Anthroposophy in Hawkes Bay
Newsletter 32-24
Calendar of Coming Events-- Diary Dates
In the Rudolf Steiner Centre, 401 Whitehead Road, Hastings
unless stated otherwise.
- Friday 16 August 7 pm. Exploring the Anthroposophy of Dr. Rudolf Steiner. #5: The Quest for Truth. -- part of the call 'O human being, know thyself'. All welcome
- Friday 23 August 7 p.m. Study: Letter "The Experiences of Michael in the course of his Cosmic Mission: (p76 - 79) and Leading Thoughts 109 - 111
- Sunday, 25th August 5.00p.m. (Note the time) Living on the Pathway towards Death Session 1. Forum with Anthroposophical nurses. See below.
- Sunday, 1st September 3.00 p.m. Living on the Pathway towards Death (Session 2) (Note that the starting time is 3.00 p.m.) Drawing our Lives to a Close.
- Sunday, 8th September 3.00 p.m. Living on the Pathway towards Death (Session 3) When I Die and Caring for Others at the End of Life.
Society Day Saturday 10 August
Yesterday, Michelle Vette, General Secretary, welcomed over 30 members to a Society Day preceding the ASNZ's AGM.
Jocelyn Freeman opened the day by sharing thoughts on the role of the Guardian in our meditative life. One can face challenges/hindrances in creating a peaceful regular space in one's life to contemplate in a meditative way a special mantra or verse or the events in one's life. Such hindrances can include one's health, pain, emotions, drives and instincts, the daily news that one becomes aware, the attacks on our rights by political bodies, hate speech and so on. What was once a careless remark may now be put into a text or tweet and spread via the internet indelibly. We were invited to form small groups to explore what challenges we experienced personally in creating a fruitful meditative life.
After a coffee break, a panel of young people was invited to share what they would like to the next 100 years to look like. They had been given a series of questions beforehand by the moderator, so it as very interesting to see how they processed the task of responding to them, each using modern technology in a positive ways to communicate with others worldwide, even those they had never met personally. To me it showed that the Society needs to consider how it appears from the outside in relation to what it perceives its task to be. A special thanks to the four panelists for sharing their thoughts so openly.
This was followed by a small group discussion based on the sections of the society. This is an area for much further work for this aspect to become really fruitful. In essence, as I see it, the sections are places where people can find mutual support in finding ways of making anthroposophy effective in their work and professional life in interaction with other people. David Seidel announced that there will be a Youth Festival in the Tauranga RS School from 7 to 9 March 2025 to launch a NZ branch of the Youth Section.
After a very tasty lunch (many thanks to Gerrit and Pippa for organising this) two artistic activities were offered to explore the theme of metamorphosis: one by shaping a series of clay lumps into a sequence of related forms; the other using pastel drawing in the drawing of plant forms.
The day concluded with a well-run ASNZ AGM. One point of change to note is that members' financial contributions are handled differently. Contributions to the General Anthroposophical Society [GAS] in Dornach, the world centre is not provided directly by individual members but by the country societies collectively. Individual members contribute to their local branch and their country society only (in our case, the ASNZ). The accountants praised the work of the treasurer, Nic Parkes, in making their work so much easier with well presented financials. Congratulations.
Photos: Bernie Raichle. Text: Robin Bacchus
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Living on the Pathway towards Death
We welcome not only older people to these sessions but anyone who might one day be called upon to be with friends or relatives as their days on earth draw to a close. Please note that this series now concludes with Jocelyn Freeman's contribution.
Sunday, 25th August, at 5.00 p.m. (Note the time)
FORUM with Anthroposophical nurses
For the first of our three sessions, there will be a forum with Anthroposophical nurses who will talk of their experiences when working with people who are nearing death, and with their families and friends.
If you have questions for consideration at this session, please email Bernie or Diana.
There will be hot soup for everyone, followed by the nurses’ contribution. (A koha would be appreciated to help cover food costs)
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Living on the Pathway towards Death - second session
Sunday, 1st September at 3.00 p.m..(Note the starting time )
Caring for Others at the End of Life - exploring the role of the end-of-life doula, with Georgina Langdale.
Georgina helps people navigate life transitions, including the end of life. Inspired by Nature and wisdom of the mystics, she describes her work as ‘earth medicine for the soul’. Published author, artist, reiki master, plant medicine maker, and ordained interfaith minister, Georgina teaches internationally. Before returning to New Zealand in 2011, she worked in the arts, global conversation initiatives, and for the Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew. She founded her company Archeus in 2013 and is currently on a sabbatical from her coaching and guidance work while working on her next book.
Following discussions, there will be hot soup for everyone.
*****
Living on the Pathway towards Death - third session
Sunday, 8th September, 3.00p.m. (Note the starting time)
When I Die - with Kathryn Perks
After we die, there are many important tasks that have to be carried out, usually by family members or friends.
Kathryn Perks, who lives locally, is in touch with organisations and people in NZ who are involved with ideas and activities relating to end of life situations.
Kathryn has produced a handbook called When I Die and already 2,000 copies have sold which shows its importance. By collating and recording personal details now, we can make things easier for those who have to carry out all the necessary tasks that are to be fulfilled after a death.
Kathryn will share her experiences and give us guidelines on what we can do now that will help others in the future.
Also -
Drawing our Lives to a Close - with Jocelyn Freeman,
“As an Anthroposophical nurse and a biography counselor, I have been interested in the meaning of illness and accidents. I have found that as one moves towards death, biography is a good reflective tool for the process of acceptance and for the preparation for dying. At this session, there will be an overview regarding the stream of what we brought with us and how we have transformed our meetings of self and world into stores for the future.”
Bernie Raichle sophia@actrix.co.nz
Diana Bacchus diana@bacchus.co.nz.
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Art Display in Foyer
Art work currently on display in Foyer is by Margaret-Mary Farr, Local Artistic Therapist / Artist is Dynamic Line Drawings completed over the last four years.
“This is a technique taught to me by Eva Mee-Christeller during my Artistic Therapy Training in Holland. A technique I connected with because of its connection to the 4 elements.
I hope you enjoy my latest inspired work.”
Contact details:
Webpage: www.MMFarr.co.nz
email: manawastudio@gmail.com
mobile: 027 2484193
Studio: 100 Eastbourne Street East, Hastings,
