THE POWER OF LOVE - The Last Address by Rudolf Steiner. The Work (questions).
The Individuality of Elijah, John, Raphael, Novalis and how it all leads to this exact moment. Fearless inventory is an act of love.
“Clean House, Love God, Help Others”
Bill Wilson (founder of the 12 Step program)
What is the principal message of this individuality who “the lord loved”, the “angel of God” : SPIRIT, WILL, COURAGE, BEAUTY, OVERCOMING. The lives of these incarnations were 1000 times harder than most of us could stand. We leave this image in honor of Steiner’s last and final lecture GA238. It also combines elements of the Lazarus-John mystery described in other lectures.
How do we bring all of this down into the practical? Why does this individuality seem so close to the angelic? How does such a high concentration of the spiritual affect the ripples of our world? Like high potency homeopathy, the transparency of the spiritual in the earthly of this being effects very practical concerns : how to bring warmth and eternity to the coldness of material life, especially our inner connection to life, to each other, to our thinking, without which outer moral courage is impossible.
When we are indulging (dosing) in fear humility recedes, self-seeking remains. True humility cannot be separated from courage. And it begins when we take that first pen, that first step! If we have the illusion of control or full power (power-trip), we dont budge. If we humbly ask for help the door opens.
As Steiner ends his 1924 address with the word ‘ACTIVELY!’ he points us to the need to act, even now 100 years later. When he was asked what would happen if we did not understand the Threefold social order, he responded that it would take another 100 years before we could grasp it if we missed it the first time. Here we are. Will we hear it?
The last sentence (below), here at the exact opposite time of the year as he spoke these words during Michaelmas, helps us now to form a bridge from Fall to Spring, and find the balance between death and life, the material and spiritual. The balance to material life can only be found in the spiritual domain.
“Take Michael's Wisdom beckoning, Take the Word of Love of the Will of Worlds Into your soul's aspiring, ACTIVELY!”
My translation : We must activate the POWER (will) OF LOVE in our life.
Fear blocks the path. But prayer gets through.
And although I know there are more layers to this sentence which point to micro and macrocosmic realities, I try to extract the part that is needed most at present. In future times we may go even further into the higher aspects but as we take one step into understanding this sentence, may we take three action steps into moral development. This is why we need an open mind (Vidar) to embrace all of Spirit’s colors and Trinities outside of anthroposophy in order to break through.
Here is a song in this vein.
How to spiritualize the obstacles we have set before ourselves? We need a procees of transformation which can move things along in a steadfast pace? Move away the mountain of materialism and find the true being. Spring Cleaning 2024. See our recently updated content woven within our article : THE SPEARTIP of the New Earth (Novalis). This article shows the link between the end of the mission of alcohol and the appearance of Christ in the Etheric, when the wine turns back into water.
A new spiritual community is forming but it can only do so if one person works “the way out” in him or herself. Then it can be shared with one other, then the first trinity can be formed. To achieve this all divisions must be faced and brought into the light. It is the true beginning of the Threefold community and if done right it will attract those beyond the movements we know now. The threefold is not a theory but must be worked out in each of us via hitting bottom on each defect : spiritual bankruptcy. It is the true vine that ends in a joy that is complete.
Join us.
Below are the questions from our Michael School post which have been tested on hundreds already for many years. It includes principles of the heart and the subsequent practical boundaries and applications that put the principles into action. The beauty of this work is that it belongs to no one and was shaped by a group conscience process. To quote Tradition 2 :
For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority—a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
It can begin April 15th (Or see SIMPLIFIED version below). It can be worked for the 24 days (doing 5 or so questions per day) leading up to the Ascension on May 9th, then integrated during the 12-13 day (12 Holy Days) cycle from Ascension to just after Pentacost with the final culmination and spiritual community fructification by the Holy Spirit (healing spirit).
It can also be done over a shorter 12 days cycle beginning May 9, 2024 (Ascension to Pentecost by doing 10 or so questions per day) by email chain, zoom meetup etc. Its up to us. Its important to share ones responses with others by email each day. No feedback will be given to anyones public sharing, unless the person asks for feedback, which can be helpful publically or done via private message. Simple encouragement is great however. There is no moderator, its just us kittens making it all work together. Send your email to join or a better idea, suggestions etc. to esotericchristianity@substack.com.
POWER OF LOVE - The Language of the Heart Questions. Perceval’s Question “What Ails Thee?” is the Spark.
SPRING CLEANING 2024
Writing Exercise.
“Pain is the touchstone of all spiritual growth”
Bill Wilson
Grab your pens. Lets be Michael’s Mirrors to each other and help each other through the mire.
