Dostoievski
She showed us how entering into the world and thinking of
"the other person" helped to gain a new understanding and create a place for
loving interaction instead of judgement. I remember the feeling after the talk so well and thinking
that she has a very appropriate surname for this work.
Just before the COVID time our College of Teachers had the
opportunity to do the first few lessons of Active Practical Love/How to Love with Briar and we learned about
iron bands and how they are created. The exercise of the Birthday celebration
revealed so much about expectations and our inadequacies and unloving
behaviours. It struck me once again how seemingly simple things can show
so much.
Then
COVID came and when restrictions were lifted somewhat
we could meet again and begin the Active Practical Love work again. We could progress to
Lesson 5 this time. From feelings shared in the group simple matters
were again
revealed to be so significant. The thought that we free someone to be
who they
really are and that we can start giving love immediately without waiting
for
our own perfection and that we free ourselves also in this way were such
powerful realisations.
A new opportunity came to begin this work again with a new
group of people in Mcgregor. This time we were able to continue and complete
the 12 lessons.The last lesson was so profoundly moving. To see
"confession" as a way to unite me with all and thus to remove or
overcome condemnation of anyone was truly life changing for me.
Continuing Active Practical Love as a way of life has become an ideal and inspiration for me. Sharing in such a safe group as is created in an Active Practical Love gathering is very unique. It is coming together truly in freedom. The coming together in this way becomes a healing balm in one's daily life.
From our Cape Town Course:
The APL course was filled with moments of 'This makes so much sense...' because of the easy to understand, logical and thoughtful content. I loved sharing with a buddy, as well as in the group, where more of the content could be explored and more of myself discovered.
There where times when I really had to dig deep to understand the lessons but with practice and continual revision which was beautifully facilitated by Penny and Briar, the purpose of the lesson fell into place.
I would highly recommend this course for anyone wanting to learn how to love.
With all our moving we did not run many courses, and when we did we forgot to ask for responses!
*Chalk and Diamonds *
My cousin, Rachelle, was turning 60 and had decided she wanted a long weekend of celebrations. We wanted to give her a memorable activity on the Saturday morning which she would never forget. Briar and Michael came along with their immense creativity and ideas and ensured that we met and exceeded all expectations.Everything was so easy to arrange. They are a super organised couple who come with an energy and vibrancy which is contagious. We were a very diverse group, some of whom had never before participated in a creative session. Our hosts quickly ensured everyone was comfortable and engaged, and before we knew it hours had passed and we were presenting our unique, very personal masterpieces to Rachelle who was totally enthralled and overwhelmed with emotion. Who knew chalk-painting and diamond-poetry could be so much fun?!
Thank you Briar and Michael, you two rocked our world for this event. (And we loved the special chocolate cake as an added bonus!). Good luck with your forthcoming ventures.
An Online course on Missions of Anger, Truth and Reverence
11.00 - 13.00 Mondays 21, 28 February & 7, 14 March 2022
Teaching at a Waldorf school in Hong Kong is potentially a miserable business, especially being far from home (South Africa) in these trying times. I was therefore delighted to come across the online workshops on part of the Metamorphism of the Soul lectures by Rudolf Steiner.
Not only because I knew I needed to contemplate the missions of Anger, Truth and Reverence, but also because I knew that Michael and Briar Grimley are skilful presenters and soulful individuals. I hoped to find some peace and perspective by attending these 4 two-hour workshops.
And I did.
I loved how we had time to breathe in and out during this time. Each week, we started off by sharing our own experiences of anger, truth, and reverence. This sharing session alone would have made the workshops worthwhile, but it was only the beginning. Michael spent some time talking us through the lectures and he is highly knowledgeable. His enthusiasm and humour gave life to these complex concepts. Briar followed up every time with a beautifully told story - relevant and moving. For the last part of each session, we worked with clay – forming images from our own feeling world. It was brilliant. I’ve always been scared of clay, but Michael led this activity us with care and wisdom. I was sad when it was over – but I felt nourished and at peace – it was exactly what I needed.
