Practicing

This course will explore the role that difficulties and challenges (including trauma) play in our lives, and how we can transition from seeing them as experiences to be avoided, to experiences that can be embraced. Difficulties and challenges provide incredible opportunity for soul and spiritual growth and strengthening. This way of engaging with life requires a radical shift of perspective. We’ll navigate this shift with the help of the Seven Life Processes, which we all carry within us. First described by Rudolf Steiner, and developed through the work of Coenraad van Houten, these Life Processes can provide a foundation and a support for the process of transformation that Life/Spirit is continually inviting us to undertake. As we gradually accomplish a shift in perspective, and begin to accept the need for transformation, then we find that we can meet all that life brings to us, with gratitude and with grace.

This course is for those who wish to deepen their understanding of biography work and develop capacity in working with individuals one-to-one, or I-being to I-being. We will address common presenting needs (grief, low mood, subtle and dramatic shifts in relationship, work, health, etc.) through the lens of anthroposophy, working with such themes as the three worlds, the twelve senses, love or “the capacity to enter into the soul of another,” the new spirituality of our time; and through practices, for example, Goethean observation, the Raphael Imagination, night work. This course may serve as a practicum for those formally trained in Biography work, perhaps those who are sufficiently self-trained as well. Participation will require working out of one’s own biography—“self-knowledge as instrument” will be our foundation. Ideally, participants will feel a deep sense of responsibility for Biography work and be serious about contributing to this area of practice.

Currently open to new members – please join us!

The Research Circle first formed in May 2023 and has explored a number of ways of working as a circle of colleagues. A key and constant question has been, “What is the nature of spiritual research and how is it practiced?” Going forward, members will be encouraged to take up their own individual research project related to Biography work. (Think loosely and openly about what “research project” means. It could range from developing a library of prompts to exploring new avenues or outlets for Biography work to working with a burning personal question or interest.) The Research Circle will serve as a vehicle to consult with colleagues and to provide accountability. As a result of this shared commitment, our foremost hope is to inform the practical activity of Biography work. We see this as the primary purpose of research. In addition, we hope to expand and deepen understanding of Biography work; develop skills; strengthen collegial relationships; and become a visible presence in the biography and social art community, as well as the broader anthroposophical community. Guidance will be provided and dialogue will be centered around process. We will encourage particular focus on changes wrought in the researcher as we move along this path together.