Winter 2021:
A Time for Peace, Rest and Inner Sensing
Issue 11: December 2021
Winter Solstice and the mystery of birth
Dear friends, As 2021 winds down and we reflect on the events of the past year, we are filled with contrasting feelings that are a signature of these times: grief, fatigue, concern, and also hope, gratitude and courage. The darkness and cold of winter give us an opportunity to slow down, rest and cherish the small things. When we participate in gift-giving, we pay special attention to the people in our lives who have given to us, whether through love, support or meaningful service. We are reminded of the importance of community as well as our own need for rest and stillness. We instinctively seek out peace and quiet in order to listen to the inner life that stirs within us. For most of us, there is much still to digest from the events of the preceding year, and a sustained out-breath can bring an inner emptying that allows this inner spark, this life within us, to receive the spiritual nourishment that can bring new insights and inspirations for the coming year- a new birth. After Solstice and Christmas comes New Year’s, after all, with all its initiatives and resolutions!
We hope this newsletter brings you helpful resources for spiritual nourishment, rest and wellness during this special time of year. With heartfelt blessings for a peaceful holiday season,
the FHC Team
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From the CALENDAR OF THE SOUL, by Rudolf Steiner
Translation by Ruth & Hans Pusch
Week 36
Within my being’s depths there speaks,
Intent on revelation,
The cosmic word mysteriously:
Imbue your labor’s aims
With my bright spirit light
To sacrifice yourself through me.
Features of Interest
A Short Look at Sleep Rhythms
and Health
by Dr. Steven Johnson
Has your sleep changed over the last few years? Does sleep refresh and inspire you? What happens to “you” during sleep? How important are these and similar questions? Hopefully after this short essay you’ll think and feel differently about sleep. Maybe you’ll even adopt a renewed reverence and attitude about sleep.
Read the full article…
How do we harness our innate ability to overcome illness, particularly viral infections?
While the current Covid epidemic continues to evolve and is anticipated to co-exist with us from here forward, other viruses also continue to exist and progress. Furthermore, the chances that novel, possibly severe viruses will evolve within our lifetime are quite high.
Read the full article…
How to Manage Viral Illnesses at Home
by Daciana Iancu, MD
Seeking Health through Touch
by Dr. Carmen Hering
I recently had the opportunity to speak to a group of school teachers about how to approach the new challenges they are encountering in the classroom. After a year and a half of online learning, children have returned to school eager, but not just for learning. Students are eager for a whole host of social and sensory experiences that they have been lacking. Preschool children are delighting in being together in groups, pressing close to their teachers and classmates. Elementary students create big puppy piles on the floor, and even teenagers are seeking close physical contact when able, usually through sports. Sometimes the play comes out in aggressive ways. But the overall teacher feedback was unanimous, students were starving for touch.
Read the full article…
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FHC
Upcoming Events
Creating Health in Times of Transformation
July 23, 2022
9:00am – 5:00pm EDT
Kimberton, Pennsylvania
In person and livestream tickets available now!
Health in Action
The Denver Center for Anthroposophic Therapies practices whole-person care, from body to spirit, offering broad support for patients’ health by integrating physical, functional, emotional and developmental approaches to healing. Check out their website to find thoughtfully written articles on a broad range of topics such as “Why do children have so much milder syptoms with Covid?” and “How to Stay Healthy, Part 1: Rest”
Inspirations and Initiatives
by Alison Gopnik
for the Wall Street Journal
Read the full article here
Reflections on the COVID-19 Pandemic
Jon McAlice and Craig Holdrege
Sars-CoV-2
A statement from the leaders of the Goetheanum’s Medical Section
Read the full statement here
“A healthy social life is found when in the mirror of each soul the whole community finds its reflection and when in the whole community the virtue of each one is living.”
-Rudolf Steiner