Vasalisa the Wise
Online Story and Art Workshop
13, 14, 25 December 2021
This was my third time joining for another offering by Briar and Michael, and as always - I loved it!
I really appreciated the advance email clarity on what art materials we would need to gather for each day of the course. The invitation to share a memory of our childhood doll or toy felt like a warming way to bring us all together.
I loved the way Briar told us the story of Vasilisa varying her tone, pace and volume which enlivened my imagination. Although I have worked with variations of the story many times in different ways, there were some beautiful surprises along the way that invited me to become conscious of my outdated beliefs and being.
Thank you for guiding our two-colour pastel exercise to capture the mood of a scene Michael. I'm often in awe of the creativity that flows through, so willingly and freely under your care.
It was such a gift to be able to hear everyone's poems that embodied parts of our three days together and the solo walk in nature, simply listening. My heartfelt gratitude to you both for all the wisdom and guidance you bring to people online and in-person throughout the course and in-between.
Transitions in Consciousness
Kairos Eurythmy School
14 - 17 September 2021
Each course held by Michael and Briar Grimley that I have been fortunate to attend, has been an enlivening and soul enriching experience. On the one hand a deepening of the knowledge of the human-being through the History of Art, the creation and establishment of the Ethiopian Churches and the story of Parceval, while on the other, a broadening of the artistic elements that inspired cultures, nations, and every human being in some shape or form. These two aspects, interwoven beautifully through-out the courses, have left me with many seeds to nurture and treasures to wonder at.
Michael's 2021 Art Project Module 4 - Watercolour based on Rudolf Steiner's Colour Indications
Mondays Afternoon and Morning sessions
23, 30 August, 6, 13 September 2021
Michael's 2021 Art Project Module 3 - Using Charcoal for Illustrating Fables
Mondays Afternoon and Morning sessions14, 21, 28 June, 5 July 2021
In this module we explored the medium of charcoal through the theme of fables, it was for me, exceptional. I had hoped to learn how to depict the nature of the characters I draw in my illustrations in a clearer, more intuitive way and this is exactly what I got from the course.
Another aspect of the Fables Art Module that I thoroughly enjoyed was creating my own fable, oh goodness, what an indulgence I was delighted with the task - to distill a story, an experience, a train of thought, into a nugget of wisdom. It certainly deepened my respect for the authors of past fables and as often happens with fables, when the story is written with intention and the illustrations complete, the story works on you and deeper or different meanings emerge: living art.
I find that this encapsulates the effect of Michael and Briars Art courses, they help you create living art, full of energy, vibrance and life. I am grateful for these experiences. Thank you both.
Michael's 2021 Art Project Module 2 - Goethean Colour Exercises in Pastel
10, 17, 24, 31 May 2021
Four Monday morning sessions 10.00 - 11.30
My experience with Briar and Michael was absolutely wonderful! The classes were inspiring, filled with artistic gems and beautiful reflections. They were very accommodating to me being half way across the world, their classes were professional and the communication outstanding. It's amazing how I felt part of the group even though I had to do it through recorded sessions. I have deep appreciation for Briar and Michael and who they are as people inspired me. Thank you both!
Michael and Briar have created a sanctuary of creativity out
of which our individual creativity was given the space to unfold. I’m grateful
for the depth of seeing that Michael brought, allowing me to see more , and
deepening the revelatory experience of living Colour. Briar and Michael’s
warmth, openness and encouragement inspired what was needed - trust in the
process. And how wonderful to get to know the inner artistry of others!
I am loving working with you, as ever. It is opening up
such a new way of approaching a field of artistic expression, that made me feel so afraid and feel so unable, of pure technique, etc. I am
just so thankful to receive such earnest and warm guidance into this experience
and to discover through Michael, the living language of colour – that expresses
a full spectrum of moral drama around us that I never until now become
conscious of. It is humbling, overwhelming and just so beautiful and
empowering.
