Hello Richard, No, I was in the Monday and Wednesday class from 1990 - 1991. Betsy
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

Good to hear....your BS radar is fully in tact There's alot of exploitation of actors going on out there. I am sure that you will make your way through....there are other options available to people who need to get experience and one of them is creating your own experience....be in charge of your own show cases....create theatre in the park....start an acting meet up group....bond with othe
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I think that you are onto something also. I recall seeing these ads in back stage years ago. I thought it was very pretentious to use Michael Checkov's name and I also wondered if people from "the work" were involved. Hiding behind the greatness of the Checkov's (both Michael and Anton) is typical of Sharon's peeps. Sharon was working on her Checkov play the year I was i
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Does anyone other than me have any experience with Franklyn Spodak? He was a therapist associated some how to Sharon Gans group. He died about 7 - 8 years ago.
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

Hello Upside Down, I've never had direct experience with any one from the School of Philosphy. I know when I first moved to NY the name caught my attention and it crossed my mind to check it out. Gives me the chills. If I come across any new information, I will be sure to post it.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Hello Acurond, I was in the NY group around your time. I left in July of 91. Please contact me via my email address posted under The Recovery section and the post "Sharon Gans quot the work quot"
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

You can find it by doing a search on Gurdjieff. It will be on the second page of the results under "Cults, Sects and "New Religious Movements'
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

This sounds like the School of Practical Philosophy. There are other postings on the Rick Ross site regarding this group. I've heard it's a another 4th way related cult. If that's the case Stay Clear.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

If you want to see a photo of Alex Horn, refer to the articles mentioned in the book "Taking wiht the Left Hand" (you can find a a copy at East West Books). Then go the New york Public Library for research on 42nd street and find the articles. I can't remember the name of the article or the date is was published and don't know where my copy of the article is at the moment...i
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

It's great that you ask these questions and that you are free from an abusive pastor. I think it's possible that all of these traditions have elements of truth. I don't think it's all or nothing. The basic love your neighbor as you love yourself and do unto others as you would have others do unto you are a common thread and are more meaningful than the other doctrenaire teachi
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Although, I disagree with the prohibitions against pre marital sex and the drinking of alcoholic beverages. I definitely feel that it is legit. The basic beliefs are part of my core. Your search with them is bound to be positive whether you end up agreeing completely with them or not. They are to my experience positive people...pacifists... I don't recall ever feeling any sinister vibes
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I was a bahai many years ago. I was attracted to the basic beliefs that God is one humanity is one. I left the faith many years ago. Many Bahai's that I've met are truly lovely people. Saying that, I also feel conflicted. They do not prosletize or rather they say they don't. I remember going on teaching trips and the pressure I felt to come back to the center with signatures on me
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I was involved with Sharon Gans group many years ago. I was asked to leave shortly after asking a very good question that was met with a strong verbally abusive vehemence. While there I was driven into a bad depression and when I left I was sent to work with a particular therapist. I went because in my heart I was connected to the idea of work on myself. My therapist, god rest h
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups