Last month, eleven men from around the globe gathered at Fair Oak Farm in Mayfield, England, for the Powerful Men's Immersion (PMI), a transformative retreat led by life coach Ankush Jain. The retreat, set in a converted farm, offered a serene backdrop for participants to disconnect from their daily environments and reconnect with their true selves. Attendees from diverse countries, including the Philippines, India, North America, and Europe, shared private quarters or stayed in unique accommodations like the Grand Eco Lodge Tree House, enhancing their immersive experience.
The PMI provided a safe space for men to discuss topics often considered taboo, such as emotional vulnerability, fear of failure, and struggles with intimacy. Through the guidance of Ankush and his team, participants co-created a supportive environment where they openly shared their feelings and experiences, fostering deep connections and ongoing support through monthly online meetings. This immersion into self-discovery and communal bonding was a life-changing experience for all involved.
A unique aspect of the retreat was the presence of two alpacas grazing outside one participant's balcony. These alpacas served as a metaphor for life's constant presence and the daily choice to create meaningful experiences. This "Alpaca Distinction" encouraged participants to reflect on whether they would align with or resist life's circumstances. The retreat concluded with all men feeling transformed, empowered by the realization that they could actively shape their lives and no longer be victims of circumstance.
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In 2005, I did the Landmark Forum, which is to say I participated in a three-day inquiry into what it means to be. One of the key distinctions of the Landmark technology is “Already Always Listening.”
Already Always Listening distinguishes a person's perception of events and people as a function of their listening rather than being sourced—influenced—by the people and events themselves.
Imagine you're a real estate agent, and you've been working in the industry for several years. Over time, you've developed certain perceptions about different types of clients based on past experiences. For instance, you might believe that first-time homebuyers are often indecisive and overly cautious, making the buying process longer and more challenging.
One day, a young couple contacts you about buying their first home. Before meeting them, your "Already Always Listening" kicks in, and you expect them to be hesitant and unsure of what they want. This perception influences how you interact with them from the start. You might unconsciously steer the conversation in a way that assumes their indecisiveness or overwhelm them with too much information, trying to preempt their perceived need for extra guidance.
However, this couple turns out to be well-researched, confident, and clear about their needs and budget. Because of your Already Always Listening—preconceptions—you initially miss out on recognizing and leveraging their readiness and decisiveness, which could have made the process smoother and more efficient for both parties.
By becoming aware of your "Already Always Listening," you can consciously approach each new client without these automatic judgments. This fresh perspective allows you to listen more openly and respond to their needs and behaviors rather than your preconceived notions. Doing so enhances your effectiveness as a real estate agent and improves client satisfaction.
Thrownness
I have another distinction to introduce you to: “Thrownness.” Thrownness refers to the concept that individuals are born into a set of circumstances and conditions they did not choose, such as their family, culture, historical period, and socioeconomic status. These pre-existing conditions shape their experiences, perspectives, and behaviors, influencing how they are in the world. It is where their Already Always Listening begins to develop.
Understanding Thrownness helps individuals recognize the factors beyond their control that have impacted their lives and encourages them to consciously navigate and respond to these influences.
Here’s an example of Thrownness: Imagine two nearly identical situations. A 5-year-old boy and his mom were walking in their backyard when encountering a garden snake. The mother yells, “Snake,” grabs the boy by the arm, and whisks him out of harm’s way and into the house.
In another scenario, a different boy and his mom are exploring their backyard when they encounter a garden snake. The mother, marveling at the snake's beauty, picks it up, shows her son a closer view, and shares some knowledge about snakes. After a few minutes, they put the snake down and continued exploring.
Neither approach to snakes is right nor wrong. However, the boys will grow up with very different views of snakes. These two boys were thrown into their perceptions of life—at least regarding the snake world—and will likely see no other perspective.
By becoming aware of your Already Always Listening and Thrownness, you can let go of the stories you have about people and events. This awareness allows you to be in the realm of what’s so, which is a powerful place to be. From there, you can create new possibilities for your life and see them come to fruition.
I can help you become aware of your Already Always Listening and Thrownness. Let’s talk on my dime and explore the possibilities for your life when you live without preconceived notions. There are many ways to reach me.
I focus on teaching people how to change, not telling them what to change. My approach provides practical models and tools based on the latest neuroscience and biology findings, helping you understand and overcome the challenges of change. This knowledge empowers you to consciously create your desired future and break free from old habits.
Many people believe their thoughts shape their lives but doubt their ability to consciously create their future. With the right tools and understanding, you can overcome these doubts and take control of your future. Change is not only possible, but also within your reach.
In my workshops, you will learn how your environment influences your inner world and how to break free from limiting conditioning. Practical insights into neuroscience and biology will help you understand and manage stress, allowing you to live in a more creative state. Book a 30-minute conversation to see if this workshop suits you and begin your journey to an amazing future.
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Have you ever realized that the qualities you admire in others are already within you? Often, we perceive others as better and feel inferior. By joining a team of transformational instructors, I sought happiness, curiosity, Love, and gratitude—traits I saw in them but soon discovered were within me. Recognizing this has transformed my life. Embrace self-awareness and unlock your potential. Share your thoughts and join the conversation on human potential and evolution.
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To break free from the cycle of limiting beliefs and realize one's full potential, it's essential to become aware of this process and actively engage in altering one’s thoughts. Practicing self-awareness and choosing to think differently can transform one’s personal reality. The post encourages readers to see change as a conscious effort, suggesting that the ability to alter one’s perspective and reactions is within reach, ready to be practiced in everyday situations.
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