Anthroposophy in the Bay Area & Beyond

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Writing About Dying and Returning

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Robert McDermott
On his forthcoming book:Writing about Dying and Returning

Tuesday February 27, 2024 at 7:00 PM Resource Center for Nonviolence

Several months after the start of my retirement from the California Institute of Integral Studies in June 2022, and the simultaneous death of five of my closest friends,* all deep anthroposophists, I began research for a book tentatively entitled Dying and Returning. 


Early chapters will cover karma, the evolution of consciousness, Hindu, Buddhist, Chinese, and Amerindian contributions, followed by two chapters on Christian teachings on the afterlife. The entire book will be based on the research of Rudolf Steiner concerning the process of death of the physical, etheric, and astral bodies, and the journey of the “I” toward rebirth. Using Christopher Bamford’s book, Staying Connected, the concluding chapter will summarize Steiner’s teachings and practices.

*Patti Smith, Gertrude Hughes, Gene Golligly, Christopher Bamford, and David Gershan, M.D.

Lecture by Tomáš Zdražil

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Please join us for the unusual opportunity in hearing Tomas Zdrazil present from his original research into the beginnings of Waldorf education. He is currently on the faculty of the College for Waldorf Teacher Training in Stuttgart. Mr. Zdražil has published several books and his most recent one is based on findings of undiscovered archives in the basement of the first Waldorf School. He will introduce and guide us toward an understanding of Rudolf Steiner’s work and relationship to the teachers and students at the school.

The talk will be presented in German and translated into english by Dorit Winter.

Sunday March 24, 3 pm @ 470 West Portal Ave. San Francisco Waldorf High School Eurythmy Room

Donations are gratefully accepted at the door.

Memorial GatheringDaniel Bittleston

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Memorial Gathering
Daniel Bittleston
July 17,1938 -February 2, 2024
4PM – 6PM

Paloma Hall

Daniel John Bittleston passed away in the early morning of February 2nd at the age of 85.  Many know that he had a series of cardiac problems since the Fall but had remained active until the very end.
Daniel was a beloved member of the branch, serving for many years as a member of our core group.  He also served for some years as a class holder of the First Class.  Before locating in Santa Cruz, he was a Waldorf teacher for many years, both in his native UK and here in America.
His home on Moore Street in Santa Cruz was, for many years, a veritable salon of artists and anthroposophists as well as tenant students. He was an amazing storyteller, who taught workshops on storytelling and on understanding Shakespeare. Daniel could bring people to tears and to laughter across the span of just a few minutes. He created and edited the Imagination Troubadour publication, and loved to encourage creativity and imagination in others. His craftsmanship in installing and refinishing hardwood floors is reflected all around the area in the homes of many of us and locations such as Paloma Hall.
Daniel was father to 6 children, from 3 marriages: Mathew, Misha, and Mia with Su, Evamarie and Leonora with Reirin, and Elijah with Deborah. He also had two stepchildren, Megan and Brian, and 4 grandchildren: Leunamme, Cypress, Julien, and Zaiya. He was so proud of all his children and loved to discuss their accomplishments.  
Two very dear elements of anthroposophy were the Foundation Stone meditation, which was never far from his heart, and his beloved Oberufer Play, which he participated in from his earliest childhood through a dozen years here in Santa Cruz as actor, producer, and director.
His many warm social connections run through the branch like a finely woven thread.
His body is being watched over in vigil by many friends until this Monday.
Friends and family can share a song, poem or short story. We hope to honor his love of people sharing their creativity in community with others.
Please note that in consideration of the 6PM branch event (see below), we will begin to clear the hall at 5:50PM.

Kolisko Institute Webinar

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Kolisko Institute Webinar:
February 17, 1 – 2 PM CT

Free Are we, as individual anthroposophists, part of the anthroposophical movement?When he laid the Foundation Stone at the Christmas Conference (1923/24) R. Steiner stated that with that Mystery Act the Anthroposophical Movement and the Anthroposophical Society became one. 
What did he mean by these intrinsically complicated concepts?
These questions may seem theoretical but, in actuality they address the very identity of each one of us. 
How did he expect us to conduct our lives in view of these statements?
100 years later can we develop fresh new insights based on R. Steiner’s work –
and perhaps aided by the inspirations of the Michael students that have passed the threshold.
The webinar will show practical (and practicable) steps forward. 
Please join us for the free live presentation-later online availability for a fee. 
Your presence will be essential!
Register Here
Please log into the waiting room in advance. Entry after start time will not be allowed.For the Kolisko Team,Ross Rentea MD