Striving Toward Gentleness, by Deb Abrahams-Dematte

Mountain Laurel, Wilton, NH

Here in my part of the world, the sun is shining and the birds are singing. The mountain laurel along the woods road is blooming and it is breathtaking. Spring is always beautiful here in southern New Hampshire, and as it is fleeting and somewhat unpredictable, my neighbors and I make it a point to get out and really enjoy it. Being in nature helps me to balance my energy and mood, and I am grateful for the abundant woods, gardens, and wildlife around me.

It’s been a challenging time over the past many months, and now as we move toward whatever the new normal will be, I am striving toward gentleness. As a busy working person, life can be hectic and overwhelming, and I can be hard on myself. Perhaps this describes you as well. I am cultivating a gesture of gentleness towards others, and myself as a way to navigate this busy and confusing time.

There is so much to do and learn. So many ideas and opinions to consider. And the landscape keeps changing. How can we take care of ourselves and one another, so that we can move into the future with love and openheartedness? For this is what is needed as we reconsider and renew what “normal life” looks like. In practicing gentleness, I invite healing and connection. I make space for receiving the beauty and possibility of the future. I welcome you to join me.

We are going through some transitions here at the ASA too. Our dear colleague Laura Scappaticci ended her work with us at the end of May. Laura brought many new ideas and created transformative programs for members and friends. These events have helped to expand knowledge, enhance connection, and deepen relationships among anthroposophers in the US and beyond. We are deeply grateful for her energy, colleagueship, and passion for anthroposophy and the people who care about it. She has raised the bar for our action in the world, and we stand ready to take up the challenge. We will be hiring a new program director soon, and will keep you posted on the details as they unfold.

For now, I’m working together with Assistant Director of Programs Tess Parker and others to support the wonderful programs we have coming up. Plans are underway for the next cycle of Applied Anthroposophy—the transformative year-long deep dive into the urgent issues of our time. And, our 2021 annual general meeting and conference, Building the Temple of the Heart, is happening online October 7–10. It’s co-sponsored by the Central Regional Council and features Michaela Glöckler, head of the Medical Section at the Goetheanum. We hope you will join us. Recorded versions of past events are available on our website at www.anthroposphy.org/webinars.

Spring Appeal Update

Thank you for sharing your love of anthroposophy by supporting our 2021 spring appeal, “Share the Love! Youth & Inclusion Access Fund.” As of this writing, we’ve received 122 gifts and more than $15,300 in total. Gifts to this campaign help engage young people and others with financial challenges, bringing strength and vibrancy to the Anthroposophical Society now and in the future. We are grateful for your gifts.

Michael Support Circle Thank You

A great big shout out to our 65 Michael Support Circle members. Your generous support brings strength and vibrancy to our Society. Thank you!

The Michael Support Circle is our major donor circle. Members pledge gifts of between $500 and $5000 per year for five or more years. If you’d like to learn more, contact me at deb@anthroposophy.org.

If you have any questions or thoughts to share, please reach out. I am always glad to hear from you.

Deb Abrahams-Dematte is a member of the ASA Leadership Team and Director of Development