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Interesting. I wonder if this is resurfacing as a response to people turning to self-help groups because of the economy? Or something else?

I've read about groups that encourage partner exploration before, but actual swapping seems a bit beyond what you would find in your average self-help group. Unless they are trying to get people to explore their own identities away from their spouse, which is probably a line where the individual person ought to be able to say "No" on their own without having to be told this over the pulpit. Weird indeed.

It would be nice to see a pattern here, because for now it seems rather opaque to me.

honorentheos wrote:Interesting. I wonder if this is resurfacing as a response to people turning to self-help groups because of the economy? Or something else?

I've read about groups that encourage partner exploration before, but actual swapping seems a bit beyond what you would find in your average self-help group. Unless they are trying to get people to explore their own identities away from their spouse, which is probably a line where the individual person ought to be able to say "No" on their own without having to be told this over the pulpit. Weird indeed.

It would be nice to see a pattern here, because for now it seems rather opaque to me.

I do not remember the wording exactly but those specific details I mentioned were included. Some people hearing them on the stand looked somewhat shocked. While there may be some self-awareness groups that follow these methods, I believe they only brought them up to scare-off members from even exploring the option of seeking help for emotional or self esteem type issues.

Except for the guy on the stand who is probably searching for a phone number right now to get this type of help.

That's an interesting thought. If they exaggerated what was actually going on then I find that dishonest. I would think for the FP to send it out there has to be at least one credible case where this did occur. I would be surprised if there wasn't some level of fact checking for anything at this level to be approved. But is it likely to be wide spread? Hah. There is probably more than just the one brother on the stand hoping so...

Well I live right in the heart of the Mormon Corridor not far from the Nightlion AppleRock and I have not heard of such self-awareness activities that included late night partner swapping in this area.

While I am sure there are some self-awareness groups out there that condone this activity I believe the issue at hand is the FP does not want people finding out why they believe the things in which they do believe. I think uncovering these things may do harm to a person's faith and testimony.

As for the late night partner swapping comments, I think this was thrown into the description of self-awareness only to scare people away from any such activity. They might have discouraged more people if they had said that it includes Electro-Shock therapy.

Self Awareness groups have been growing in popularity...especially in Utah. One example is Impact Training:
http://www.impacttrainings.com/

The letter read in Sacrament meeting is factually accurate, every point in the letter hit some aspect of the training. The threat to the church is that during the course of the training the participants reach self awareness while being free of guilt or pressure and it is very liberating. In addition, the course is open to anyone so folks from many different backgrounds attend (including gay couples) and during the training the participants become very close friends. This too is liberating as the individuals/couples share their inner feelings in a way not typically experienced at church. Participants come away feeling peaceful, less judgmental and less stressed. These are the experiences my extended family members shared with me (they have gone through the Impact Training and greatly enjoyed it). Unfortunately, he was just called into the Bishop's office to discuss his involvement with this group. More to come...

My wife and I attended a marriage therapy group (fully sanctioned and recommended by the church) and it was very similar to the Impact Trainings (and unfortunately fits the description read in Sacrament Meeting). I think these are simply therapy sessions meant to help the participants but when the results are much better than those achieved through church attendance, the resulting conclusion is obvious. I am sorry to see the church attacking this (as they have gay marriage).

The second letter read over the pulpit dealt with greatly increased correspondence resulting from Boyd K. Packer's comments in Conference about those who are gay not being born that way.

The letter which was read in church somewhat described a group that condoned late night get togethers with touching others invovled. While I am certain that there are some groups such as this, I believe this was a general warning for all to not seek for help outside of the church. The other letter which was read had more to do with members seeking wisdom and help regarding doctrine from local leaders.

Bottom line: Turn to local leaders for any and all of your problems.

I'm aware of a couple of "self help" groups that, while they may meet early in the morning and into the night, disclose personal information, even have retreats etc., the "pairing" is not sexual in nature. It may consist of going to lunch with a member of the opposite sex with an assignment to discuss a particular self development topic, or finding someone to whom you are attracted and complimenting them on why they are attractive to you, etc. (I've seen these groups in California and Seattle).

While I personally am not a fan of this type of thing, (I think it would be much better for a couple to share this together), I don't see this as swinging or partner swapping. ;-)


~td~

Simon Belmont wrote:

Wisdom Seeker wrote:Letter was read during SM warning members about self-awareness groups. The look on the face of some on the stand were quite animated when they basically said that these self awareness groups encourage late-night early-morning meetings, encouraging husband and wife to be paired with other parties and physical contact among participants.

While most on the stand were raising eyebrows and looking basically disgusted or confused, one guy looked like, he desired a little self-awareness.

I have never heard of such self-awareness groups asking participants to do anything but to explore one's feelings and understand why they think and believe the way they do.

My question is: Is this really a problem for LDS memebers to be joinging self-awareness groups, or is this just a warning for LDS members to not seek answers from anyone but the Bishop in regards to their feelings??

There you go with the offensive avatar again. I thought we worked this out.

Is this really better?

http://lds.org/messages/images/fr08apr12_sharing.jpg

Edit: Dayam, what are they teaching the children?!? From that site: "Doctrine and Covenants 21:5 states, "For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth." This scripture teaches you that the prophet will always say what Heavenly Father wants you to know. The prophet will always show you the way to live so that you can return to Heavenly Father someday."


http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,2 ... -1,00.html

Simon Belmont wrote:I have never heard of a "self awareness group."

Wow, Simon! You've lobbed us a slowball there. I'm tempted to say "that's obvious", but it's just too easy a retort :).

simbone wrote: "I have never heard of a "self awareness group."

"There."
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One more indication just how far away from The Brethren and their teaching you really are boy. The First Presidency is on it and you are out of the county watching your toenail paint flake or something.