A new idea

[rbhambha]

I'm new here, so first off I want to say hello to everyone

I'm currently a college student starting my 3rd year at The University of Texas at Austin. I'm a Business Honors/Finance major at the McCombs School of Business. Getting into this program was once my proudest accomplishment. However, over the last two years I'd like to say I've been experiencing a progressive awakening (yes, a long one!). Every few weeks I feel like my eyes are opening wider to my true potential and to the true nature of reality. This website has been a significant facilitator of my awakening process. Now, I'm trying to identify the best way to put my talents to use. I feel like this forum will be greatly beneficial in my process of personal growth. I'm glad to be a part of the community, and am excited to meet the many conscious members of this forum!

Over the past 2 years, like many others, I've realized that my purpose has to be something greater than serving myself. I'm a self-development junkie, and love to read anything I can get my hands on. Implementing these new concepts in my life is always invigorating. I love to share everything I learn with my friends who are willing to listen. Many of them experience awakenings similar to mine, and it's the greatest feeling in the world. So I got to thinking, how can I get in touch with a greater amount of people who are willing to open their minds and eyes at my university? I thought about it for a while and I came up with the idea of a self-development discussion group.

The group would discuss topics from how to communicate effectively, all the way on how to be successful with women and dating and everything in between. All of the members will be given a reading list, and we will read one book at a time and discuss our thoughts and perspectives on the concepts presented in these books. This way we can grow together, and new ideas can spur off of discussion. I think this will be a great opportunity to make friends with other conscious human beings who are interested in conscious growth. What do you all think of this idea? Any suggestions? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Rahul

[Livgivare]

Wow, what a great idea. Go for it, ask the pricipal and make it happen. Just a tiny suggestion, don't make it sound too new-age! The best thing is to just make people feel at home no matter what they believe in (ie religion and such). But I guess this could be the best thing the school has got to get in a very many years. Try to reach those who are really in need of it!

[Addict]

If you do decide to do this, try not to make things too pushy. Don't recruit people too aggressively and try to keep a comfortable atmosphere. A lot of people are already wary of self development. Also, cults can be a big problem on college campuses, seriously.

Maybe I'm just rambling about nothing. I guess it's because I'm reminded of this group on my campus called the "self knowledge symposium." It is essentially a cult and I have heard a lot of bad stories about it. I'm sure it was well-intentioned at one point.

[Zukin]

Hi Rahul, that's a great idea!

Are there any existing personal development discussion groups or clubs at your university, or in the larger Austin area? You can also check Craigslist, or send out an invitation there when you set up your group.

[Shamou]

That's a great concept rbhambha... I wish you the very best... I can predict right now that you will go far... and that your successes will be many... more power to you...
.

[rbhambha]

Thanks for all of your input!

Shamou, I'll continue to do my best so I don't let you down

I'm thinking of keeping this group comfortable and open to discussion. I don't plan on teaching anything. I plan on being a part of the discussion just like everyone else, and we will discuss practical concepts which can be applied in day to day life. Maybe as we progress we can touch on deeper concepts. But, like you all have suggested, the focus will be helping everyone feel comfortable with the environment.

[rbhambha]

And Zukin, I don't think there is anything like this at my University as of right now. I'll be sure to check craigslist. Thanks for the suggestion

[openeyes]

Originally Posted by Addict

If you do decide to do this, try not to make things too pushy. Don't recruit people too aggressively and try to keep a comfortable atmosphere.

It's funny, just when you mentioned the above part I wondered if you knew about SKS, having been around Raliegh/NC State. It's here (UNC) as well. I'd love to hear your stories, feel free to PM me. It's interesting to see someone else mention it (they're infamous at this point I suppose, with their sales techniques backfiring).

I second keeping a light, friendly atmosphere.

[Rose of Cairo]

Sounds like a men-only-club to me, although you didn't say that explicitely... Why don't you also discuss ways to be successful with men and invite girls to join too? That would be an interesting input, especially when discussing communication issues.

my 2 cents

[rbhambha]

I can see how it came off that way, although I did not intend it to come off that way at all. Of course we will cover topics which can be both applied to men and women. Maybe just relationships overall. Thanks for your input

[Rose of Cairo]

Gee! I'm becoming more and more a feminist in this forum! Before joining, I didn't even know I am one... Now I see discrimination everywhere