During this busy and festive time of year there are moments that are calling us to pause and reflect. These moments in time may ask us to feel the abundance of love that surrounds us and the mystery of life that perpetuates curiosity and wonder within.
These moments in a Waldorf school community can show up in our classrooms during the winter season as we create lanterns of light, or celebrate our version of advent that celebrates the four kingdoms of nature: minerals, plants, animals and humankind. Intentional moments of reverence and gratitude can also show up in the rituals we uphold as a community.
Every year, Waldorf schools across the globe, walk a Winter Spiral. The Winter Spiral, usually made of evergreen boughs, spiraling toward a central point of light, is created on our beautiful Hawk Creek Farm. Each child begins walking the spiral with an unlit candle, symbolizing their new journey along the spiraling path of life. The walk can feel challenging, it is dark and cold, but resilience, adventure, and bravery urge them onward, toward the light of warmth and true sight.
When our children reach the center candle in the spiral, the light is shared with them and suddenly their sight is improved. The glow of their lit candle illuminates both their journey outward and their innermost heart. As they spiral out through the boughs they find a place to eventually rest their light along the path. Here we all pause to witness this symbolic moment. It is a gesture of sacrifice and abundance, for the light we all give away illuminates the path we all tread, ultimately creating a spiraling journey that is easier to walk, for it is illuminated by the sacred light of others.
May we continue to share our inner light with one another this winter and by doing so, help to illuminate the world through the light of Love.
