is heavily involved in the Wright Institute. She has become impossible to be around, as she constantly manipulates. There is no fun left in her personality, and all spontaneity is long gone. It's obvious that everything she says and does is calculated to fit certain patterns of thought. It is truly tragic to see what her "work" turns her into. And, when she returns from a weekend seminar, she is even more unbearable.
I used to be able to confide in her, but now I am accused of creating "drama triangles" and other things that I've never heard of before.
After her Womens Weekend, I was invited to attend the ceremony that they hold. I still want to support her, so I decided to attend despite my misgivings. It was horrifying and disgusting. Even though it was touted as "one of the most important events of the year" for the Wright Institute, Bob & Judith conveniently had to miss the "celebration." We sat through 3+ hours in a hot room, listening to each woman's "heart's desires" for each of their guests. Each guest was singled out to stand up as they were addressed and told what was expected of them from the person who invited them (all veiled as ideas for improvement). Later, when I expressed my dislike of having to stand up in front of everyone and be told something that should be part of a private, two-way conversation, I was told that I obviously needed the teachings of the Wright Institute to become a whole person.
It was also horrifying to see that at least one attendee was an exchange student who barely spoke English. Her host family was evidently very involved in the Wright Institute & they had her attend.
I honestly felt like I was the only one in the room not involved with the Wrights & it didn't feel good. There were a couple women who mentioned Fig??? "taking over the world", which raised a cheer from the room. And they are hell bent on spreading their culture to the entire corporate world.
I must not have been the only non-member though, because a "marketing director" got up after we'd endured the 3+ hours of torture and told us we could have a "free" One Decision weekend (for a $50 deposit). And, it was hard to get out of the door. I just wanted to eat, but it seemed that half the room was rushing me to find out what I thought. Then, they wanted my credit card number for the "free" weekend before I left.
Then there is the money issue. This family member is constantly asking for money for her "personal development work" & never offering to repay. But if I ask what happens at her weekends with the institute, the question is dodged. She even has even tried to pass it off as "for her employer."
Despite not knowing what the heck she does there, she often needs me to come up with "10 things I like about her" or some other request. Then if I don't reply within her timeline, which is usually a matter of an hour or two, I am "not supportive" of her attempts to become the most she can be. Doesn't matter if I'm out of town, or otherwise unable to get in touch with her. . .