The Invisible Elements of Human Nature and Practical Life

Spiritual Science makes the brain a supple, flexible tool, so that it can break free from prejudices. Spiritual Science has a powerful effect that reaches down into the physical body of the human being. People can be immersed in spiritual science right down to the practical tasks they perform. Let me give you an example. It is certainly useful to give children the opportunity to do gymnastics today. It is an extremely healthy exercise when done correctly. In my lecture on education, I already pointed out that it is important to remain aware that human beings are not just physical beings, but are also imbued with higher spiritual elements. One should be able to empathize completely with those who are exercising, in order to feel every movement of the etheric and astral bodies. I knew a gymnastics teacher who was a great theorist. He knew the physical body of the human being very well. He also had to give theoretical gymnastics lessons. What matters is not that one knows the physical body well, but that one experiences an increase in inner well-being with each exercise. One should experience purposefully what the individual exercise is supposed to be. Those who have a living feeling, not just an abstract mental image of the physical body, know that one can have a living feeling for everything the child experiences, for example when climbing a ladder. It is conceivable to have gymnastics that works so harmoniously in the interaction of the etheric and physical bodies that the best foundation is laid for a good memory in later life. Even what is visible can only be properly understood when it is understood from the perspective of Spiritual Science. Gymnastics would be the best remedy for declining memory in old age if gymnastics lessons were taught from the perspective of Spiritual Science.