5 or so questions per day. Daily sharing by email chain, possibly zoom if suggested. If going solo, at least chime in on the sharing of the inventory chart, which will be too rapid to have an in depth inventory but we can focus on the biggest obstacle we are facing through this writing as well. If there is no time, pick the best question you find in each section and do that simplified version of the exercise. THIS MAY WORK BEST THE SIMPLIFIED FORM (see below).
Each section contains 5 or so questions then a pause which is written each time. The first principle, HONESTY represents Step 1, the second principle UNITY represents Tradition 1 in order up to 12. These have been tested on well over 1000 people, in 4 or 5 small groups around the world and have been shaped and edited by many different group conscience decisions. The goal is a set of universal questions that deepen our self-discovery, which can be worked in groups or pairs to speed up the RECOVERY of the SELF and thus the core unit of the connective tissue of all of the Michael communities. They were originally written by this author after being waken up at 3am, randomly during Holy Week which never happens, and given the order to write all 150 or so questions. They were subsequently used and re-edited in groups for a decade. They belong to no one.
If doing the simplified version of 1 section a day for 12 days (each section adresses 2 heart principles), we have used bold text on the questions below.
HONESTY AND UNITY
Which defects of mine may keep me from facing my powerlessness? In what ways do we try to escape from our life (true self), from our emotions/fears etc., from evolving spiritually? Some examples to research : through alcohol, drugs, sex, money, work, food, the seven deadly sins or your own example.
Make a list of situations where you notice unmanageability in your life?
Make a resistance list of ideas which keep me from letting go of my old patterns. Including how I use denial, avoidance, control, low self-esteem, rebellion and playing the victim to avoid change?
« We » involves relationships. How do we honestly feel about asking for help from others?
Why is it so important to admit our powerlessness? What power do I have which can be positive for my recovery?
--Slight pause to allow for integration--
Am I willing to see that my own personal evolution is dependent on my contribution to the unity within my relationships or community? How are the two related?
What must I let go of in order to embrace the common welfare of a given relationship?
How is putting the common welfare first useful in a relationship? To other aspects of my life (work, family, daily activities)?
What could I improve in my efforts to bring a spirit of unity to those who are on the edge, on the margins of society? To those who I dislike?
What does unity mean to me? If I put the community's needs at 51% and my individual needs at a close 49% how does this foster relationships?
--Before moving on, make sure integration is felt, sometimes outer events will bring this about--
TRUST AND FAITH
What may prevent me from either believing in or allowing a higher power, of my own choosing, to work in my life?
Sanity could be defined as wholeness of the physical, emotional and the spiritual. What does it mean to you to be restored to sanity?
Is it difficult for me to really trust in my Higher Power? How does the past relate to this (parents, rôle models, authority figures)?
Have I acted as my own or as another’s Higher Power? Give examples.
Why is it important to see trust as a process and not a perfect destination?
--Slight pause to allow for integration--
Cultivating leadership is key to building confidence. Name a situation where someone has tried to lead by example, by being inclusive and supportive to you?
How does believing in others talents and abilities relate to emotional balance?
Why is it important that the Higher Power we choose be a loving force (God, community, the universe, spirit, energy, eternal qualities such as beauty, truth, art, etc.)? How are trusting and being loved related?
Do I try to govern or direct those around me? How do healthy boundaries and guidelines foster greater peace than controlling others ? Give examples.
How can I raise awareness, without singling out someone (unless this is absolutely necessary), who may be contributing to disunity in the community or relationship? How does coming from the flank, instead of head-on, relate to this?
--Before moving on, make sure integration is felt, sometimes outer events will bring this about--
DECISION AND SURRENDER
What does it mean to turn over our will and our lives to the care of your Higher Power? How are service and surrender related?
Why do we resist loving ourselves completely? What fears do we have about being loved?
What comes up for you as you consider turning over some of your emotional life to your Higher Power?
How are letting go and giving more time to work on your recovery related?
What signs indicate that I need to let go?
--Slight pause to allow for integration--
What does a better life look like for you? What is it like when you really connect to your true self? How does it feel?
How does judgment block the receptivity of an open mind? How does being free of judgment contribute to emotional balance?
Why is belonging to a group or community important? How does challenging ourselves to connect with others help us heal emotionally?
How can I apply the spirit of open-mindedness to other areas of my life and to those who do not share my views?
What can I do to make sure that people feel welcome around me?
--Before moving on, make sure integration is felt, sometimes outer events will bring this about—
COURAGE AND LIBERTY
What does it mean to be fearless? How are love and fear related? List each fear, why you have it, your responsibility, and what is a better way forward.
