Request: Using the BikeRoWave for a Landmark Intro

[JonLuskin]

Hey all,

I want to say thank you for your support in the project to improve cycling in Santa Monica.  Turning Santa Monica into a cyclist's paradise is a dream, and we're taking the steps to realize that dream!

I've only disclosed to a few of you that my drive in this project have been made possible by this simply amazing course work I've been taking.  (Some of you may have heard of Landmark Education.)  I know this may have left some of you puzzled as to why I went from working on a fixed-gear bike to advocating for city-wide change.

I'd love to share this coursework with all of you; I'd like to host an introduction to the Landmark Forum at the BikeRoWave on Tuesday, April 1st, (one week after our ride to City Hall).

What's possible from holding an intro to Landmark?  A whole community of cyclists who have the ability to go out and get anything they want for themselves in life! 

Are you up for holding an introduction at the BikeRoWave?

Peace & Love,
Jon Luskin

[david_f]

Is this (like) a cult?

[david p.]

i have no idea what this is supposed to be about...

[Jaz]

I feel there needs to be more info presented about this, as in someone needs to figure out what this is.

"Now, this is an organization that has been identified as a cult by watch-groups, and shut down in at least one major country due to continued scandal. Both of those statements I just made being cited."

-wikipedia debate page on the subject

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Landmark_Education

However there are many posts against that kind of post. As in there seems to be more people for Landmark than against.

Also on the wikipedia page it links to Zen, specifically Alan Watts. I find that weird. I don't know what this thing is. Seems strange. More info is needed/wanted/eh-ed.

[Art]

It's kinda like 'est'...

Cross-promotional stuff can be tricky...

...is it part of our Mission ?   

(chime)

[Kieron]

this is going to be the best April Fool's prank ever.

[JonLuskin]

Hey all,

Before I had taken the the Landmark Forum, I too, was utterly clueless on what Landmark is.  It sounded very vague, and I can still see that in some ways, still does.  It promises abstract results, something that we are not entirely used to. 

My apologies for not being clear in the what course can offer.  I understand how it can sound confusing.  Now, I won't describe what it is or how it works, but I can tell what I got by participating in Landmark Education. For starters,

1.) I find myself being more productive at work.
2.) I have an improved relationship with my dad, brother, girlfriend and best friend.
3.) I find myself doing things I've always wanted to do, but had put off for one reason or another. (Going to the BikeRoWave, for example.)
4.) I can now, more than ever, see the possibility to change a bleak situation in life into something positive.

I have gotten so much out of this coursework (my advocacy campaign for Santa Monica bikeways, for example) that I want others to get the same benefits I've gotten.  This is why I'd like to have an intro to Landmark at the BikeRoWave on April 1st.

What do you say?

Peace & Love,
Jon Luskin

P.S. You can check out a brief intro the Landmark Forum here: http://www.landmarkeducation.com/section_flash.jsp?top=21&mid=587894&source=homepageprimary

[david_f]

Jon,
I'd be happy to hear what you have to say. 

I don't think we have a formal policy that addresses your request, but I'm a little uncomfortable with the idea, not knowing anything about this organization.    I don't want to hear from some stranger who is a recruiter/sales person/counsler/missionary etc. 

(I repeat myself,) I would be happy to hear from you , and learn what your experiences have been.

david f

[Elizabeth Hunter]

I won't describe what it is or how it works

I think that's exactly what we're all looking to hear.

[JonLuskin]

Elizabeth,

You're spot on.  Of course you would want to know how it works.

Here's how it works:  It's like a classroom setting.  You sit in a chair with about one hundred other participants while a 'Forum Leader' teaches, mostly through lecture and a few rough diagrams on a chalk board, about how to view and approach life from a wider perspective.  That is, from this coursework, you come to realize that there are many, many options/paths in front of you (not just the few narrows ones that you're used to seeing.)

For example, I mentioned above that I got a better relationship with my brother by participating in this education.  The reason for this is because I was able to see, and therefore able to act upon, the fact my interpretation of my brother's actions (like not returning a phone call) was not an indicator of how he truly felt. 

Now, I know that my come across as a little vague.  So, consider this: one of the main ideas of the Landmark Forum is to be able to see all the infinite options/possibilities/paths that are out there in life.  And once someone can see something for themselves, they have the chance to act upon it.

David,

I've already shared above some of the things I've gotten out of the course above.  I'd be more than happy to elaborate in person.  I'll be @ the shop tomorrow.

To all,

Why do I want to host an intro the Landmark Forum at the BikeRoWave?

Because I want the cycling community to be able to have at their use their education of the Landmark Forum.  Why?  Because I have been able to go out and produce a project for the greater benefit of cyclists in the city (advocating for cycling improvements in Santa Monica).  Can you imagine if everyone in our cycling community was out doing the same?  We would have a cycling paradise here in Santa Monica.  We would have a whole community of cyclists who would go out into the world and make amazing changes to the world around them.

I'd be more than happy to chat more about this in person to anyone who has questions or concerns.  You can find me at the BikeRoWave tomorrow.

Peace & Love,
Jon

[odog4life]

all hail the overlord!

[Jaz]

My feelings are, I don't like large corporations. I especially don't like large corporations who "teach" people how to live. Life is about experiences, not living a certain way. We all fail, we all succeed. It's up to the individual to decide how to live. That's how we get such varied opinions on matters, and such varied lives. When we all become the same, stagnation occurs.

I mean, don't get me wrong, if you say it helped you, great! Come help the cycling community and what not, give us your side. But by allowing the rest of us to follow in the same ideologies that would effectively limit our effectiveness.

My personal opinion on the matter is that this shouldn't happen at the bikerowave. If we had your class, then what about other classes, could ANSWER come in and preach their communism? What about touring prolife organizations, are they allowed to teach a class on how God says it's wrong to kill fetuses? I mean, I don't like the idea of Landmark, but if we were opening the doors for groups to come and teach things at our space, I would be hardpressed not to allow everyone. (“I disapprove of your views, but would fight to the death for your right to express them.“) However, we aren't doing that, so I don't feel the space should be available for classes. Unless they directly relate to bikes, and getting people on them. IE they have to say bike every other sentence, mechanics of bikes, ways to get people on bikes, bikes, bike-like words, bike jokes, people who ride bikes, etc.

[david p.]

i don't know if the brw is the right venue for this.

it sounds like a pyramid thingy

[JonLuskin]

Well, the consensus points to no.  So, I want to thank you all for sharing your thoughts and for the dialogue we've been having.

I also invite everyone to an intro at my place this coming Tuesday.  If you're interested, give me a call 213.925.0922 or shoot me an e-mail: JonLuskin@gmail.com

Peace & Love,
Jon