Peculiar German practises: Anthroposophy

Anthroposophy is a philosophy that states that spiritual enlightenment of a sort can be obtained through natural means aside from pure meditation and self-reflection. Evolution plays a role in this, and does have a specific view of "good." Methods used in anthroposophy include biodynamic agriculture, anthroposophical medicine, education, and various forms of art, primarily in architecture and eurythmy.

 Within the philosophy, it is believed that all creatures were unspecialized. As time progressed, creatures began devolving into critters with specialties. Humans remain the least specialized of all animals, so we are the least devolved and closest to our ancient roots. It is noted that evolution accompanied earth's evolution and human evolution, not preceded by it.

The belief of anthroposophy is that there is a good between the balance of two evils. One side of the evils is the side that uses critical thinking and freedom of the mind and creativity but disregards technical usage of the world around. The other side is the exact opposite; disregarding the mind in order for physical gain and usage of the material world. By taking the usage of the material world along with the critical thinking, the balance of "good" is obtained.

Biodynamic agriculture is a natural form of farming where the livestock, soil, and the plants as a single system. It isn't terribly unique in terms of organic farming, but it is notable that much of it is based off purely organic means, including using natural manures, planting calendars, medicines for the livestock, among others to have a healthy food source free of chemicals. Some methods are mildly controversial in that they are somewhat based upon a "magic" belief.

In terms of education, Steiner had some views and applied some practices to which I believe to be very good and beneficial to youth. He had three stages for teaching: the first stage for younger kids was about being creative and working hands-on. The second stage was for the elementary age students aimed towards artistic expression and social capacities, to be both creative, analytical, and logical. The last and secondary stage was aimed towards strengthening social idealism and critical understanding. This is definitely a type of school where quality is more important than quantity.

Medicine in anthroposophy is similar to homeopathy in that it uses natural "cures" that have no concrete evidence of actually working. However, in spite of a relatively useless form of curing diseases, the anthroposophic method of healing does include a few bits which are vital to proper healing; massage, exercise, and counseling.

Interestingly enough, art is also applied in such a way by use of architecture. Unique buildings are made in ways that aren't normal and cause a body to stop and take in their surroundings. One example is a room without 90 degree angle corners. Going into such a room throws off our spacial awareness that we grow up with and rely on, to an extent. The person must actually look in order to see where they are and what dimensions the room has in order to feel comfortable, as is part of our growing up in such a society protected by cubes.

Eurythmy is an interesting form of art in that it is an expressive form of movement. Quoting Wikipedia, "

Steiner saw eurythmy as a unique expression of the anthroposophical impulse:

It is the task of Anthroposophy to bring a greater depth, a wider vision and a more living spirit into the other forms of art. But the art of Eurythmy could only grow up out of the soul of Anthroposophy; could only receive its inspiration through a purely Anthroposophical conception.

—Rudolf Steiner

 With this, he saw it as a method to physically express the soul in ways that other forms of dance did not. It was also used alongside music and speaking, examples being poems, dramas, or storytelling. In music, beats, harmony, and melody were the primary focus. Each was portrayed in specific manners.

• Harmony: Conveyed through tension and release during a piece.
• Melody: Conveyed through the change as well as specific pitches.
• Rhythm: Quick notes were given fast and short actions and performed more in the "talking" space in the front while slower notes were given slow and long actions and performed in the "listening" space in the back.

 Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthroposophy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurythmy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodynamic_agriculture
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waldorf_education
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthroposophical_medicine