I am secure.
I am grounded.
A Soft yielding embrace with
Sharp cutting edges
I protect you in the sinking of emotions
I keep you still when consequence comes
Knocking loudly at your door.
Do not be afraid
Even though You cannot hear me
I am here.
WATER
The tranquility of harmony
Runs deeply, pours freely in me.
Holding from underneath
fold over forms taking shape
Waiting to be moved
Reaching from the centre
Freeing me.
AIR
From armth and light from our earth’s inner
core, to the sun in the heavens and our own body temperature – revealing polarities.
quenching the parched hot burnt earth.
A dense earthy cleansing smell
evocative of memories into childhood.
Calming - soothing - cooling
promising new beginnings."
Folklore, Mythology and Legends tell of the complex entity
Of Nature Spirits; the Elementals.
Who, through their expression of secret principles
create Order
on Earth and in Humankind.
GNOMES
Brave and hardworking Creating bastians of support
Of everlasting value
Strengthening our bodies and the Earth.
UNDINES
Refining
Transmitting and amplifying
Dreams and feelings
Resourcing our Soul and Sculpting the Earth.
SYLPHS
Invisible Transparent beauty
Harmonious light
Clarifying our thoughts and Cradling the Earth.
SALAMANDERS
Intense power Incendiary Volatile Will force
Warming our hearts and the Earth.
Two Christmas Stories
As an adult, I have always found it difficult to connect deeply with the mysteries of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. When my children were growing up, this was facilitated and enlivened somewhat by celebrating these festivals with them, but still I struggled to find my own, individual, way in.
What changed this for me, and tumbled me straight into the depths of possibility and inner growth that potentially await one on the path from Advent to Ephiphany, was the two-part course presented by Briar and Michael Grimley.
Briar’s meticulously researched, intricately woven story about the childhood and life of the human being known as Balthazar, before he becomes one of the Magi, took me on a profound inner journey of exploration. Michael then invited us all to re-member any aspect/s of the story which had personally appealed to us, by guiding us towards an artistic expression of our individual encounters.
I am sure I was not the only one who found it difficult to wait for part two of the course a few weeks later, in which Briar gave us a shortened version of Henry van Dyke’s story The Other Wise Man. Once again, Michael led us on a personal artistic journey, allowing each of us to explore our individual experiences of Briar’s beautiful rendition.
Soul and Spiritual nourishment support for Colleges of Teachers in the challeging time of managing Waldorf Schools in the time of Covid. Stellenbosch Waldorf School
Thank
you Briar and Michael for responding to the call from our College of Teachers. A
call for a way to recede from the demands of a Covid-19 environment and all
that we have been dealing with. We were seeking to quieten ourselves and to
find a presence of mind that had not easily been achieved in busy virtual
world. We
were so grateful for someone else to say, “We will support you. Hand over the
wrestling you are experiencing. Let us facilitate something for you, where you
can take a breath again.” And
so we let go and you filled us with wisdom, story and creative inspiration. And
we began to breathe a little easier, reflect and feel the soul nourishment that
we felt had dissapated, due to a time of significant loss and change. We
were able to come to notice and relate to each other anew. It was as though a
little window was opened in a dark recess and you both held up a ray of light
to illuminate hope within us all. With
deep appreciation...
Butterfly Art Project, Cape Town
14 August 2020
Online Story and Art webinar: The Little Lantern
Feedback was given in a table format containing responses from each participant, with the Programme Manager summing up with:
Online Story and Art: The Little Lantern
15, 22, 29 June 2020
This year Briar and Michael offered their first online art and story experience in support of Temenos Retreat in McGregor using Zoom and WhatsApp.
