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Parsifal Self
Development Year

Parsifal Self Development Year;

"The Parsifal Year"

This course strives to unfold our creativity, self awareness and bring meaning to our relationship to society and work. We call this the Parsifal Journey, a year when we take time to dare to ask important questions, to wonder and nurture new talents within. Within the context of current issues, we explore our relationship to nature and the stars, the patterns of life before birth and beyond death, look afresh at our biography, engage in new artistic work and even till the soil. This year is an essential foundation for becoming a Steiner teacher is also for other trainings. Many do the course simply as an opportunity to strengthen and rethink their life journey.

The course is delivered by the Sydney Rudolf Steiner College (Melbourne Rudolf Steiner Seminar in Victoria is our Registered Training Organisation). It provides an inspiring balance of lectures, seminars, workshops and artistic activities. It also includes some practical experience of Anthroposophy through work experience in Steiner Schools and kindergartens, special education schools/homes or biodynamic farms.

Full time study takes place Monday to Thursday and part time programs are arranged to suit individual students needs.

The course is an opportunity to

* question some of the fundamentals of our existence

* search for meaning in your life, and

* find a modern path of spiritual development

* cultivate new meditative practices and life skills

Student Testimonial - "It was great to find an ongoing course that supported

my inner development, opened up my creativity and allowed me

to find my place in the world."

Course Modules:

Introduction to Anthroposophy

You will be introduced to a study of a spiritual understanding of the nature of human beings. You will be helped to evaluate and enrich your life philosophy. You will explore a range of observational and meditative practices to extend and deepen your experience of inner and outer worlds.

Life Phases and Biography

What are the patterns in life biographies? Which of the four temperaments do you have? What can you learn from life crises? How can you apply Steiner model of seven-year cycles to your own life history and inspiring individuals. These questions and others will be discussed in this module.

Destiny

Have you ever asked yourself: Who am I"?

What is the meaning of my life"?

What is my relationship with others"?

These questions and other interesting issues will be explored in relation to your personal and world destiny.

Evolution of Human Consciousness

This module provides you with an appreciation of the development of human consciousness from ancient cultures through European history to the beginnings of modern consciousness. A foundation for teaching history and understanding the meaning of contemporary questions will be gained.

Male and Female Studies

You will develop an awareness of female and male polarities and spirituality in your personal life. Through historical evolution you will reflect on the direction contemporary society is taking. Your observational skills will be Enhance using Anthroposophical investigative methods our complex interpersonal relationships will be surveyed and analysed with reference to feminine and masculine characteristics.

Studies in Inner Development

You will learn about the Anthropomorphically path of inner development and how this compares with other spiritual teachings. Insights and renewed strength to meet practical and personal demands and the crises of your life and work can be found.

Social Forms for Working in Community

This course introduces Steiner's picture of the 3 fold ordering of community. The characteristics of the economic, the socio/political and the cultural sphere are considered. We will observe the problems that arise when the principles of one area are inappropriately imposed on another.

Health & Nutrition

You will learn about the health and nutrition through exploring environmentally sound and sustainable methods of agricultural and food processing. Gain an understanding of the effects of stimulants and drugs and learn the importance of ways to achieve and maintain a healthy nutrition and life-style.

Biodynamic gardening

In this practical and theoretical course you will learn about Biodynamic farming and gardening and its practice. You will also learn about substances and forces, biodynamic preparations and how to work with cosmic rhythms. You will be able to make informed choices regarding agricultural practices, nutrition and lifestyle. The intimate relationships between human beings, the Earth and cosmos will be discussed.

Introduction to Steiner Education

This module develops an integrated view of child development based on the three seven-year phases outlined by Steiner. You will study children's differences, including constitutional types, polarities and temperaments. The aims and methods of Steiner Education will be reviewed. You will study in depth one area of curriculum, aspect of parenting or creative arts. Work Experience

During work experience at some of the schools, farms, curative education homes and other practical endeavours that have arisen out of Anthroposophy, you will see how these groups work with contemporary questions.

Speech & Drama

You will experience and understand the formative power of language. Through speech and movement expression you will develop your creativity. Speech and Drama provides a direct experience of the Anthropomorphic model of the threefold human being.

Painting and Drawing

Here you will explore the principles of colour-mood, gesture, harmony, polarity, of relationship and transition according to Steiner and Goethe's colour insights. You will work with the principles of line-dynamic, transition, forms of expression and composition, and question your existing visual observations of the world. Our work is related to the phases of human consciousness & the history of visual art. It is a preparation for teaching and for life.

Weaving and Woodwork

Aesthetic principles and creativity will be combined with handwork techniques in both weaving and woodwork.You will learn basic weaving, braiding, basketry and fabrication techniques, both traditional and modern. Most importantly you can learn much about yourself during these activities. In woodwork you will learn how to carve simple forms of both convex and concave forms in wood while exercising your will.

Music

The course will introduce the cosmic origin of tone, harmony and rhythm. We will begin to learn the recorder in a small ensemble and learn to sing in a small choir. Folk dancing celebrates this module.

Sculpture & Architecture

Through the artistic pursuit of Sculpture you will learn the expressive language of form. This will involve the observation of movement and gesture in natural forms, sculptural, architectural and utilitarian forms. Through artistic observation and discernment, you will become competent in basic clay modelling and sculptural techniques. A survey of Steiner's pioneering organic architecture completes these studies.

Eurythmy

This module will assist you to work through the main concepts of Anthroposophy through movement. Eurythmy establishes a healthy relationship between thinking, feeling and willing and how these are expressed physically. You will develop inner balance and harmonious self-expression through movement. These qualities are beneficial for teachers.

Storytelling & Puppetry

The art of puppetry provides an outstanding artistic medium for the teaching of children. You will unfold your creativity and develop social skills, leadership qualities and initiative while creating puppets and performing together.

Creative Writing

This unit supports work in the core and elective modules. You will develop and apply creative writing skills in different genres and study important writing from a variety of cultures, past and present.

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