I live in the land of teenagers and it is incredible. Somehow they get a bad rap, but they are creative, deep thinkers fighting for their lives in this strange world. Today I’m joined by Andrew May, deep thinker, organizational whizz, writer and former high school teacher. This inspiring conversation will remind you of how we need to show up for the young adults in our lives–with humility and honesty. 

Stay tuned to the end for Andrew’s beautiful poem called The Gloaming. https://substack.com/@andrewmay

Coming Up: How To Know Higher Worlds by Rudolf Steiner is described as a handbook for peace. Why? Because to create peace we need to establish it within ourselves. Over the next year, I’ll offer a monthly gathering to dive deep into its chapters and practice the exercises in a small community of learners. The meetings will happen one Saturday a month for 1.5 hours. I’ll send preparatory work your way, and then we will come together to explore. If interested, please email or DM me and pass it along to your friends. I can’t wait for you to join me! 

Meggan Gill explores being alive in a time of beauty, challenge, and change, and what this means for Waldorf education. In this far-ranging discussion, we talk about materialism, the danger of certainty, the humbling experience of working with children, embracing difference, systems of oppression, and the children coming into the world today. 

#waldorfeducation #waldorfhomeschool #biodynamics #rudolfsteiner #anthroposophy #disruptmaterialism #somethingbeautifuleveryday #waldorf 

Laura Embrey, author of eight volumes of form drawing books for healing the mind, body, and soul, talks about "the double" and the understanding that inner development must be in service to world development in order to transform the negative forces within and outside of us. This episode was recorded live and has plenty of  esoteric perspectives, along with a healthy does of humor and the occasional background noise.  You can hear more of Laura on Episode 12: Healing Forms, and find all of Laura's books at lauraembrey.com. 

 In this season on the Problems of the World, Timothy Kennedy explores the spiritual side of an issue that effects us all: MONEY. From its origins to its powerful influence to solutions each of us can take up, Timothy's wisdom and depth invites us into a new imagination of what money can mean. Be sure to tune in to the extended play "easter egg" comments and advice after the music at the end! 

How do children learn to navigate the world of technology in a healthy way? In this lively conversation, Dr. Alison Davis shares her research  on the impact technology has on their social emotional lives of the students she's surveyed.  Her thoughtful, practical, and human centered digital literacy curriculum is available to schools.  You can reach her on IG @poems_and_pebbles are by email at readmoreproust@gmail.com

To kick off my new season focused on "the problems of the world," Conner Habib and I discuss the depth of spiritual activity needed to understand the truth of how peace is created and why peace is becoming a possibility for humankind now more than ever. His perspective on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and the suffering and possibility of redemption is profound and offers a picture of a way forward.  

Notes:
The Way to the Spring by Ben Ehrenreich
Episode 19 of Against Everyone with Conner Habib
https://gazafightsforfreedom.com/ by Abby Martin
https://twitter.com/aliabunimah?s=11
@eid_yara
@houseofhopepalestine

Friendship is one of the most powerful forces in our lives. 
What are the qualities of a spiritual friendship and what makes it unique? 
Tune in to this unscripted conversation with two of my spiritual friends, Angela Foster and Jordan Walker, as we explore what makes our bond so special.

This week's homework: Share with me your thoughts on the qualities of spiritual friendships and your experiences with your spiritual friends.   Message me @laura_scappaticci on IG and FB or by email at laurascappaticci.com. 

References:

Hilma af Klint painting:  Intercepted by Gravitation
Faithfulness Verse by Rudolf Steiner 
Brothers in the Beloved Community: The Friendship of Thich Nhat Hanh and Martin Luther King Jr by Marc Andrus
The Man Who Speaks With the Flowers by Glenn Clark
The Story of Buddha and Ananda and Spiritual Friendship

It's my 49th birthday this week and it's episode 49! Explore three deep questions from the Goetheanum World Conference and find out why talking to lilies is on my agenda this year--and why it should be on yours too! 

Message me your answers on IG, FB and at connect@laurascappaticci.com

Check-out  Episode 14 for my interview Medical Section Leader Adam Blanning, MD.