Briar told the story of the Little Lantern which was a wonderful story to hear in the darkness of winter and aloneness of lockdown. The experience of listening to a story is always a gift - it not only brings vitality and depth to the words and meaning of the story but also creates a connection between all the listeners.
Briar invited us to ‘dream into’ the story that evening and to decide on a medium for our artwork the following morning. During the week, Michael was available to assist with each of our art processes and Briar emailed us an inner development exercise to deepen our engagement with the story.
The following week we met as a group to share our artworks and insights. It was incredible to see how many different mediums each of us had chosen to explore the story - chalk pastels, clay, watercolour, photography, charcoal, poetry, film. Collectively the artwork expressed the story and our individual insights in a myriad of different ways and from many different perspectives.
Each of us shared our experience of making our artwork and this looking and listening created a feeling of tangible connection between all of us. To speak, and hear others speak with authenticity was a wonderfully affirming and nurturing experience at a time when most of us were physically disconnected from others.
On a personal level, the story has continued to live in me and has been a comfort in these uncertain times.
Thank you, Briar and Michael, for tackling the technology and finding a way to hold the space for us from a distance in your warm and inspiring way.
I have done several storytelling and art
workshops with Briar and Michael over the years and have always been deeply
enriched by them. Stories and myth and art work deeply into our biographies,
psyches, conscious and unconscious minds and can open doors, unravel knots and
potentiate healing in such a gentle, non-invasive manner. The last workshop
took place in Zoom format and was no less enriching. Briar and Michael were
able to hold and facilitate the group over the 3-week period and were available
to workshop participants during this time.
Windhoek 12 - 25 March 2020
Our autumn teacher-development workshop started on the evening of Friday 13 March 2020 – an auspicious date for the more superstitious! Briar and Michael introduced the theme “Child Development” to a mixed audience of parents, teachers and early-childhood students. The atmosphere of wonder and astonishment grew as Michael painted a picture of the intricacies involved in the development of a child into an adult human being. It was especially the parents who left the evening with a touching sense of awe and respect for what a Waldorf school is striving for.
The workshop was continued on Saturday morning with two groups alternating between Briar’s presentation of “Maths through the curriculum” (Gr.1 – 12) and Michael’s pastel drawing workshop based on the Goethean colour study. The outcome was a palpable gratitude for the inspiring experience of inner awakening of one’s creative forces.
On Sunday night, the president of Namibia unexpectedly (literally out of the blue) declared a state of emergency due to 2 Corona cases in the country. Monday morning greeted the day with a thick cloud of disbelief! The teachers of the Waldorf School Windhoek were invited to an emergency meeting to discuss a way forward. At that meeting, Michael and Briar, with steady heart and a clear mind transformed the heavy cloud into an opportunity for all to take hold of their inner strengths, and turn this moment into an experience of faith in our individual and communal abilities to rise above the imminent threat.
Despite clear indications from parliament that all gatherings were declared illegal, the teachers unanimously agreed to take the closing of the schools as an opportunity to build the vessel that would take us through these stormy times and together we embarked on an immensely enriching journey. Briar and Michael were thrown into the deep end of total re-planning and brought the gem of story-telling and artistic activities to the collegium. The healing warmth of Briar’s story-telling of the “Little Lantern” together with Michael’s embracing guidance of drawing our inner experiences arising from the story, evoked a true spirit of individual strength as well as an incredibly heart-warming experience of mutual respect and acknowledgement for each other.
This powerful inner experience gave all participants the courage and strength to pursue an un-planned vision-building workshop with Briar and Michael to look into the future of the school’s path.
My personal impression was one of utter surprise to see the hidden force of commitment and dedication emerging and forming a strong spirit of courage to face the unknown that was staring us in the face. After all the turmoil and chaos this invisible little virus has brought to us, the light of the little lantern inside keeps shining and lighting the way for us.
Thank you, Briar and Michael, for bringing such power to us in such difficult times. You have ignited in us the light that shines but was hidden by the dark. May the warmth of our lights reach you in the distant neighboring country.
