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Steiner's American Verse

Rudolf Steiner, 1923
a verse sent to America

International Study Theme for the Year 2009/2010:
Thinking of the Heart
As an Organ of Perception
For Evolution and Metamorphosis

[Partial Description; a full text is here]

There is hardly a subject in Anthroposophy that does not include the theme of evolution, from the development towards a free human being in the great presentation about the evolution of man and the world to Rudolf Steiner’s last great work, the founding of the Free School of Spiritual Science. Ultimately it is all about evolution and self development, one cannot exist without the other! For that reason it is noteworthy that the modern idea of evolution only came about in the late 18th century through Johann Gottfried Herder, Johann Wolfgang Goethe and others.
In recent years the themes of the year were connected with the thinking of the heart. When you try to observe how you take in and think about evolution or metamorphosis, you can discover that much of what Rudolf Steiner describes about the thinking of the heart (March 30, 1910, GA 119, Macrocosm and Microcosm) relates to it. Thinking about evolution is not a logical cause and effect but a sculptural participation that ends with insight into the relationships under consideration. You can experience this in a simple sequence of leaves. In this way we are able to connect with the larger question of evolution.
A theme clearly comes to light that penetrates the whole of anthroposophy regarding the concept of evolution. The future of evolution depends on how human beings give it form out of freedom! This thought about evolution is worthwhile when it finds entrance into our present culture.

For the Collegium of the School of Spiritual Science at the Goetheanum:
Johannes Kühl

FROM VISION TO MISSION

Dear Members & Friends,

As I am writing this letter, Anthroposophy NYC’s beloved townhouse on West 15th Street is undergoing surgery. As a consequence of a blocked outflow pipe during floods that took place during the deluges in the middle of June, some walls and wooden floors suffered considerable damage. Struggles with the demons of the insurance world led to unfortunate delays.

Currently, reconstruction is underway. Floors have been replaced and one bathroom is operational. Although work to repair and expand the kitchen is not finished yet, soon our normally intense levels of activity will be possible. Study groups are resuming their weekly and monthly meetings and through the persistence and perseverance of many people, the New York branch has resisted adversity and kept itself afloat and moving forward.

But what does all this mean? And why do these things happen? What are these adversarial forces that keep bringing obstacles against which we never seem to stop fighting?

As a new member of the Anthroposophical Society, I often wonder what does it mean to be a member? What does my membership require of me? Beyond my good intentions, how do I honor the selfless effort of many others working for me, before me?

As Anthroposophy is getting ready to celebrate her 100th birthday in America next year, I find myself having more questions than answers. What can I do? How can I help? Where am I needed? What genuine spiritual enthusiasm is behind my commitment and my work? What do I do to ensure the continuity of Anthroposophy in the world?

Participating in our programs and activities at the branch, we usually just note the outer trappings of our spiritual quests. But what is essential is that the soul-spiritual nature in you, meets the soul-spiritual nature in me. And through these meetings, the Being of Anthroposophy gets into the world. The building on West 15th Street is more than just a platform. It is the vessel where this wonderful Being exists and nurtures the Spirit into the world. Here the relationship of One with the Other is possible. Self to self engaging through the intermediary of the One.

So next time you ask yourself, what can I do? How can I help? Where am I needed? Think in terms of relationships. How can I help somebody else? Help something that needs to happen? At Michaelmas we celebrate the dying of nature with the awakening of our highest human intentions. And for them to be realized, we need each other. There are many areas in which you are definitely needed at Anthroposophy NYC: participating in study groups, workshops, volunteering in the bookstore, as a support person before or after events. In this, harmony should always be a reachable and workable goal if we keep in mind that the future of Anthroposophy NYC depends on the participation and good will of all its members.

Monica Gonzalez

Click here for previous monthly letters.

Can I become so conscious
of my being –
that I may find myself again
in the urge of my soul
to create?

I feel that I have
borrowed strength
to fit my own self
into the self of the universe –
with humility.

Calendar of the Soul
35th week – December 1–7