In the last chapter of How to Know Higher Worlds, we meet the Greater Guardian, a being of light.  But you won't get past it if you are still walking this path only for yourself.  
Let me know what you want to read together next!  Message me @laura_scappaticci or at laurascappaticci.com 

Chapter 10 is a little trippy! Meet the Guardian of the Threshold, a powerful being that shows up when you've practiced and practiced and are ready to face yourself. 

Your homework: How did these concepts land with you and what do you think happens after death?

Send me your ponderings, thoughts, and pics on @laura_scappaticci or at laurascappaticci.com

Conner Habib offers us some brilliant pictures of our esoteric development, as well as a few warnings, plus a reference to a Marvel character we can strive to be more like. Join me for Chapter 9 of How to Know Higher Worlds by Rudolf Steiner.  

Tune in to True & False Spiritual Paths Episode 231 of Against Everyone with Conner Habib.  

Send me your ponderings, thoughts, and pics on @laura_scappaticci or at laurascappaticci.com

“Human life unfolds in three alternating states: The waking state, the state of dream sleep, and the state of deep, dreamless sleep.”  What does that mean? Tune into Chapter 8 to explore with me.

Message me your pics, ideas, and comments on IG and FB @laura_scappaticci.com
Find me at laurascappaticci.com

I loved talking with Annie Haas (@thechildisthecurriculum) about homeschooling and Waldorf education as mechanisms to disrupt materialism in profound ways. She shared a deep experience that solidified her connection to the spiritual world, the depth of the Waldorf curriculum and its profound spiritual impact, and the many ways she assists moms and other seekers on their spiritual journeys. I can't wait to talk with Annie again! You can find all her anthropop and Waldorf resources, including her Threefold Human Calendar and book clubs here. https://linktr.ee/thechildisthecurriculum

Am I awake or am I dreaming? 
Chapter 7 of How to Know Higher Worlds explores changes in the dream life of those on a spiritual path and the role of the "Higher I" in our lives.  

 Message me your pics, ideas, and comments on IG and FB @laura_scappaticci.com
Find me at laurascappaticci.com

Chakras, spiritual beings, lies and judgment? Yep. Chapter 6  of How To Know Higher Worlds by Rudolf Steiner has a bit of something for everyone.

Message me your pics, ideas, and comments on IG and FB @laura_scappaticci.com
Find me at laurascappaticci.com

Chapter 5 is pretty short, but it includes these rad requirements for your spiritual perception to grow: Tend To Your Health, Know You Are Part of the Whole of Life, Understand The importance of Thoughts & Feelings, Know That You Are Soul-Spiritual Being, Have Steadfastness, Have Gratitude. 

Message me your pics, ideas, and comments on IG and FB @laura_scappaticci.com
Find me at laurascappaticci.com

Notes:
Against Everyone With Conner Habib Episode 116 with Are Thorensen
Margaret Mead quote. 

Do you need a patience mantra? Can you overcome anger and judgement and listen deeply? What does gentleness have to do with spirituality? Chapter 4 of How to Know Higher Worlds by Rudolf Steiner is full of practical advice on managing our thoughts and feelings in order to move forward on our spiritual path. 

Message me @laura_scappaticci on Instagram and Facebook or visit laurascappaticci.com

Helpers of Humanity? The Potion of Oblivion? Chapter 3 gives us some great images to continue through on our path of spiritual perception, including the the Fire, Water, and Air Trials. 

Send me your favorite quotes, questions, and pics of your book (or you tuning in) at @laura_scappaticci on Instagram and Facebook and at laurascappaticci.com

Chapter 2! What do growth and decay have to do with clairvoyance? Why would looking at crystal, a plant, and an animal, or tuning into the meaning behind a dog's bark make you a better person? I'll distill these spiritual exercises, share some of my favorite quotes, and give you some exercises to try this week.  
Find me at laurascappaticci.com and message me on IG and FB @laura_scappaticci 

What would it mean for humanity if we could see the unseen forces around us and in us: Love, compassion, the beings of nature, the presence of the spirit within each of us, and the spiritual forces at work outside of us. Can you imagine that? Would we turn guns on each other, would we pillage the earth? Would we break each other’s hearts? 