Windhoek 21– 23 October 2019
Teachers from the Waldorf School Windhoek, Namibia, were left awed, united and inspired after our recent training course offered by Briar, Michael and Christiane, our Eurythmy expert. The topics covered were the Fourfold Principles in Nature, the Human Being, and the Temperaments, many practical teaching approaches and techniques were discussed.
Our day started with a Eurythmy routine, which fed directly into the theoretical topics for the day, and allowed those new to the Waldorf system to feel like Waldorf learners! Each day we also participated in an Artistic Activity, which culminated in a memorable improvised performance of “David and Goliath” in our final session.
In the afternoon sessions, we divided into Kindergarten and Middle/High School groups, which led to in-depth discussions and debates. Although demanding, we finished the course feeling that our souls had been nurtured, and with a spirit of camaraderie. Thank-you so much, Briar and Michael, for an unforgettable three days!
Visit of Briar and Michael Grimley at the Waldorf School Windhoek
10 – 29 October 2019
In October we were very pleased to be able to welcome Briar and Michael at our school for the third time this year. They are primarily involved in our Waldorf Teacher Training (see above) which started officially in January 2019.
In October Waldorf School Windhoek organized a festive week for the worldwide 100th anniversary of the Waldorf movement as well as the 20th anniversary of our school (which actually only turns 20 in January, but preparations were running high at this time 20 years ago!). It was a very special week as nearly all old learners from the pioneer class of 2000 came together from all over the world to be part of their 10-year Alumni and re-union.
A very intense and busy, but enriching and inspiring week started with the seminar of Active Practical Love offered by Briar on Friday afternoon and Saturday, 11 and 12 October. ‘Active Practical Love is when you free someone to become who they really are. When you are able to love someone in this way, you begin to learn how to free yourself’ – Dr Tessabella Lovemore. It was amazing how we all got involved in this subject as it makes so much sense in social interaction.
On Monday and Tuesday afternoon, 14 and 15 October, Michael and Briar offered a seminar about Education and the Moral Life by Rudolf Steiner (Lecture from Stuttgart – March 26. 1923). We read the text and tried to understand the connection between the moral development of our learners and our huge responsibility as Waldorf teachers. Between 1 -7 years children learn through imitation which means they take over what their parents and other family members are thinking, feeling and doing. When coming to school, children are “already formed from the moral viewpoint which could in itself engender a mood of tragedy”. But coming to school children have through the guidance of their teacher the chance to get a new approach to morality. The teacher’s insight and willing energy is able to change children through the power of the word and his authority! It is definitely worthwhile to read this wonderful lecture as it gives hope for a better society!
On Monday evening, 14 October 2019, Michael gave a lecture in the Anthroposophical Society about Community Building based on a lecture Rudolf Steiner on 3 March 1923 in Dornach. This was not an easy content but gave a lot of inspiration to think about how community in future could look like.
In our closing morning before mid-term break Briar and Michael offered a workshop to teachers on Human and Earth Evolution, Leadership and Community Building in the College of Teachers… the management body of a Waldorf School, and Briar led an experience in Projective Geometry… as always filled with ah ha moments!
With Briar and Michael coming to Windhoek, there is always a lot to learn and to take home. We felt nourished and inspired from the anthroposophical content given by them and we are looking forward to their next visit.
Butterfly Art Project, Cape Town
16 – 18 September 2019
Briar and Michael were already an incredibly helpful support in the preparation phase for the annual Michaelmas Conference for the Butterfly Art Project held at the Novalis Ubuntu Institute in Cape Town. Looking for faculty members, choosing the Steiner lecture for the text study, discussing more ways of observation practice, conceptualising practical workshops, are just a few tasks of the preparation for such a conference serving approximately 50 people. Briar and Michael walked by my side and brainstormed with me (Managing director) whenever I needed support.
