Where Landmark's unhealthy
Date: January 22, 2005 02:42AM
My best guess as to the "translations" of these "seven commendments" (please note that Landmark doesn't call itself a religion, but doesn't this sound like "the Ten Commandments" to you?):
"Be Racket-Free: give up being right - even when you know you were. "
"Be Peaceful: give up the interpretation that there's something wrong. "
These two "Commandments" are the same thing. Basically, ignore your inner voice when it tells you something is wrong, and just accept whatever the Landmark leader is telling you without question.
"Be Charismatic: give up trying to get somewhere. Be entirely fulfilled in the present moment."
First of all, what on Earth does trying to get somewhere have to do with being charismatic? This is a blatant attempt on the part of Landmark to redefine "giving in"as "being a person with charisma." So you'll convince yourself you'll somehow be more likeable and attract more friends if you give in to the Landmark way.
"Be Powerful: be straight in your communication and take what you get. "
Again, how does being painfully honest make you powerful? This "commandment" is used by LEC as a manipulation to get people to quit their jobs and disconnect from friends and family members, among other things, leaving them more time to devote to Landmark. By encouraging people to "be open and honest" with their boss, friends, loved ones, etc., about what's bothering them ("clearing," straight from Scientology), they anger these people and alienate them.
"Be Enrolling: share your new possibilities in such a way that others are touched, moved and inspired. "
This means get the people you know to sign up for Landmark seminars.
"Be Unreasonable: in expectations of yourself and others beyond what you would think they are capable of. "
In other words, even if people don't want to sign up for the seminars, keep trying to get them to anyway. What was the homework assignment again? Enroll people in the possibilties or exhaust yourself trying?
"Be Courageous: acknowledge your fear (not necessarily get rid of it) and then act."
Acknowledge your fear of Landmark taking over your true self, and then go ahead with the program anyway. Or submit to our fear exercises, which will make you emotionally vulnerable and upset, and then when we hypnotize you to make you feel better you'll thank us for rescuing you. This is a common tactic among people and groups that seek control over others -- they make you uncomfortable, and then when they remove the discomfort, you feel grateful to them for "saving" you from the discomfort they caused in the first place!