Monday, September 24, 2007

PSI Seminars - My Weekend of Discovery

When my staff partner and I opened the doors on the September Basic PSI Seminar, we saw a lobby full of nervous, apprehensive people. From all walks of life – real estate agents, mothers, constructions workers, nurses, teachers, retirees, teenagers –they filed quietly into the auditorium. PSI doesn’t advertise so the students were there on the recommendations of friends, family, or business colleagues.

They were nervous and frankly a little scared because the Basic Seminar isn’t easily described or encapsulated in a brochure. It’s an experience. And as I watched the weekend unfold, I was reminded that the individual experiences are as unique as blades of grass in a field . The “ah-ha” moments the previous students discovered might be completely lost on this newcomer. By Sunday night the mood changed completely and each one left with a proven set of tools for reaching their goals, a deeply personal inventory of themselves, and a renewed excitement about the future.
They came in looking isolated and left with hugs. We had to shoo them out of the auditorium because they were having so much fun exchanging email addresses with eighty plus new friends. They left knowing that the aloness they’d felt before was just an illusion. We are all connected.

This morning I discovered a quote from a graduate named Mark Montoya. He said this about PSI Seminars - “Crucial to my development as an adult and a successful sales and marketing professional was my enrollment in the PSI Seminars, a series of seminars that empower people to change their lives. Attending the PSI Seminars helped me hone my leadership skills, understand the importance of goal setting, expand my capacity for success, and develop real integrity.”

I witnessed the transformations and empowerment Mark spoke of. I watched as, in a safe environment, the students won back lost integrity and self respect, taking personal responsibility for their lives. They set goals for the future. This was like a foreign language to many of them. Decades had passed since one woman had dared to dream of anything for herself. I listened as they shared about their lives, each story resonating with me and others in the room. A few brave souls allowed people to really KNOW them for the first time in their lives.

As a volunteer staff person, I took part in the exercises, too, giving me the opportunity to do the personal work again and set my own 90 day goal. I took a clear look at where I am and the greatest clarifier was the students. I uncovered my answers through their stories and my interactions with them during the exercises.

All of them are awesome, wondrous human beings. I’d love to have a big party and invite the whole group! Helping out with a personal growth class or any personal development work you believe in is a gratifying way to make a difference in the world. Take someone you care about to a church retreat or tell them about a support group that worked for you and accompany them there. Go with friends to see leaders who motivate you or get an extra ticket and invite that person at work you hardly talk to. Give back to them some of the valuable information that’s been passed on to you. Better yet, go learn a new concept together!

15 comments:

Heather said...

this sounds like an amazing experience. There is nothing more exciting than living in the middle of an a-ha moment. :)

Lisa McGlaun said...

Heather,

I did this seminar about 4 years ago and it had such a positive impact on my life. I think it's safe to say that my youngest child would not be here without what I learned from those few days.

Cape Ann Auction said...

Great post and review of an important seminar.
I often tell my children the way to gain power, real power worth having, is to help someone else.
There is no better rush a human being can feel than when they've done something kind for someone.
Thanks for the great blog.

La delirante said...

Hello Lisa,

Sorry I hadn't been able to come and check your always so interesting posts. I have been terribly busy at work :( which hasn't allowed me to post on my blog or visit my friends' blogs either.

I enjoyed your post and it is nice to hear what a great positive impact it has had on your life. I am currently reading something which is very interesting and it is aimed to boost my optimism as sometimes (and throughout my life) I can lose perspective and miss seeing the positive and bright side of everything.

Thanks for sharing,

Lisa McGlaun said...

Wally,

Thanks. I think the work that PSI does is very important. I'm planning to go on a weeks vacation (working vacation) to their next advanced seminar. I'm looking forward to the physical challenges, much like the team building excercises done with programs like Outward Bound.

Exciting stuff!

Thanks for commenting,
Lisa

Lisa McGlaun said...

Dear Wen,

I'm happy to see comments from you whenever you can drop by. When life is so busy something has to give. Hope things are moving at a better pace for you now.

I like to read books designed to help me along the path to personal growth. One of the best was Anatomy of Peace and another was In the Meantime. Great books.

Talk to you soon..hugs,
Lisa

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Anonymous said...

looks like someone is afraid of the truth, huh LISA????

Lisa McGlaun said...

Craig,

I'm not afraid of anything, especially where you are concerned.

When you actually attend a PSI seminar so that the thoughts you are posting are your own then I will be happy to leave your comment on MY blog.

The comments I deleted were regurgitated garbage from an anonymous poster on another website. They have been cut and pasted (just as you did here) so many times it's ridiculous.

Your problem is with me not PSI. Try to deal with your anger problem in a more mature manner. Wasting your time with stunts like this is silly, even for you.

Have a blessed night,
Lisa

Anonymous said...

Are you guys a cult? It seems like Scientology Lite to me...

Lisa McGlaun said...

Dear Anony,

PSI is not a cult. It always amazes me when someone says this.

Peace,
Lisa

Renae said...

I attended a PSI event in May. I am staffing one starting today and my husband is attending. It has changed my life. =) My friend doubled her income in her 90 day goal...amazing stuff.