Write out at least one resentment, the needs that are unmet in the situation, and then our own part in the situation.
How does listing and sharing our positive qualities contribute to our emotional balance?
How can affirmations help when the inner vultures of shame try to sabotage our confidence? How can these voices feed the ego-victim part of ourselves?
Have some of our resentments and anger masked hurt feelings and sadness? Explain.
Complete the SELF INVENTORY on the next page.
SELF INVENTORY
--Allow for integration--
Do people and communities have the right to be wrong? How does tolerance of the mistakes of others and ourselves contribute to emotional balance?
How does the freedom that comes from autonomy unite us? What are the limitations of autonomy?
When I believe that others have their own Higher Power, how does this bring serenity?
Do I offer solutions to others without being aware of their need for autonomy? How does this block intimacy with the people in my life?
What does “autonomy” mean to you? In a relationship?
--Before moving on, make sure integration is felt, sometimes outer events will bring this about-
INTEGRITY AND COMMUNICATION
What is the relationship between admitting to ourselves our wrongs, sharing these with another and forgiveness?
How does allowing ourselves to be vulnerable help us to heal? How are boundaries and vulnerability related?
Which defect or pattern comes closest to the exact nature of my wrongs (my disconnection from myself)? What do I gain by holding on to this defect?
Why is the feeling of belonging such a key to healing?
Why is it important to cultivate our relationship with our Higher power, with ourselves and with others in recovery, in that order, to be able to release years of pain and trauma?
—After sharing your inventory with God, yourself and another human being, you may move on—
Give an example or an area of life in which you are still suffering (emotionally, spiritually, etc.).
What is the message of recovery? How was the message carried to me?
What does it mean to you “I can't keep it unless I give it away”?
When I see a friend truly suffering, how can I be of service to him or her?
How does learning to focus on the needs in a given situation help my personal recovery? Can ideological divisions distract us from maintaining our inner unity if we give them that power? Explain.
--Before moving on, make sure integration is felt, sometimes outer events will bring this about-
ACCEPTANCE OF OUR HUMANITY
Make a list of behaviors, where your defects come up that could be improved upon?
How can gratitude be used as a daily tool to prepare the heart to be ready to heal?
How do I accept myself as I am and yet strive to change any off behaviors? How are patience and action related?
Why is it important that compassion towards others and one's own truth not be separated? What happens when we go too far into one without the other?
How does holding on tightly to my defects in any area block out the light of recovery? Is this intended? Explain.
--Slight pause to allow for integration--
How can problems of money, property or prestige distract us from focusing on the needs of those around us and ourselves?
How does trying to convert people relate to prestige?
When we place service to our community above monetary gain, how does this heal our relationship with money and attract more abundance into our lives?
What may divert me from getting in touch with my underlying emotions?
How can authority divert us from effectively transmitting the message of recovery? On the other hand, do we acknowledge that invested authority can serve a noble purpose in many situations?
--Before moving on, make sure integration is felt, sometimes outer events will bring this about—
HUMILITY AND BALANCE
What are the shortcomings that I would like to have removed? How does perfectionism hinder our recovery?
What is your definition of humility?
What fears do I have about changing?
How does listening and sharing this work help me to accept others?
What is the difference between humbly asking for shortcomings to be removed and demanding?
--Slight pause to allow for integration--
How can letting go of the idea of «easy money» bring us closer to being self-supporting, emotionally balanced people?
How can it hurt a community or a relationship if the same person(s) is always leading?
Why is anonymity so important when we give donations or other services to others? How can we learn to give unconditionally without seeking anything in return?
In what ways can I be self-supporting in my personal life? Do I allow others the same privilege?
How can we use our general interests, hobbies or past times in a group setting to mend our difficulties connecting with others?
--Before moving on, make sure integration is felt, sometimes outer events will bring this about--
WILLINGNESS AND VULNERABILITY
What is the difference between an apology and an amends?
Are we willing to make amends with our past? If not, how do we become willing? How does this relate to humility?
How has being better than others or less than others harmed my relationships? Give examples.
How have my resentments towards others caused damage to my self? Or damage to others ? Give examples.
Why is it important to forgive ourselves before making amends? Make a list of all those that I have harmed in this life, writing out their name and my own part in the matter.
--Slight pause to allow for integration--
Do I play the professional or the expert, advising others without being asked in some shape or form? Give examples.
Give an example when we have used therapy language to try to control another?
How can playing the expert keep intimacy out of our relationships?
What value is there in sharing our experience through the language of the heart instead of name dropping self-help techniques to others?
