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Eurythmy at Waldorf schools
2021-09-10 | By IWSTH
The name eurythmy means beautiful rhythm. It is a form of movement that is based on rhythm, narrative or music, used in Waldorf schools to help the growing child develop physically in harmony with his/ her mind.
Movement in this way is believed to have a positive influence on the concentration skills of the young child or adult. As we move together as a group of classmates, eurythmy brings us together as a community at the same time that it strengthens us as individuals.
Each of us holds our own position, yet we are moving together as many parts of a whole. We practise listening to the sounds of rhythm. This act of listening centres the child and holds their mind in place, all while keeping the body in movement.
Inspiring and joyful
We move in geometrical forms in response to the space surrounding us or inspired by our own choices. Through this, we coordinate head, heart, hands and feet, recognising the spirituality of our whole being.
Why is this spiritual? While practising eurythmy, we let go of fear and self-consciousness, and all that weighs us down in daily life. We touch base with the joyful frequencies that run through us, collectively and individually.
An act of discovery
Fear causes negativity or a sickness of sorts in the body, while the acknowledgement and enjoyment of our environment and relationships with all things living, makes us healthy. We become healthy individuals and on a broader level, members of our world and communities.
The children move amongst each other; as if in a game, they react to each other’s movements and respond to each other’s energies. It’s an act of discovery–to ask the question, “What moves you? Me? Us?” we can go and look for answers. By finding answers to that question, a whole world appears to be filled with many surprises.
So, let’s ask ourselves this question frequently and let ourselves be surprised with what we will find.
For more information about the International Waldorf School The Hague, please call +31 70 7830030 or email: info@iwsth.org
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