General Secretary Jane Bradshaw gives a snapshot view of her recent visit to Dornach
Country Representatives Meeting 31 March-4 April 2025
The country representatives of the Anthroposophical Society across the world gather twice a year in Dornach for a series of meetings. Together, we look at the world situation socially, politically, culturally, and economically; individually, each person shares their personal perspective and the situation in their country in these contexts; and so the diversity of the contributions creates a warm, human atmosphere, a genuine quality of community.
Present at the April gathering this year were:
AAG Landesräpresentanten April 2025
Executive Council: Justus Wittich, Constanza Kaliks, Ueli Hurter and Stefan Hasler.
From the Goetheanum Leadership: Oliver Conradt, Marion Debus, Christiane Haid, Gerald Häfner, Matthias Rang, Eduardo Rincon, Philipp Reubke, Peter Selg, Nathaniel Williams.
Country Representatives: Lavanja Alluri (India), Mary Stewart Adams (USA), Nodar Belkania (Georgia), Wilfried Bohm (South Africa), Jane Bradshaw (Australia), Rik ten Cate (Netherlands), Bert Chase (Canada), Olivier Coutris (France), Marc Desaules (Switzerland), Nirmala Diaz (India), Monika Elbert (Germany), David Fairclough (Ireland), Traytcho Frangov (Bulgaria), Stefano Gasperi (Italy), Gilad Goldschmidt (Israel), Florencio Herrero (Spain), Anežka Janatová (Czech Republic), Tomasz Mazurkiewicz (Poland), Horacio Müller (Argentina), Henri Murto (Finland), Renate Nisch (Brazil), Vlad Radu Popa (Romania), Ingrid Reistad (Norway), Erich Šašinka (Slovakia), Janne Silvasti (Sweden), Gerhard Stocker (Germany), Peter Takáts (Hungary), Wolfgang Tomaschitz (Austria), Bart Vanmechelen (Belgium), Mati Valgepea (Estonia), Michelle Vette (New Zealand), Fritz Wessling (Portugal),
Themes discussed
Part of the discussion concerned our global society in a changing world. We are all challenged by the world situation. The social situation is uncertain in political, cultural, economic, ecological and military terms, experienced less as a departure from a deadlocked situation and more as the influence of pure striving for power, media manipulation, newly awakened nationalism – and simply the loss of common sense. Anthroposophy as a movement of a spiritual humanism with a broad social impact is facing strong headwinds.
What soul attitude is appropriate in such a situation?
Henri Murto (Finland) suggest the Finnish word ‘sisu’ meaning ‘perseverance’ as appropriate soul attitude with which to face these ”headwinds’. He described this word as meaning to ‘dig deep within yourself when you have nothing left – and finding the strength to carry on’. It’s about ‘keeping the inner balance’. This needs inner work on equanimity and positivity, of knowing oneself. Meditative work plays are big role in this.
Rudolf Steiner gave many indications for meditative work, such as this article on meditation and concentration and this one for harmony and healing.
Solid measures for the future
Jane Bradshaw relaxes with other country representatives in the the Goetheanum’s Wandelalle.
As we look to the future, there are solid measures that could be taken in many countries to give the Anthroposophical Society new impetus and make it relevant for new members. Measures such as visibility – tangible and digital – personal contact, an openness to the Society, so everyone can enter and find a spiritually-striving community.
Worldwide initiatives
We need to increase connection, offer introductory events, particularly within the daughter movements of Steiner/ Waldorf schools and their teacher training centres, but also on biodynamics in farms, art therapies etc. There is a suggestion of forming of platforms with representatives and researchers of these working areas in order to discuss and organise common topics, to have a more public face of the Anthroposophical Society.
Jane Bradshaw
General Secretary
Find out more about the Australian Society in Jane’s General Secretary reports.
All images: Courtesy of Jane Bradshaw