I have just got through my most hectic weekend ever! What did I do? Well, I attended the Landmark Forum. Never heard of it? I hadn�t too, till last month, when my husband attended it, and convinced me to try it out too�..
It is too difficult to express in words exactly what the Forum is, or what it does, and I can only say what they tell us in their brochures � that they help us �transform� our lives. Yes, �transform�, not �change�. They also assure us that we can open up infinite possibilities for ourselves. So I am sure your next question is: �Did they live up to their promise?� Well, I am not hedging when I say that I am not quite sure as of now. What they have managed to do, is make me think � about myself, my family, my perceptions� everything that is part of my life. They have made me rethink my image of myself, and have certainly opened up new avenues of thought. As to the actual transformation, it is something I have to do myself, obviously. Whether I am able to hold on to all I have gained in the last three days and actually make the transformation, remains to be seen!
The kind of things the forum talks about is nothing new. The concepts are there in our scriptures, in our sacred texts, in the various programmes for better living � Art of Living, Vipassana, Isha Yoga, Yoga and meditation�.. Not to mention many many more�. What the Landmark forum does is, working in a very efficient, corporate-like manner, condense into three full days (9AM-11PM, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) all these concepts, and force to make you think about all those things in a very practical manner. You just cannot help thinking when you are in a room full of people from morning to night, and people start opening up and talking about their problems. Either you relate to them, and see yourself in those situations, or you feel that your life is much better than so many others�. This is what actually changes your perception, for you, for the first time, look at things from an angle other than your own.
Well, apart from such serious life-changing topics, let me get to something which I loved about my three day experience. First of all, I got to meet some really interesting people�. One of whom even offered me a job! But the best of all was the fact that I got to re-live my college days, leaving home early in the morning and travelling by train. Watching the sun rise over the skyscrapers was something I hadn�t done for over eight years, and with my camera, I managed to get quite a few shots through the train window, inviting curious glances from my co-passengers, who evidently realized that I was not one of the regulars!!!
Looking at VT station as the train draws near is something I have always loved and I eagerly waited with my camera to capture the Lady of Progress as she first showed herself atop the beautiful heritage structure. Imagine my disappointment when I couldn�t see her, and then realized that she was covered for renovation! So much for the desire of lifetime�. But walking through the Azad Maidan filled with youngsters playing cricket at the early hour was a sight to remember� the enthusiasm of the kids was infectious, and I really made the most of it!
The best portion of the three days was the time I spent at Marine Drive , just sitting and watching the waves in between completing the assignments I had been given... Here are a few shots of the most beautiful stretch of sea and road in Bombay
P.S. If you want to know more about the Landmark Forum, check out the following websites:
