The Landmark Forum

My boss introduced me to Landmark forum and he also made three other colleagues of his to enroll for the program. Me and my friends believed he got a commission for doing so. When I went with him to the introduction, it was like a The Oprah Winfrey Show (mother of 'Kadhaiyalla Nijam'). People were crying on the stage! I thought 'OMG! The last thing I would want is to end up there!'

First things first. Landmark Forum is a profitable organization that claims to transform human lives. I didn't agree with this 'transformation stuff' before I attended the workshop and I still don't. Anyways, it cost me Rs.5600/-. Was it worth the money? I'll have to say, YES.

It was nice program. I didn't look for anything in particular from this program. After all, I think (or rather thought) I'm quite a successful person in life:). But I was actually shocked to see the mixture of people gathered on the first day. People from Villages to CEOs, aging from 15 to 74 (what would a 74 year old guy want now!).

The first day was boring. It was indeed pathetic. I was thinking if I should come back the next day. But my boss made sure I did. He called me exactly when the first day ended and said I should go the next day and he also felt the same way after the first day. He said consider this as a work I gave to you. I wanted to say 'Howz that? I paid the money and I need to work?!'.

The second day was indeed good. It was more about getting connected with your parents. They gave an exercise - 'talk to your parents and thank them for all they did to you so far'. It wasn't easy as it sounds! Trust me, it would probably the most difficult thing you ever did in your life. It was for me. I didn't want to do it over the phone. I did it when I visited them a week later and I waiting for right occasion so that I don't sound stupid when I say it. After I said what I had to say, I felt great.

The third day was good too. They talked about phobias and what life is all about. The important point stressed was 'We are what we are now because of the past and we always want to be something else in the future. We never want to be PRESENT. Being 'present' is what will make your life beautiful'. The best thing I liked about this is that the instructor will never sympathize for your situation. It is not sentimental nor does it preaches philosophy. It is more of a scientific approach.

I wouldn't claim that it has changed the way I'm, but I took some really good priceless points that changed what I believe and accepting people as they are. My friends were looking for any visible change in me (something like a horn or a glowing aura!) after I completed the Landmark Forum and I'm quite sure they are disappointed. It is true because, the whole point of the program is 'Be yourself';-)

PS : I also made three other people to enrol for this!