Words don’t come easy when I begin to think of the many changes that happened to me and my family because of Waldorf and Curative Education. The changes were wonderful but not without the accompanying challenges of changing some of the thoughts and way of life we have been accustomed to. The struggles were real and oftentimes the temptation to go back to our way of life keeps coming back. But each time I look at my children and see how holistically they are growing, I just knew that I have chosen the right path.
I am a parent of two children. My eldest is Lorenzo Miguel, a nineteen year old teenager with autism. My youngest is Elizabeth, ten years old and currently in class 5 at Acacia Waldorf School in the Philippines. Even when Elizabeth was barely one year old, I have been considering Acacia Waldorf School for her. I had no idea at that time what Waldorf education was all about. It was not very popular in the Philippines and some people thought it was a school for the elite. The moment I entered the school, I gravitated towards it. I experienced how relaxing the environment of the school was with lots of trees and areas for children to move around and explore. I also saw how creative and happy the students were. I trusted my instinct and enrolled Elizabeth in Kindergarten in 2014 at Acacia Waldorf School and to this day I still thinks that this is one of the best if not the best decision I ever made as a parent.
I remember the first few days of Elizabeth at school and how happy she was, eager to go to school and always having lots of stories to tell when she went home. There are so many things to love about Waldorf kindergarten. First is the importance of rhythm and how different it was in establishing routine. I was able to see that children go from one activity to the next unhurried. Everything just happens smoothly and the children can breathe in and breathe out through the activities.
The indoor and outdoor plays were unstructured and there were lots of opportunities for the children to use their imagination. I remember my Elizabeth and how she would often create different things from simple wooden toys and play cloths. The children were allowed to be children and the teachers meet them where they are in their developmental stage. I love hearing the laughter of the children each morning as they play outside. At the same time, I am amazed at how attentive and quiet they often become during story time.
As a parent, it is also important for me that my children learn to eat simple and healthy foods. You could imagine my elation after learning that the teachers prepare snacks for the children and that we are encouraged to bring fruit at school for fruit time.
I am so much at peace as a parent knowing that my children attends a school that nurtures not only their minds but bodies and spirit as well. My Elizabeth is a child in the truest sense of the word; moving a lot and so connected in the spiritual world. It often breaks my heart to see young children forced too early into academics and seeing how the use of technology hampers their development. I never, not even once, regret the fact that my children do not watch television and use the gadgets at this stage in their lives because there will be a time for that. The school discourages the use of technology and media, especially in the younger years. This time of their childhood could never be repeated so they should have more time to explore and use their imagination.
I cannot also forget about the festivals celebrated at school and how much love is brought into the preparation. More than a school, Waldorf is a community where parents are considered partners and our participation is valued.
There are so many wonderful images I can think of every time I think about Waldorf education. Oftentimes, I wish I could go back to my own childhood and enter a Waldorf school. I also imagine the possibilities for my children. Because I am so in love with this type of education, I went deeper in learning more about it through attending various parent and teacher trainings including a three day workshop in Curative Education.
Since my eldest has autism, I became interested in how Waldorf Education can help children with special needs. I realized that Steiner, who was ahead of his time, has a different approach in educating those with special needs — Curative Education. Since Acacia Waldorf does not offer Curative Education, I started applying what I have learned from the three day Curative Education Workshop with my Lorenzo at home and now in a mini-farm which we established for him.
Prior to attending the Curative Education Workshop by Becky Rutherford, a core faculty at Camphill Academy in USA, my Lorenzo manifested aggression. I had tried all possible interventions there is for my son in an effort to “cure” him. However, after attending the Curative Education workshop, I realized that there is no need to find a “cure.” I cannot change my son but I can help him overcome his obstacles in this world so that he can fulfill the intentions he has made when he entered this world.
For those not into the Waldorf or Curative Education system, it might be quite difficult to understand. But this realization allowed me to see my son from a different perspective. I saw all that is beautiful in him. Our relationship improved such that his aggression has been completely gone for three years now. He is, as I say, a changed man. His activities now are more relaxed and the interventions he is doing involves art and movement.
We also built a small farm for him we now called Lorenzo’s sanctuary. It’s an organic farm initially and hopefully we can turn it into a biodynamic farm. Lorenzo often stays there after school and during the weekends to help on the farm, particularly in watering the plants. He is also able to help make guava tarragon jams and chili flakes with most ingredients coming from the farm. The activities he is doing may look simple but we can sense his joy. He finds meaning and fulfillment in being able to use his hands to create something valuable and beautiful.
In the process of educating my children, I am also learning and unlearning. I understand more now, that there are no accidents. My children brought me to Waldorf and Curative education for a reason. I have met some of the kindest, most creative, open-minded, nature-loving people in the Waldorf and Curative education community.
I have learned to be more mindful of my thoughts, words and actions. I became more aware that everything I do has an impact on other beings. I am a better parent because I receive so much support from the community and the spiritual world. I am grateful beyond words
This sharing is my simple way of expressing my gratitude for the blessing that is Waldorf and Curative education. It is my prayer that more children will go through this education and help change this world for the better.
