Awakening to Community of the Future

Angela Foster and Tess Parker

Have you ever been in a circle and wanted to share, but then thought: “Maybe I shouldn’t speak up, someone else will say something more intelligent or more relevant—so I will just hold back.” What would happen if you changed this thought pattern? Could you be part of building a more inclusive anthroposophical community for the future? We say yes!

We want to encourage everyone to feel that we all have an equal place in this web of connection. We want to build a network that reflects the living experience that every voice and contribution matters to the whole.

Yet the one has no meaning without the many who live around him. Slender indeed are the roots that bind man to physical existence, without the others around him. — “Truth Beauty and Goodness,” Rudolf Steiner, GA 220, January 19,1923, Dornach

How can we host this collective and inclusive conversation? A conversation held by each participant so presently, so authentically, that what is spoken and thought by one person does not belong to the individual alone but to the whole organism. This wholeness does not mean that everyone is the same, but that there is a coherent space in the circle for each individual.

It also does not suppose that there is one expert, or authority on any given subject. In holding this and transforming the tension of expert/non-expert, something can begin to break open. Can we start to see the value of every individual’s perspective—as shaped and forged by each unique biography?

We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.

This phrase, often attributed to the Hopi Elders’ Prophecy, speaks volumes to a kind of folk revival needed for the anthroposophical movement. We may sometimes defer our will to another, thinking they know best. But there is no one else but you, no time else but now.

We all have something of value to add to the ongoing conversation. We all have something to contribute to the renewal and recommitment to a living anthroposophy.

At our recent Annual Conference in Washington, DC, we gathered under the heading of “Enkindling Connections: And the Heart Rose.” One of our most potent activities was an hour when we heard from twelve different individuals who hosted the question: “What does anthroposophy need for the future, and how will I contribute?”

The twelve voices sounded from twelve individual perspectives and were heard by many receptive hearts. We are grateful to the twelve souls who so bravely shared their voices and points of view. You can watch the recordings on our YouTube channel (anthroposophy.org/youtube) and we hope you will consider how you would answer the same question.

In addition to voicing our perspective, we can reflect on what others share, allow it to weave into our own being, and then reflect it back again artistically. The following is one example of this process; a poem created by Angela Foster from words heard in these twelve presentations.

Essentials from a Constellation of Twelve Voices

What does Anthroposophy need to thrive for the next 100 years? Enthusiasm

What does Anthroposophy need to thrive for the next 100 years? Truth

What does Anthroposophy need to thrive for the next 100 years? Vulnerability

We are the ones we have been waiting for. Be awake to NOW. The answer is HERE. Open to the Other.

Live in the polarities, the in-between, the middle Answer the knock on your heart… so that… We can build a science of LOVE (not power).

Can we Open the door for the Other BEFORE it is even knocked on?

Friends,

with

Participation

and

Facilitation

and the help of

Time, Space, and Matter:

we will Rise Above the Noise.

In shaping events and programs for the Anthroposophical Society in America, it is our mission to create opportunities that inspire participation, truth, vulnerability—enkindling both connections and enthusiasm.

We are blessed by many who have done deep work and research. As we highlight the words of those who are carrying this work very deeply, thoughtfully, and lovingly, it is our hope to spark that commitment wherever anthroposophy is living. Ask yourself, what is it you wish to bring forward into the future? And, what are you waiting for?