ELENA'S NEWSLETTER - 2024 No. 09

This month: Elements of Persuasion Used in Cults, Authoritarianism, and Trumpism

Oct 02, 2024

In this issue:

- Introduction: Elements of Coercion Used in Cults, Authoritarianism, and Trumpism

- WELL-BEING
* Abracadabra! The Workshop - there’s still time!
* Abracadabra! A Manual for Making Dreams Come True
* Life in Balance

- CREATIVE CORNER
* Behind the Scenes

- RECOMMENDATIONS: Dame Maggie Smith

- Quote: Robert Heinlein

September 28, 2024

You might have noticed that I've included some rather long-form content in the Newsletter of late. That's because I've noticed, if I can believe the MailPoet stats, that not many of you click on the links. (It's entirely possible that it just doesn't record them, but who knows.) And wouldn't you know ... the Newsletter is all about what's in the links! So I'm experimenting with including longer bits of writing in the hope that someone will actually read them 😁.

In this particular issue (only), though, I'm including a bit from a really long article. I'll start it here and give you a link to keep reading. Although it's really long, I hope you will keep reading, since it's about something I think is pretty important right now.

Many years ago I wrote a very long academic research paper about cults and their use of the elements of persuasion. I also experienced a couple of cultish groups myself a couple of decades ago. Over the last eight years or so, I've seen elements of cult-like persuasion used skillfully and repeatedly with the result that a large number of people in our country have been drawn into what is now in essence a cult. The large numbers of people involved in this movement are disturbing. And now that democracy is at risk in our country, it seems crucial for those of us who have anything at all to contribute to speak up. So I wanted to communicate what I saw and what I knew about this particular use of persuasion and the extremely negative effects it can have, and is having, on individuals and on our country.

I started off planning to write a plain-English, popular-style blog post. What I ended up with is written in popular style, but it's over 7,000 words! I honestly have no idea what to do with it, exactly (suggestions welcome!), but what I want most is for you to read it! Yes, even though it's long.

Because there's a lot at stake this November: the future of our country and the world. And I see a large portion of our citizenry under the effect of certain tactics that render them unaware that they're under the effect of those tactics. And that's why I wrote the article (or whatever the heck it is).

Comments about the ideas I share in the article are welcome, as always. Just Reply to this email or Comment on the web blog.

Elements of Persuasion Used in Cults, Authoritarianism, and Trumpism

We live in "interesting times." Fascism is growing around the world, including here at home. Within these fascist elements are groups which seem to feed the fascist flame, authoritarian-type groups we might even think of as cults. Cults and fascists fit like hand and glove. Given the current trend, it makes sense to examine the relationship between cults and authoritarian regimes at this point in time.

I have a decades-long interest in cults and in particular the use of persuasion—I wrote an academic paper about that very topic years ago—and that interest has intensified in recent years as a result of the rise of authoritarianism and fascism, which, in their insidious use of coercion, are in many ways similar to the way in which cults function.

When it became clear to me about eight years ago that in the Trump camp were attempting to steer our government in an authoritarian direction, I was immediately struck by the similarity between cult followers and Trump followers of various stripes, and the correlation between the use of coercion by cult leaders and by Trump. I confess it took me a bit longer to realize that the Trump movement was quite possibly just that: a cult.

In fact, several groups which I believe qualify as cults have arisen in our country which support and contribute to the current rise in authoritarianism and fascism in our country, and, in an unusual turn, those groups have apparently joined forces in what we might refer to as Trumpism in an effort to enforce their brand of fascism on our country and its citizens.

As many in our country and others around the world now seem to be under the sway of a malignant authoritarian influence, becoming aware of the tactics used by these groups is a service to those who might be vulnerable, as well as to those who might be unaware that they are already under the sway of these groups. And, of course, it is essential to the future of democracy in our country that we be aware of, and confront, these forces so that we can counter them. PLEASE CLICK HERE to keep reading.... (pick up on paragraph 6)

WELL-BEING

All things related to health and healing

* ABRACADABRA! The Workshop

There's still time!

The next Abracadabra! Workshop began Monday, but you can still join us.
There is ONE scholarship remaining (i.e., free), and sliding scale is always available for those with financial considerations.

The workshop works magically for visual artists, musicians, writers, dancers, actors, and those in whose lives creative arts play an important part (such as attorneys who write or bankers who dance), as well as those who left a dream behind and want to bring it to life.

Here's what people are saying about the Abracadabra! Workshop:

The class was very helpful and I credit the workshop with enabling me to have the belief that I could sell expensive paintings ... as I sold a painting of mine for over $800 for the very first time by the end of the class. I became extremely productive and have been able to better question my choices in terms of how they will contribute to my intention instead of scattering my energies too thinly. And now I'm getting ready for my biggest art opening to date! I got a great deal out of the workshop.
~ Steevie Jane Parks, PhD, abstract painter and psychologist

This has been a glorious ride and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it. During the workshop a big part of my Intention was realized when I was accepted by an exciting New York City arts alliance to be part of a group art show. I will very happily share the workshop as I truly believe real magic happens here.
~ Jirair Tcholakian, painter and photographer

This workshop was transformational for me! I now feel 'permission' to 'think big' and more fully embrace grander goals and dreams. The workshop helped me to think in a different way about my relationship with my art. I also look forward to working further with my avatar in the future. I truly appreciate having had this opportunity!
~ Pamela Paine, PhD, psychologist and visual artist

You get 12 weeks of guided email lessons with action prompts; weekly check-ins with the group; personal coaching from me; total access to me for questions and support; 4 group video meetings; sharing of other group members; and access to methods and information I don't share publicly. Graduates gain access to other resources. The workshop works with any schedule and in any corner of the world. You also get a free copy of the book!

There's still time to sign up for the Abracadabra! Workshop, which begins today. If you want to take advantage of a reduced price, don't click; email me directly.

* ABRACADABRA!
A Manual for Making Dreams Come True

Would you like to be more effective at translating dreams and ideas into reality?
The chapters of this book are a blueprint that will accompany and support you on your personal journey to making your unique dreams come true. Most importantly, if you do the work of this book, it works. Go ahead. Reach for the stars ... and grab them!

Here's what readers are saying about the book:

This book is great! Sound and wise advice with clear instructions. Brilliant.
~ Llorraine Neithardt

Abracadabra! is a great book to read and engage in if you want to make your fondest dreams come true. Greco, in an organized fashion, lays out step by step what to do to reach your goals. It's easy and fun to read and for the price of a latte will provide you with invaluable guidance.
~ Denise Beck-Clark

Click below to view, purchase or review the book (please give me a rating or review!):

ABRACADABRA!
A Manual for Making Dreams Come True

Abracadabra! 🎩🐇

* LIFE IN BALANCE

LIFE IN BALANCE (Elena's Substack) is a multi-part series exploring health: what it really is, how to get it and how to maintain it, easily and naturally.
Subscribe for free receive the latest series posts. I'll be resuming this series in October. If you haven't begun to read about this all-important topic yet, get started!

Life in Balance

CREATIVE CORNER

All things related to creativity and the creative arts

* BEHIND THE SCENES

BEHIND THE SCENES (click to read) is a peak behind the curtain of self-producing an album. The stories and information are relevant to almost any music production, whether recording or performing.
Subscribe for free receive the latest series posts.
If you haven't been reading this series, this is a good time to catch up! I'll be picking up on it again in October, so stay tuned for new posts....
BEHIND THE SCENES