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I noticed someone recently asked for help getting out of the Way. This is a generic reply to that question, without regard to any individual set of circumstances. I call it: The Law of Be-Leaving. It works like this: If you Be-Leave, then you have to act like it. You know why I don't attend Scientology meetings? It's real simple: I am not a Scientologist. So I don't attend their meetings. That's right. It's that simple. The law of Be-Leaving is the greatest law in the world. Check your mailbox. Quick. Seriously, go outside right now and check your mailbox. Is there a check from me in your mailbox? No! Why not? Because I don't owe you any money. That's right! So why does TWI get a check from you? You are free! Stop sending them your money. Stop going to their meetings. It's the law of Be-Leaving! If you Be-Leaving, act like you Be-Gone! And you will be!

What I realize now is that there was two different categories in my relationships - and it was a distinction between who I wanted to hang out with [friends I chose] and those I had to be with - the rest of believers - fellowship - folks TWI preferred I be with. As the years went on - I so looked forward to non-TWI get-togethers when I could hang out with friends - they were TWI believers of course, and they were mostly serving in some kind of leadership capacity also, all of us advancing in the TWI hierarchy at more or less the same time. We could let it all hang out - even complain about stuff. Ya gotta have a way to let off steam. Those were the times I hold in fond memory - the good times & bad times that we experienced together - what true friends do - with each other through thick & thin. Running fellowships was a lot of work - having to be with people that I would never choose to be with.So being with friends was a real treat for me. genuine friendships just happen - something that comes naturally - and Tonto and I only had a handful of friends.I feel most relationships in TWI were artificial - arranged - maybe even "forced". But genuine friendships can develop out of any situation - something we all need being the social creatures that we are.

Fear is Be-Leaving in a verse - out of context where it's been abused before.

I think I may just be in a foul mood. . . . or feeling completely antagonistic . . . . but, a friend or two from the way daze doesn't seem out of the realm of possibility. That being said. . . . I do think brainfixed points out a really valid distinction between the perception some may have of their time in a cult to the actual events and overall reality of what we were a part of. . . . basing "fellowship" and "friendship" around an idea that never really was. The "Word". . . Moving the "Word" . . . and serving some "Greater good". Breaking it down. . .the "Word" taught was a lie. . . . "Moving the word" meant lining TWI's coffers by selling a class and indoctrinating new recruits . . . . and "Serving" meant within the extremely limiting parameter of "The Word" . . . you were a workhorse to the "Household". I know some rebels did step beyond the parameters and actually help others with real problems. Sadly. . . . that was the rare exception and they usually had to break the rules to do so. For me, and in my opinion, what probably IS a good example of some sort of delusional collective memory and yearning for bygone "fellowship" and "friendship" sometimes articulated here . . . . is that Way Corps Only site. From what I can glean, because hubby refuses to join, is that it is filled with the collective nostalgia and revisionist history of days gone by, laced with a fair amount elitism added for the complete nostalgic experience. However, that is only a guess from threads here, Penwork's article, and others posts. Offshoots are another example. People perpetuating the fantasy of Moving the Word, Fellowship, and Service. Learn the gospel and go on missions if that is what you want to do! Or, do relief work. . . if you want to make a difference. . . . feed a hungry belly. So, is there anyone here I missed? Or have I offended just about everyone?