Chapter 1 of How To Know Higher Worlds explores the conditions for cultivating a living experience of higher knowledge: reverence, a rich inner life, and inner peace. Easy, right? This episode includes tips and tricks from Steiner plus my struggles and joys on the path to reaching these capacities. 

Message me with your thoughts and ideas
Instagram, Facebook @laura_scappaticci 
Or go to laurascappaticci.com to email me! 

In this kick-off episode of my How to Know Higher Worlds book club, Lisa Romero shares the incredible spiritual experiences she had in her youth and her connection to Rudolf Steiner's work.  What is the next spiritual step for humanity? How do we cultivate the forces necessary to meet artificial intelligence, isolation, and greed? Lisa's insight and experiences will carry you through to a deeper sense of what is needed from each of us in this moment in humanity's evolution. 

Check-out Lisa's new YouTube Channel Astral Arc  with monthly virtue postings plus interviews with young seekers.  

Register for courses and find out more about Lisa at innerworkpath.com. 

This quick solo episode includes a jaunty poetic reflection on the last 11 months. And oh my goodness!! Add this to your summer reading/listening list.....My next season on How To Know Higher Worlds, book by Rudolf Steiner!  

Tess Parker describes her journey of "becoming real," and how she shed what wasn't hers to carry and stepped into her most authentic self. (Sounds amazing, right? And it's all about love.) Through personal stories as well as the story of the Velveteen Rabbit, Tess offers tips and wisdom on the journey to self we must all take. You can find Tess and book a birth chart reading with her @__highpriestess on Instagram. 
PS- About halfway through you'll hear about my absolute obsession with Ted Lasso. 

In this last lecture in the Hibernian Mystery series given by Rudolf Steiner, we see how a materialistic understanding of spiritual beings came to be the dominant way of relating to spirituality. 

Walk through the evolution of human consciousness and arrive at a question: How do we access this ancient wisdom again, especially when we are barred from approaching it in our modern times? 

We can do it! Tune and and share your thoughts with me at connect@laurascappaticci.com or @laura_scappaticci

#anthroposophy #mysterycenters  #rudolfsteiner #ancientireland #esotercism #spirituality #disruptmaterialism #somethingbeautifuleveryday #waldorfeducation#biodynamicfarming

Bestselling author Anya Bergman explores the rise of witchlit and feminist retellings, along with with her personal spiritual experiences before and during the writing of her international bestseller, The Witches of Vardo. Anya reads two beautiful sections of this incredible historical fiction account of the women accused of witchcraft in Norway in the late 1600s.
 
For events and booktour information go to www.anyabergman.com
Find the Irish Castle retreat here. 
Join Write from the Heart on Saturdays at 10 a.m. BST via www.noelleharrison.com, on and on Instagram as @anyabergman or @noelle.harrison5.

Conner Habib's latest podcast season, How To Live: Beyond, shakes up all the latest trends about psychedelics, witchcraft, Earth worship, and more. Together we explore whether these trends are liberating or old forms that are holding us back. We discuss the difference between self-development and spiritual development, where anthroposophy is headed, and why what's trending isn't always what's true. Check-out Conner's new March 11, 2023 workshop, The Mysteries of the Tarot with Rachel True and Sarah Maria Griffin at connerhabib.com 

What was the purpose of this big move to Scotland? What are we doing next? Tune in to hear my spiritual perspective on decision-making and finding meaning during challenging times, framed through two writing tools, Purpose and Critical Self-Reflection, from my fabulous writing program.

Show Notes:

The Marginalian with Maria Popova
The Lazy Genius with Kendra Adachi
Marie Forleo
Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey
Edinbugh Napier Creative Writing MA 

What's the art of speech and how can it heal us? Debbie Spitulnik shares her experiences of healing and understanding her own dyslexia, while helping children and adults build confidence and discover themselves through this lively, creative, spiritual art. This is a must listen for Waldorf/Steiner teachers!

Find Debbie and her workshop information at theartofspeech.org (https://www.theartofspeech.org/)

In this mysterious and wonderful episode, Stephanie Georgieff, author, speaker and podcaster, shares her research and experiences with the genre of art known as The Black Madonna. She explains the origin of these amazing icons, sculptures, and paintings, as we explore their significance in today's world. Find her podcast The Black Madonna Speaks here,  the Heart of the Black Madonna YouTube Channel here and her Patreon here. 