Why is it important to let down our guard and be vulnerable with someone we trust? What is the relationship between strength and vulnerability?
--Before moving on, make sure integration is felt, sometimes outer events will bring this about--
FORGIVENESS AND RESPONSIBILITY
Can doing financial amends help me in my finances today? How are the two connected?
How can amends to others help me in my relationships today? Give examples.
What is a living amend? Should they be used to replace direct, in person amends? Explain.
How does listening to others, their feelings and needs, help me heal?
How can unnecessary delay, putting off or trying to soften up our amends be enslaving?
Make a list of the amends, the words you will say and then run each one by your recovery partner. Get feedback, then proceed to do as many as you can, with rigor, yet with tact and a healthy dose of active listening. Do direct amends, wherever possible, to those you have harmed unless doing so would injure them or others.
--Slight pause to allow for integration--
Being a subtle form of division, why should we avoid clique mentality?
What is the relationship between organization and control? How does letting go of controlling others lead to emotional balance?
How can too much mental organization block one's emotional ability to receive, to listen, to be open?
How can I let go of wanting to be right? Would I rather be right or have connection with others?
How does a dynamic structure, flexible when needed yet firm when needed, attract others? How can formality block authenticity?
--Before moving on, make sure integration is felt, sometimes outer events will bring this about—
PERSEVERANCE AND CLARITY
Why is it important to promptly admit our wrongs? How can unneeded delay be dangerous?
Which shortcomings can be obstacles to doing a daily inventory?
How can trying to maintain appearances keep me from deeper levels of recovery? Explain. What other areas of my life need recovery?
How does reviewing our day, at mid-day and before bed, bring order to the mind?
To bring a sense of balance to my daily inventory, what good things have I done today?
--Slight pause to allow for integration--
Do we try to willfully convince others with our opinions, or are we able to be open to what the conversation may bring?
Can political or religious debates pull us away from our center? How can we have compassion for others on their own path yet stay true to our own, apparently different, path? How can we encourage others, yet not be afraid to be real and authentic?
How does expressing our opinions without reserve distract us from staying focused on those who may be suffering?
How does equality and freedom play into an emotionally balanced relationship?
How does the delicate art of restraint of our opinions foster unity? How does it attract others to us?
--Before moving on, make sure integration is felt, sometimes outer events will bring this about--
FOCUS AND INTIMACY
How does availability to our Higher Power, to ourselves, and to others help us to start attracting richer relationships into our lives?
Begin a daily prayer practice and share how you feel about this (keep in mind prayer does not have to be traditional, you can use affirmations, check-in in with your feelings or true self, mantras, verses or whatever is sacred to you).
Why is it important to pray for “the power” to carry our Higher Power's will for us? Do we pray then act anyway or do we pause and wait for clarity?
How does aligning ourselves with our Higher Power's will for us bring us serenity? What is the relationship between humility and serenity?
If you have not done so already, begin a daily meditation practice of your own choosing. How does daily meditation help us to focus our energy?
--Slight pause to allow for integration--
What does it mean to me to use the principle of 'attraction rather than promotion' in my relationships?
When we relate with others on « send mode » how does this block intimacy?
What is the relationship between doing the work to heal the pushed down pain or traumas and attraction?
How is attraction related to being open-minded? How is attraction related to humility?
Which shortcomings may keep me from putting attraction before promotion, as a way of interfacing with others? On the other hand, what is the noble value of promotion when it doesn't overpower attraction?
--Before moving on, make sure integration is felt, sometimes outer events will bring this about--
PRINCIPLES AND SERVICE TO OTHERS
What does it mean to you, the promise that by doing this work you will know “a new freedom”?
How do I bring these principles into the rest of my life? Give examples.
One of the most universal needs is connection. How has this need been met through doing the work? What have you discovered about yourself?
Have we tried our best to carry the message to others? How is humility related to the message?
How is emotional healing related to a spiritual awakening? What will we do with our awakening? How can we try to carry this message to others?
--Slight pause to allow for integration--
Are we able to put principles before personalities especially in those cases of personalities that we dislike? Individual means undivided, do we let opposition spiritually divide us from each other?
In love relationships, how does putting our values in front of isolated physical attraction help us to find a more balanced relationship?
Sacrifice is the essence of anonymity. What must be sacrificed in order to be anonymous?
What are your thoughts on the wisdom that states: the true hero helps the community in such a way, that most never know it was him/her?
Why must we be ever reminded to place principles before personalities as we trudge the road of happy destiny? Do I understand the value of having a beginner's mind?
Integration