Landmark

Preface-​I took this class at this location, not sure why it was posted to the Timbergrove location, as I never visited that one.
This review on Landmark was probably one of the hardest I have had to write.
The experience is different for everyone, myself included. I had had a couple of friend in Chicago, Houston, and LA do it, and came back with mixed results. I wanted to try something different, and was looking for some self fulfillment. Not one to ever go off anyone else’s personal journey, I decided to sign myself up for the course (3 FULL days from 9 – 9) and judge for myself. (oh and for the price tag of around $ 500) and the further you get in the classes, the more they want you to go through further work shops, for surprise, MORE MONEY!
From what I understood, I had read gobs and gobs of reviews, from people calling it a «cult» (I didn’t think it was) to having a taste of Scientology of it. Mind Tricks, Hippies, the whole nine. I wanted to check it out to learn how to communicate better, having received a promotion recently, and thought it may help out in some personal relationships as well.
The crowd was a mixed bag if I ever saw one, with all ages, educational backgrounds, races, and background. There were a group of lulus (lululemon apparently has their management and other people who work there go through this course) and I met people who had stories that absolutely broke my heart.
The basis is you tell your story in FRONT of everyone. There is A LOT of sharing. (if you are not one of those people, this class is not for you) It’s like a big AA meeting. Typical story is I am going through a divorce, I need to get my voice, or I was raped when I was young, or I am an alcoholic/​drug/​sex addict. Or I don’t trust men, women, or whatever.
It’s very uncomfortable, and very emotional. They want you to have what is called a Landmark Break though, which I never had, and found myself looking for holes in my life in which I could pick apart. I searched and searched and never came up with it. I listened and listened and nada. The one big thing I did not like (besides being locked in a room for 9 hours) (okay you get a lunch and dinner break) was that they want you to reach out to others (family, friends, co workers) and tell them about Landmark. It’s basic marketing, and sales) They are without a doubt selling a product. I made it 2.5 days. Without going into to too much detail, I found out one main thing about myself… the «big» problems I have in my life, aren’t really big compared to others. I can deal with these things on my own, and with the support of others. It reminded me that all in all, I have it pretty darn good.

I attended the intro course as I was invited by a friend who gave me minimal details about it. I was under the impression that it was about effective communication, but of course after seeing the orientation and reading the pamphlet, I realized what it was, a life development program. I think this would be good for some people, and it would have been good for me…5 years ago. I went through 5 years of rigorous medical school and a year of an even more challenging internship with help from my mentors to come to the same conclusions they are claiming to help you with. I was forced to find my voice and be more proactive with my life.
They emphasized taking action in your life instead of putting things off. I have already implemented that. So at the end of the presentation, they encouraged the newcomers to register for the program, which meant putting down a deposit and eventually paying $ 600 for a 4-​day course. Because I felt that I have already had my «breakthrough», I decided not to register. My friend didn’t pressure me to apply, of course. But the speaker came up to me and asked if I was going to register. I said,” No, I’ll think about it.” And she said why think about it and take action today by just registering as a first step. I was like ok, I see what you mean but no. I didn’t give her the reason that I’m already doing the same things presently. She kept trying to push me to register, which got me irritated and more resistant to applying.
This program is not for me since I’ve already had my «breakthroughs», but it may be helpful for people who want to come out of their shell or need help with other aspects of their life. Just keep in mind that you’ll be sharing personal stories in front of people.

I took the Landmark Forum in February 2005, my life luckily hasn’t been the same since… I highly recommend it to anyone who is committed to living an extraordinary life or just want to enhance whatever they’ve got going… it is a miraculous accident that I choose to take the weekend course… I use all the tools I learned from their courses everyday.