This episode with Sarah Parkes is filled with powerful, transformative ideas about life, loss, lineage, and legacy. Sarah Parkes, legacy coach and producer of the  Legacy Life Podcast, explores how to create a legacy of love and aligned leadership in one's family, business, and the world, while offering a deeply moving spiritual experience of loss and finding one's destiny. You can find Sarah's parenting, coaching, and legacy work at spcoaching.co.uk. 

Jordan Walker recounts a deep dream experience, as we dive into the sacred masculine and feminine, exploring polarities, process, and the challenges and beauty of life. Jordan currently helps coordinate the Anthroposophical Society in America's Applied Anthroposophy online course and the World Social Initiative Forum's Leadership in Transformation online program. Find him at www.wisdomworking.org and on Instagram @expandedspectrum

Show Notes:
A Ritual to Read To Each Other by William Stafford
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/58264/a-ritual-to-read-to-each-other

Love and the World by Robert Sardello

He, She, We, Owning Your Own Shadow by Robert A. Johnson

Adjustment Issues, Michaelmas Courage, The Three Beasts, and Birthday Practices are all packed into this quick solo episode that offers a personal update + tips for reflection on being your most reflective and courageous self.
Follow me on Instagram @laura_scappaticci AND @fivelittlerunaways
Email connect@laurascappaticci.com 

Dr. Karen Nani Apana, biography counselor, offers us a way to understand our life through themes, seven year cycles, near death experiences and patterns of behavior plus a fresh take on spirituality and anthroposophy.

Near Death Experiences references:
Return from Tomorrow by George Rithie MD
Dying To Be Me, by Anita Moorjani.
Bridges Between Life and Death by Iris Paxino
Citizens of the Cosmos by Beredyn Jocelyn

My Summer 2024 Podcast Book Club is focused on the Hibernian Mysteries, ancient initiation rites that occurred in Ireland. Why does this matter now?

We need this understanding more than ever to disrupt the materialistic forces of the world and see a fuller picture of our capacities and responsibilities as humans. As Rudolf Steiner explains, "The purpose of all these different paths was to unveil the hidden aspects of world existence and human existence."

Join me as I work through this lecture with humor and hope for the future.

Christopher Scappaticci, artist and art educator, shares his perspective on art as a spiritual practice, the importance of creation vs consumption, and how he prepares a meditative space for art. Listen through to the end for some great tips on creating an art practice of your own.
You can find Christopher's work on Instagram @7livingarts.  

Melanie Gurley describes her deeply human experiences with astrology, including the power of retrogrades, personal practices, and chart readings as sense-making in the midst of tragedy. Find Melanie's offerings here at beautiful-astrology.com! 

Conner Habib, my smarty pants little brother, offers practical (and deeply spiritual) advice on cultivating a spiritual practice and the fruits such practices bear, all the while pestering me about cleaning my house. Tune into Conner's podcast Against Everyone with Conner Habib on all podcast apps. 

With practical tips and spiritual wisdom, Liz Beaven, Ed.D. describes her surprising call to teaching, her humbling and expansive journey as an educator, and the tension between spiritual understanding and everyday life. 

Pastor Parry is the Founder of St. Valentine’s Hall, an Independent Catholic Chapel in London. In this lively episode, he talks about his recent dreams of the Virgin Mary, his writing, and his task on earth. Pastor Parry's wit and wisdom illuminate his spiritual journeys with Christianity, paganism, and anthroposophy all the way through to his priorities of inclusivity and love.
Check out these videos about St. Valentine's Hall. 
You can find all of Pastor Parry's work at davidwilliamparry.com 

After the birth of her third child, Ali LaVanway began to question her Mormon upbringing. Since that time, she's created her own spiritual understanding of what it means to be authentic, and how re-parenting herself is a spiritual practice full of healthy boundaries and fun. This episode includes lots of laughter, honesty, a little song, and a tiny sound issue.

Find out more about Ali and her work at yourcleverfriend.com. 