During the three days gathering in September with participants who mostly work in the context of the Butterfly Art Project’s core work, bringing creativity and healing through art to children growing up in marginalised communities, they strengthened the conference with their experience, wisdom and joy for seeing growth and change in the world. My most heartfelt gratitude goes out to you, may you be blessed with many fruits of the beautiful work you bring.
Some quotes from the participants:
· In the soul care workshop (Briar Grimley), we did poetry and it was magical. We created poetry without even realising that we were. It flowed freely in the group and we fed each other with our words. I realised that in my personal life I need to be more at ease with myself in order to be able to help others.
· The painting with Michael Grimley was an ah-ha moment all on its own. What an incredible and healing experience.
· Text study and observation exercise, what struck me was how similar everyone’s observations were. In the observation exercise, you realise how difficult it can be to be totally objective. I got my ah-ha moment when listening to the other’s descriptions and hearing their perspectives.
· The Steiner text study took me back to my childhood and my ah-ha was realising the influence of my educators and how hard it is to be objective.
Michael’s Visit to Cape Town
5 - 13 September 2019
The Kairos Eurythmy Training was delighted to welcome Michael once again into its midst in September of this year. We were taken on two most wonderful, interesting journeys which revealed innumerable treasures. Ethiopia with its rich history and the mystery of Prestor John, and the great legend of Parzival. Both served to nourish and inspire our work. Michael also held study sessions for the community at Sophia House on the theme ‘Building Community for the Future Through the Renewal of The Mysteries’ which enlightened and deepened our understanding of this vast theme. Also, during his time here, the combined meeting of the Colleges of Teachers from the Waldorf Schools in the Western Cape, was held at Michael Oak and we were fortunate to hear Michael speak on ‘Awakening to Community - and the Future Task of the Teacher’ where he once again brought his depth of experience to us all.
Thank you so much Michael for continuing to share your treasures with us here in Cape Town.
Parzival and the Eternal Feminine weekend in McGregor
8 – 11 August 2019
Driving home from Briar and Michael’s ‘Parzival and the Eternal Feminine’ course in McGregor felt as though I was returning from another time with my mind full of thoughts and images of the various characters and rich symbolism we had met in the story.
Each evening we made our way through the gardens of Temenos Retreat to ‘The Well’, an enclosed meditation space lit by candles and firelight, to listen to Michael’s absorbing telling of the Parzival story. There was a sense of taking part in a century’s old ritual of storytelling as well as a child’s joy in hearing a story.
In the mornings we were welcomed into Briar and Michael’s home venue, Acacia Grove, where we shared ideas and images that had arisen during the night before going into artistic activities facilitated by Margaret Laubser and Briar. These were meditative experiences which deepened our individual connections to the story. Hearing others’ insights and experiencing the varied visual responses, opened up the richness of the story and created a sense of community within the group.
Michael and Briar’s holding of the weekend created a space, both safe and deeply inspiring, for each participant’s personal and collective journey. Every detail of the weekend felt carefully considered and added to the meaning and experience of the course. Delicious teas with Briar’s home bakes and nourishing vegetarian lunches at Tebaldi’s Restaurant at Temenos ensured our bodies were as well-nourished as our souls.
The weekend was a true gift and will continue to resonate and inspire for a long time to come. Thank-you Briar, Michael and Margaret.
Plettenberg Bay
9 - 24 May 2019
In Plettenberg Bay we offered teacher enrichment and support, and workshops for parents at the Raphaeli Waldorf School, and various activities for the public.
Seeing with your Ears, Hearing with your Heart - Johannesburg
22 January 2019
An Introductory Presentation to a Business group by invitation from Total Clarity, a Business Coaching organisation
Vasalisa the Wise, McGregor
During our 5 week trip to Namibia, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria we were so involved in everything we continually forgot to take photos and ask for responses... but here are a few we managed to collect!
