Steiner-Inspired Initiatives

Anthroposophical Medical Practice

Anthroposophical extended medicine does not regard illness as a chance occurrence or mechanical breakdown, but rather as something intimately connected to the biography of the human being. Handled appropriately it presents opportunities for new balance and maturity. The patient is seen and treated holistically as a being of body, soul and spirit. This approach integrates conventional practice with new and alternative remedies, dietary and nutritional therapy, rhythmical massage, hydrotherapy, art therapy and counseling.

Curative Work

Anthroposophical work in curative education and social therapy is based on the assumption that every individual, regardless of ability, is an independent spiritual being. Developmental disabilities and mental retardation are treated not as illnesses, but as part of the fabric of human experience and are cared for in the context of a healthy home and community life.

Biodynamic Agriculture

The principles and practice of biodynamic agriculture relate to the earth as a living organism, within which each farm has its own identity. This approach builds upon established methods of sustainable agriculture - compost, manures, soil and plants are treated with specially fermented herbal preparations that enhance the earth's organic processes and pro-duce healthy, poison-free foods. At present, there are 30,000 acres under biodynamic management in the United States. The Demeter Association is an independent agency that certifies biodynamic farms in the United States and abroad.

The Arts 

Rudolf Steiner Foundation

The Rudolf Steiner Foundation specializes in innovative financing for Waldorf organizations. In the last sixteen years, the Rudolf Steiner Foundation has loaned over $35 million to not-for-profits. The is made possible by investments from individuals and organizations in the RSF Community Investment Fund, which earns interest (5.21% this quarter) and yields substantial social returns. The Fund is invested exclusively in: 
•    Education
•    The arts
•    Health and healing
•    Spiritual development
•    Agriculture and the environment

Organizations receiving loans are primarily Waldorf schools, but also include biodynamic farms, an innovative, complementary pharmacy, a Buddhist center in Katmandu and a Seva Foundation project that provides free medical care in developing countries. The RSF also manages Donor Advised Funds for individuals and corporations wishing to carry out their philanthropy on a world-wide basis. Donor Advised Funds are invested and granted by the Foundation in accordance with the donor’s recommendations. They are located in San Francisco and have a website at www.rsfoundation.org.

The Anthroposophical Society

The Anthroposophical Society seeks to be of greater service to the world today when spiritual and soul renewal are so urgently needed. The Anthroposophical Society in America is a non-sectarian, non-political organization open to everyone regardless of religion, race, nationality, social standing and scientific or artistic conviction. Rudolf Steiner founded it at Christmas in 1923, as “an association of people who would foster the life of the soul, both in the individual and in human society, on the basis of a true knowledge of the spiritual world.”

The Anthroposophical Society helps individuals seeking to develop their soul and spiritual capacities and place them in the service of humanity and the earth. The Society and its local groups sponsor events on many themes for members and the general public, including study groups, conferences, retreats and publications.

"Through the School for Spiritual Science which stands at the center of the Anthroposophical Society, ongoing research enlivens and deepens Waldorf education, biodynamic agriculture, nutrition, anthroposophical medical work, artistic activity, youth work and much more."

~ Membership brochure, Anthroposophical Society in America, Chicago, Illinois.