Jessica Crawford is a photographer, poet, and teacher whose forthcoming book Reflections invites readers into a place of contemplation and preparation. She names the three S's of stress, screens, and sorrow as factors that are affecting our children and our life forces. She talks about her morning routine, and the spiritual practice of pausing--even if just for a moment. 
Follow her on Instagram @jcrawfordprojects to see her beautiful photos! 

In this short solo episode, I introduce Season 4 which is all about Spiritual Practices. I talk about my spiritual journey with the Coronavirus and the insight it offered me, plus I ask for your feedback on topics and guests. Thanks for listening! Please follow and share to DISRUPT MATERIALISM with me.  Find and message me on Instagram @laura_scappaticci or laurascappaticci.com. 

Author, podcaster, and intellectual, Conner Habib, opens this episode with a story about a cancer diagnosis given to him during a trip to the emergency room. This conversation is far reaching, touching on the colonization of medicine, the AIDS public health crisis as related to public health today, and the "pandemic of certainty" occurring in our world. You can find Conner and his podcast Against Everyone With Conner Habib at this link! 

Let me know what you think That Good May Become should focus on next! Message me 
@laura_scappaticci on IG and FB. 

Ashley Andrews, integrative nutrition & holistic health coach, yoga instructor and reiki practitioner, brings a youthful and wise perspective to healing body image issues through freedom in thinking, connecting with the physical plane, and tuning into find oneself, one's teachers, and oneness. Follow Ashley @wakeupwithashley on Instagram. 

SUMMER PODCAST BOOK CLUB STARS NOW! The Hibernian Mysteries

SUMMER WORKSHOP STARTS JUNE 22: Disrupting Materialism: Personal Practices to Help the World 

The need to understand what we cannot experience beyond our physical senses is ever present. In the past, people were brought into an understanding of the esoteric, the spiritual, through ritual and deep experiences often guided by teachers. Our 2024 Summer Book Club is focused on one initiation known as the Hibernian Mysteries which took place in Ireland in ancient times. That path is still relevant for us today. 

Together we'll walk through the initiation that took place in that time and grapple with the deep concepts that Steiner presents in these three lectures given in December 1923--over 100 years ago. And of course, I'll be a bit silly along the way. 

Hibernian Mystery Lectures online 

Book: Mystery Knowledge and Mystery Centers: 14 Lectures by Rudolf Steiner, Intro by Andrew Welburn 

Marlies Schade, somatic trauma healing practitioner and rhythmical massage therapist, explores how each of us can create a space inside and around ourselves to allow healing to come in. Her work with trauma guides us into an exploration of mirror neurons, the relationship of opposites in healing, nature processes and their echo in our body, personal rhythms, and creating a field of healing full of attention, warmth, hope, and possibilities.

Email or message Laura for information on our new course, A Healing Impulse: Antidotes to Trauma and the Stressors of Our Time that will  begin to be offered at the end of January 2022. 

What if our medical system viewed the human being as having innate healing capacities? Explore this perspective and practice with author, teacher, and physician, Adam Blanning, MD. In addition to the framework around healing and illness, our topics include addiction, self-harm, ADHD and more.
Go to https://vimeo.com/ondemand/restwarmthandcleanse to see Adam's recent workshop and check out www.anthroposophicmedicine.org to find out more about trainings for healthcare professionals and workshops for everyone. 

The darkness of this time of year is potent.  Can we tap into  it and create sacred and healing moments amidst our hectic schedules or holiday blues? 
Kim Marie, creator of the Sacred Nights of Winter Journal, offers us five steps to cultivate healing and deep reflection during the holiday season despite holiday pressures.
To get Kim's Sacred Nights of Winter journal go to https://KimMarieCoaching.com/SacredNights.  

Sacred forms are everywhere. Think of spirals & Celtic knots.  But how do they connect to healing? Laura Embrey, author of eight books of healing forms and international workshop presenter, started experiencing the power of forms and their physical and emotional healing qualities over 30 years ago. We explore the origins of forms and their healing applications in today's world.  Have an ailment? There is a form for it! Check out lauraembrey.com for forms to help with the Corona virus, all of her books,  and how to book a private consultation.