The world is awash in theories about education and health — some sound, some partially sound and some downright harmful.
So-called scientific study follows upon scientific study in rapid progression, all of them based on a worldview and methodologies adequate for weighing and measuring the physical world, but inadequate to identify and interpret influences emanating from other aspects of the whole human being and of the environing world.
Many, if not most, scientific studies today are funded by “special interests” that commission and publish studies to promote their brand and increase their potential financial profit while refusing to fund and/or suppressing studies that would, or do, cast an unfavorable light on their products and services. Government agencies often use industry studies to create policies and regulations without thorough independent validation. Therefore, education and health recommendations made by international and national governmental bodies should be thoroughly examined before being accepted as based on sound principles and honest science.
So how do we determine when a human life really begins and ends in our current environment of often outmoded religious dogmas and scientific research studies characterized by a limited scope and/or by skewed data and predetermined outcomes?
The materialist would tell you life begins when the body is born and ends when the body dies. But does our entire existence really begin and end with this incarnation? Or did we exist prior to our physical birth and will we continue to exist after we leave our physical bodies behind as we “pass over”, crossing the threshold between the physical and spiritual worlds?
Reincarnation has been a recognized fact in the perception and thinking of various cultures throughout the world over millennia. There has been a wide range of theories about it, however, in different climes and times. If we continue to exist, what part of us dies and what part of us lives on? What do we experience between incarnations? What determines the health of our soul, mind and body in a succeeding incarnation, the circumstances into which we are born, the challenges and opportunities we will experience as we grow and develop?
All of these questions have a bearing on what the best prenatal and postnatal education should include. Let me present one of Rudolf Steiner’s statements about prenatal education for your consideration. But first,
Who was Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925)?
A gifted esotericist, philosopher and scientist, Dr. phil. Rudolf Steiner conducted spiritual research into Humanity, the Earth and the Cosmos, including extensive clairvoyant investigations in higher dimensions and spheres of existence beyond the physical. His legacy includes 380 volumes of transcribed lectures and published works relating to biodynamic agriculture, integrative medicine, education and a full spectrum of spiritual, economic, political and cultural questions.
Rudolf Steiner on Prenatal Education
“People begin thinking about education and then they ask about pre-natal education. But, my dear friends, before birth the human being is still in the protection of [angelic] Beings who stand above the physical. It is to them that we must leave the immediate and individual relationship between the world and the human being.
“Hence a pre-natal education cannot be addressed to the child itself. It can only be an unconscious result of what the parents — especially the mother — achieve. If until birth the mother behaves in such a way that she brings to expression in herself what is morally and intellectually right, in the true sense of the word, then of its own accord what the mother achieves in this continuous self-education will pass over to the child.
“The less we think of beginning to educate the child before it sees the light of the world and the more we think of leading a right and proper life ourselves, the better will it be for the child. Education can only begin when the child becomes a true member of the physical world — and that is when he [or she] begins to breathe the external air.”
Transcription of a Rudolf Steiner lecture, Stuttgart (Germany), 21 August 1919. Translated from the German by Daphne Harwood & Helen Fox
In conclusion, the parents’ (particularly the mother’s) spiritual, psychological and physical diet — prayer and meditation practices; habits of thought; emotional states; the quality of reading material and media choices; intake of clean air, water and nutritious food; a healthy daily rhythm of rest and activity; and a supportive social environment — are the most important factors contributing to the positive growth and development of the child in utero.
May parents and caregivers be blessed with a good grasp of the realities and receive reliable professional guidance,
Joseph Michael Contrada
Heilpraktiker (Lic. German Healthcare and Psychotherapy Provider) specializing in Holistic Nutrition, Planetary Herbalism, Western Alchemical Medicine (Spagyric, Homeopathic, Schüßler Biochemical Salts, Bach Flower Remedies, Anthroposophic), Ayurveda, and Chinese Energetic Medicine
Spiritual Healer and Energy Therapist specializing in Western Esoteric Healing, Yogic Pranic Healing, Qi Gong Healing, and Reiki
Yoga, Qi Gong and Meditation Instructor
Reiki Master Teacher
U.S. Tel. +1 914.410.1877
heilpraktiker.jmcontrada@gmail.com or jmichael@heilpraxis-contrada.com