We “grow our wings” when we align ourselves in an embodied way with the wisdom and power available to focused minds and open hearts. Each weekend will take a distinct approach to personal growth, giving participants an experience of how a spiritual perspective can be practised in daily life.
Over the five sessions, we will draw on a variety of perspectives, including those of Rudolf Steiner (especially The Philosophy of Freedom), the John Gospel, Buddhist/Psychotherapist Bruce Tift, Christian Progressives Cynthia Bourgeault and Mary Mrozowski, philosopher Douglas Harding, and others. The aim of each session, however, will be for each participant to deepen capacities that will enrich the experience of life.
The sessions will all have a different starting place and then develop that view in an experiential way. In addition to presentations to guide the weekend, there might be artistic activities, conversation, role-play, speech, imaginative and meditative exercises, all intended to help the participants access their own deeper resources.
Originally from Chicago, USA, Martin Schmandt worked as a class teacher in two Waldorf schools in the USA and UK for over 20 years. In the recent decade, he has also started mentoring Waldorf teachers in various countries. In addition to teaching, he is passionate and experienced about working with teachers and adults in art.
He joined IWS in 2022 as Education Coordinator, a role in which he supports and coordinates the development of pedagogical excellence throughout the entire school.