After replying earlier today, I realized that I read a few on-line forums for various reasons... Besides this one, I also read --
http://www.seducersworld.com/ :: A very different outlook on social seduction. Reading through this, it shows how individuals are easily persuaded once someone has emotionally engaged you; regardless of their emotional engagement - only the insinuation or inference of such. It follows how easily these same principles are applied on a grander scale in corporations, religions, and governments.
http://groups.msn.com/NarcissismSupportGroupMoralandSpiritualStruggle/home.msnw and many related links :: During my healing process, I have found that no matter what I say or how I express it ultimately my internal struggle still feels chaotic and unexplainable. This site and related discussions on living with a Narcissist are very insightful and validating concerning these feelings. Although, again, the topics are typically related to social and intimate relationships ( as in marriage or dating ), I have concluded for myself that there is no relationship any more social or intimate than a) the relationship a child is supposed to have with a parent [ I use intimate in the form of emotional closeness and bonding - not sensual or sexual ] and b) our spiritual journey on earth. I was raised by parents that followed the JW line, yet hyporcritically did whatever pleased themselves when nobody (atleast nobody outside the clique) was watching. Thake that relationship and build upon the dynamics of a religion that engages the deepest of emotions (love of our family) in the subtle form of "you shall be shunned if you cross the line"... and you have the makings of being raised, nurtured, and supported in a narcisstic community that only cares about 1 thing -- establishing control.
http://home.earthlink.net/~nlper999/intronlp.html :: No online forums, but a couple of newsletters and lots of sites discussing NLP and Hynosis. This link is an intro for those interested. Again, my search takes me down the slippery slope of "Language"... In contrast, a number of the techniques discussed in these articles are what other people classify as "emotional blackmail"... One of the rare examples of a practitioner in this field whom I don't believe exploited was Milton Erickson, one of the founding fathers of Modern Hypnosis. The research in this area of cognition is extensive and has led to an understanding behind much of the "chinese brainwashing" and other cult style teaching techniques.
http://www.the600club.com/forum.php - A forum for Satanic followers. I find it healthy to maintain contrasting points of views. This site is interesting with respect to unrelated topics such as politics and social phobia. Mostly a younger crowd, but I have met one ExJW on this forum. The language he used when discussing sex hit a nerve, so I emailed and asked... sure enough, he was raised a JW and still struggling with his sexuality. Satanism allows him to combat his demons by swinging the pendulum to the opposite side.
I have also stumbled across a few personal blogs that I enjoy reading -- they seem "real", struggling with career or class decisions, sharing their version of humor, and so on... Someone elses form of self-help and growth.
What forums or online newsletters appeal to you ? and why ?
one_ugly_time * wondering if am I the voyeur or are they the exhibitionist *
Hi jgnat... feels good to be here. I signed in the day the server was being moved and just about had a coronary, I thought it was GONE. My 1st thought was Simon moved to Canada -- then I just figured that the big bad WTBTS planted a worm in the core of Simons garden... I knew he would resist all temptations and resurrect this place. Anyway, that will teach me to stay away for too long at a time.