The History of the Esoteric School 1904–1914, Volume One

GA 264 — Berlin

To an Unknown Recipient

Undated

Dear Doctor!

I have written down below what is initially useful for the purpose discussed. I note that the description of such exercises only ever indicates a kind of direction; by adhering to the exercise, one then finds one's way into a certain practice. On this condition, I may also assume that the sketchy information is sufficient and leaves nothing open to question.

With theos. Greeting

Dr. Rudolf Steiner

Berlin W, Motzstrasse 17

Enclosure:

Dear Doctor!

Regarding the goal we have discussed, the following is advised: in the evening, after completing the entire day's work, so that no daytime worries etc. fall between this exercise and falling asleep: fill the entire horizon of consciousness with a serious thought taken from the worldview, which one summarizes in a few syllables. For example, one might reflect for several minutes on the life of the world soul in the human soul, so that concrete thoughts about the matter run through the soul and the whole reflection has a devotional character. One does not merely think the truths; one feels and experiences them. One then summarizes them as follows:

World soul in the I.

On such an idea - which is thus the end result of a series of thoughts and feelings - concentrate the entire consciousness; fill yourself with it so that you exclude all other thinking, feeling and sensing.

Then fill your own body form completely with this idea, letting it slide in thought from the head through the body into the feet and hands. (Allow about 10 minutes for the whole thing. Not by the clock; by the feeling).

The position of the body, etc., is irrelevant in itself. The only thing that matters is to put yourself in a situation in which you cannot be distracted by anything. The longer you can hold on to the resonance of the exercise in your soul - without other images - without exaggerating the matter, the better.

In the morning, after waking up, repeat the entire exercise.

You can continue with the same process for many days – you will make the most progress if you have the patience to work with the same ideas for weeks – then you can vary it.