Donna
05-29-2007, 10:26 AM
Dear All,
Starting 11 June, I would like to host an exploration into self development as a parent here on this Forum. I think I will put it in the Personal Development section as it does not need to be grounded in anthroposophy (nor does it have to necessarily do with the philosophy behind Waldorf!).
I had quite a job figuring out how to frame this - and I am ok if we go quite a different direction to that which I outline below. I just feel one needs some sort of framework or else one can drift all over the place!
I have pulled this together based on my perception of people's interest based on my conversations during workshops and consultations and through discussions we've had here and on the old yahoo group. I want EVERYONE to feel able to contribute - and I sincerely hope that people will share from their own differing religious and spiritual perspectives - or non religious perspectives! I also want to go lightly on the anthroposophy - again, so anyone can join in (thus again why this won't be on the anthroposophical section of the forum).
But... as I am an anthroposophist and this Forum does, after all, have something to do with the work of Rudolf Steiner (! ) - that is the framework which I will be working from. The following is based on some of Steiner's recommended spiritual exercises - some of which are based on the Buddhist Eightfold Path. I also wanted to hone in on this question of discerning the essential from the non essential - a major theme in Schmidt-Brabant's Spiritual Task of the Homemaker.
So here's the schedule. You'll note I only put dates for the first three topics - I want to be able to play it by ear a bit and see where all this takes us:
Week 1 (11 June) General discussion on meditation and prayer; listening within; how do people do this; questions; how to pray/meditate in the midst of a hectic life
Week2 (25 June) Quiet - inner and outer - amidst family!
Week 3 (2 July) Discerning the essential from the non essential
Week 4 (16 July) Looking for the good and transforming the negative in everyday life
Week 5 How do I attain self-confidence?
(6 Aug) How do I attain presence of mind?
(13 Aug) Right Speech, Right Deed (acting with purpose and from my center) and Right Memory (learning from the past)
(20 Aug) discussion on artistic work to extend what we do and summing up
Weaving through all this are the qualities of Tolerance, Patience, Kindness, Perseverance and the biggie - Forgiveness. Can we be mindful of those qualities as we strive to work with the above program?
I would really appreciate any feedback on this! And please do invite friends to join us for this special summer study. Lastly, I have written some background to this on my blog http://christopherushomeschool.typepad.com/blog/2007/05/self_developmen.html
Best wishes - and hope everyone joins us - lurkers are always welcome!!:)
Donna
Starting 11 June, I would like to host an exploration into self development as a parent here on this Forum. I think I will put it in the Personal Development section as it does not need to be grounded in anthroposophy (nor does it have to necessarily do with the philosophy behind Waldorf!).
I had quite a job figuring out how to frame this - and I am ok if we go quite a different direction to that which I outline below. I just feel one needs some sort of framework or else one can drift all over the place!
I have pulled this together based on my perception of people's interest based on my conversations during workshops and consultations and through discussions we've had here and on the old yahoo group. I want EVERYONE to feel able to contribute - and I sincerely hope that people will share from their own differing religious and spiritual perspectives - or non religious perspectives! I also want to go lightly on the anthroposophy - again, so anyone can join in (thus again why this won't be on the anthroposophical section of the forum).
But... as I am an anthroposophist and this Forum does, after all, have something to do with the work of Rudolf Steiner (! ) - that is the framework which I will be working from. The following is based on some of Steiner's recommended spiritual exercises - some of which are based on the Buddhist Eightfold Path. I also wanted to hone in on this question of discerning the essential from the non essential - a major theme in Schmidt-Brabant's Spiritual Task of the Homemaker.
So here's the schedule. You'll note I only put dates for the first three topics - I want to be able to play it by ear a bit and see where all this takes us:
Week 1 (11 June) General discussion on meditation and prayer; listening within; how do people do this; questions; how to pray/meditate in the midst of a hectic life
Week2 (25 June) Quiet - inner and outer - amidst family!
Week 3 (2 July) Discerning the essential from the non essential
Week 4 (16 July) Looking for the good and transforming the negative in everyday life
Week 5 How do I attain self-confidence?
(6 Aug) How do I attain presence of mind?
(13 Aug) Right Speech, Right Deed (acting with purpose and from my center) and Right Memory (learning from the past)
(20 Aug) discussion on artistic work to extend what we do and summing up
Weaving through all this are the qualities of Tolerance, Patience, Kindness, Perseverance and the biggie - Forgiveness. Can we be mindful of those qualities as we strive to work with the above program?
I would really appreciate any feedback on this! And please do invite friends to join us for this special summer study. Lastly, I have written some background to this on my blog http://christopherushomeschool.typepad.com/blog/2007/05/self_developmen.html
Best wishes - and hope everyone joins us - lurkers are always welcome!!:)
Donna