Nature, a Bridge to Spiritual Worlds
inspiration from Rudolph Steiner
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I began using Rudolph Steiner’s Calendar of the Soul a few months ago as part of my daily spiritual practice. I’ve mentioned bits and pieces of it several times, and I continue to find it beautiful, challenging, and deeply mystical.
Today I’d like to share thoughts, ideas, and inspirations from this week’s verse in the Calendar of the Soul.
The Calendar begins on Easter Sunday and offers a meditation for each week of the year. I find Steiner fascinating because he sought to illuminate his complex relationship with Christianity by emphasizing personal spiritual experiences over traditional doctrines. A product of his time (1861–1925), he sought to renew and modernize Christian thought through his spiritual philosophy, Anthroposophy, while maintaining that it was not intended to create a new religion. Many of his insights open the door for me into more profound and complete understandings and experiences of my faith, but others I find either too opaque or incompatible. Nevertheless, I love reading his thoughts, especially The Calendar, which I have found both challenging and nourishing.
The version of Steiner’s Calendar of the Soul I am using has extensive commentary from Eloise Krivosheia. (You can find it online for free HERE) This is ideal because I often find the verses dense and challenging to understand fully. This is partly because I’m not fluent in Steiner’s philosophy, but also because they are translated from German into English, and I suspect a lot is lost in translation. This compilation of The Calendar is invaluable because Krivosheia includes several versions of the week’s verse from different translators, some of whom are native German speakers. She also provides artwork that seeks to capture the feel of the verse and offers her insightful commentary.
Here is what she writes for this week….
True spiritual discernment will come when we learn to penetrate into Nature, and growing through her reach spiritual worlds, from there to penetrate into our own inner being, where we meet the spiritual world within us.
The inner path of the soul, the path of the consciousness soul through the year with Nature and The Christ…rise up into the domain of consciousness [and] form from it a longiong for a higher state.
In that short section, I found a perfect articulation of the journey of my inner being/soul, which naturally gravitates to Nature and Christ as the revelations of God that indeed form in me a longing for a higher state.
I find the development of consciousness through a connection with nature fascinating. Rudolf Steiner had profound insights on this topic, and I’d love to share what I’ve learned.
Steiner believed that our consciousness exists on a spectrum. On one end, we have our everyday awareness; on the other, we can reach higher states of spiritual consciousness. These higher states allow us to understand more profound spiritual truths beyond the physical world. I’ve found that connecting with nature can help us tap into these higher levels of awareness.
Nature as a Spiritual Teacher
One of the things Steiner emphasized is that nature is like a wise teacher. Every part of the natural world—whether it’s a tree, a flower, or a mountain—holds lessons and insights for us. When I spend time in nature, I often feel like I’m learning about the interconnectedness of all life and the spiritual laws that govern our existence. It’s amazing how much wisdom is out there if we take the time to observe and engage with it.
Being in nature helps me become more sensitive to the subtle energies around me. I notice that when I’m immersed in a natural setting, I can feel a deeper connection to everything around me. For instance, walking through a forest can evoke feelings of peace, cycles of time, and interconnectedness, allowing me to sense the spiritual essence of the trees and wildlife. This heightened awareness can spark personal growth and transformation. The developed ability to locate yourself within the greater whole offers perspective and a dynamic relationship to the entirety of the living web that encompasses and is the structure of all life.
Meditative Engagement with Nature
I’ve found that meditative practices in nature can be incredibly enriching. Whether it’s taking a mindful walk, closely observing a flower, or listening to the sounds of a stream, these moments of contemplation help me connect more deeply with the spiritual aspects of the natural world. It’s like I’m entering into a dialogue with nature, and through this engagement, I often gain profound insights about my own spiritual journey.
Connecting with nature has led to significant personal growth for me. As I become more attuned to the spiritual dimensions of the world around me, I notice shifts in my perspective and values. I feel more compassionate and responsible toward the environment and gain a deeper understanding of my place in the universe. It’s a transformative experience that I cherish.
The insights I gain from my time in nature don’t just stay in my meditation practice; they weave into my daily life. They influence how I relate to myself, others, and the world. This alignment with spiritual truths helps me make more ethical choices and live more harmoniously.
I’ve come to realize that my personal growth is connected to humanity's collective consciousness. When I deepen my connection with nature, I feel I’m contributing to a larger spiritual evolution. It’s heartening to think that we can create a more conscious and compassionate world together as we all grow individually.
Nature and Creativity
When I think about art and creativity, I can’t help but feel a sense of wonder about how they connect us to the world around us, especially nature.
Art is more than just a form of expression; it’s a bridge that connects us to the spiritual dimensions of nature. When I create or engage with art, whether it’s painting, drawing, or even crafting, I often feel like I’m tapping into something deeper. It’s as if the act of creating allows me to channel the beauty and energy of the natural world into my work. I find that when I’m inspired by nature, my creativity flows more freely, and I can express feelings and ideas that words sometimes can’t capture.
One of the things I love about engaging with art is how it encourages me to see nature in a new light. When I take the time to observe a landscape or a flower closely, I start to notice details I might have overlooked before. This heightened awareness not only enriches my artistic practice but also deepens my connection to the natural world. It’s like I’m learning to see the spiritual essence of nature through my artistic lens.
Creative Expression as a Spiritual Practice
For me, creating art can feel like a spiritual practice. When I immerse myself in the creative process, I often enter a state of flow where time seems to disappear. In those moments, I feel a profound connection to something greater than myself. This kind of creative expression can help us access spiritual truths and insights. I’ve experienced this firsthand—sometimes, while painting or drawing, I find that I gain clarity on personal challenges or insights about life that I hadn’t considered before.
Nature is an endless source of inspiration for my artistic endeavors. Whether I’m sketching a serene landscape, capturing the movement of animals, or experimenting with colors that reflect the changing seasons, I find that nature fuels my creativity. By engaging with the beauty of the natural world, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for it. I’ve noticed that the more I create, the more I want to protect and honor the environment around me. It’s a beautiful cycle of inspiration and responsibility.
Finding Joy in the Creative Process
Ultimately, engaging with art and creativity is about finding joy and fulfillment. When we embrace our creative impulses as a way to connect with the spiritual dimensions of life, we cultivate a sense of purpose. It reminds me of the beauty that exists in the world and encourages me to explore and express my unique perspective.
Steiner’s insights on art and creativity resonate deeply with me. Engaging with nature through artistic expression not only enhances my appreciation of the world around me but also allows me to tap into spiritual dimensions that enrich my life. It’s a journey of discovery, connection, and joy that I’m excited to continue exploring!
Connecting with nature has been incredibly enriching. It’s helped me cultivate awareness, deepen my understanding of existence, and contribute to the collective growth of consciousness. I genuinely believe that this process leads to a more profound connection with both the spiritual and physical aspects of life.
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Thank you for sharing your journey and creativity. I struggle sometimes to find my way after several devastating tragedies in my life. I just journaled this morning that nature is the only place I feel alive. Then I try to figure out how to join the living again. Your writing is perfect timing. I will spend more time connecting with nature, with the intention to let life flow, without feeling like I have to figure out and plan. Thank you, Sister. xo
Brilliant read! This resonates with me and how I feel. I'd not heard of the calendar so I'm off to explore! Thanks Jan ❤️