Someone emailed me privately, and I wanted to respond and add my input on the subject of becoming depressed. The person said they'd participated in Gurdjieff groups and as a result had become extremely depressed. My experience was that my whole way of thinking was diminished and disoriented and I can mark that time of life from being well balanced before to later becoming extremely self- foc
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

I may have visited sonoma groups. There was one in petaluma (or Santa Rosa) at an architecht's home (and farm) that we were invited up to for a "work" week or weekend a few times. Actually the people in that group seemed genuine and okay, but at this point I am not confident that my memory and emotions of any experiences have a clear view of what was going on. Anything from movemen
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

I have not lived like a vicitm, but more like a person with a disability that didn't know I'd been disabled or injurred by the process. Gurdjieff and "The Work" were such an idol. Frankly, I believe they are insane and are still practicing the same occult mind control through the lure of becoming a superior "MAN." They are the last people I'd want to contact to
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

I'm wondering if someone in has had experience in the mansion at St. Elmo? In the late 70's and early 80's I was connected with a group related to Lord Pentland in NY and also San Francisco. I realize now that the extreme self-focus of self observation exercises and self-remembering and sensation meditations completely messed up my mind. When I think back on it, it was like Gurd
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

They are actually fine. I think the seminars are $150, and that doesn't seem to be a high rate considering the many daily business seminars you pay that or more for just a day, and I think theirs is a few days. I've read his book, and they are encouraging people to confirm things for themselves, and not just take what they say point blank. I think the only criticism one could have is t
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Polymath is a member of the San Francisco "St. Elmo" group (big mansion on St. Elmo up in Saint Frances Woods). Does anyone know anything about the history of this mansion and what goes on in the groups there? I believe they do movements and other "exercises" which indoctrinate people into trances and then do some kind of programming. Anyone ever 'escaped' from this
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families