Is it always about the "stuff"? - Page 2

[LuxPerpetua]

Originally Posted by um_hanna

yes they do:

Then we will have to totally agree to disagree.

[Melaniee]

I have to agree with a PPer that no, it's not always about the stuff but for those of us wishing to have a Waldorf lifestyle, at the holidays it definitely comes up in regards to well-meaning family and friends' gifts.

I also look to this forum, personally, more as support for those of us who have already decided this is for us, and not as a place for those wondering about the knitty gritty of Waldorf Education. Though I think it's fantastic for that when people wander in with questions as there are many people here with a lot of rather wise answers that leave me :.

I think somtimes it's about "getting rid of the stuff" more than "getting" stuff, too. It was another thread on here that I believe I read someone remark that in a waldorf classroom at their school there were mostly baskets of pinecones and sticks. So, no, it doesn't all have to be high-priced imported toys. I greatly envy those with the talent and tools to make their own versions of wooden toys, too.

Here's a great thread with ideas for playthings from nature:
http://www.mothering.com/discussions...light=pinecone

[PabloHoneySF]

There was a thread about this a few weeks ago and I think that Emmaegbert summed it up beautifully here

I am one of those who really fell into the trap of the "stuff", but as time passed and our house became cluttered with too many pretty wooden toys, I realized that my kids weren't benefitting at all from the toy aspect of Waldorf (is that an oxymoron ?), but rather the experiences of being outside and playing. When I decluttered and sold many of the toys, I found that the boys had the space mentally to focus and enjoy what we had left. I am now at a point in my Waldorf journey (a year and a half later) where I am reading more about Anthroposophy and moving beyond the stuff and more into the spiritual practices of Waldorf. I realize it's an back *sswards way to approach it, but the point is I am there and I wouldn't criticize anyone for how they approach the journey.

I agree with what Nicole said earlier as well... there's a certain energy that items give off and I love that many of the playthings I have chosen for my sons are handmade and of natural materials. I like that I can sometimes feel the sweetness and love that the artisan or craftsperson has put into the toy and I like that by sharing with that person the pictures of my boys enjoying the fruits of their labor there's a circle completed. That may be a little too esoteric and corny, but it's heartfelt .

[racheleuphoria]

One way to look at this focus on the "stuff" is that changing our outward surroundings can be a first step to changing our inner selves. When we get rid of 10 noisy plastic toys and replace them with a basket of playsilks we are saying we want our children to create play, not be entertained by toys; we are saying that we need less things, albeit different things. For real inner and lasting change to happen, there's a lot more to it than changing the "stuff", but changing the stuff does help.

[mamaofthree]

I guess I should have come at this differently. Instead of sounding like I was accusing people, I should have just asked my questions.
I know there are book available, but our library system doesn't have them and I can't afford to get a library of Waldorf books. LOL

Is there a website or a book that you thought/think explains waldorf education the best and the reasons behind it, and maybe let me know why you like it.
What about Waldorf do you love? What about the education do you like so much?

Thank you all for your replys and thoughts on the matter. :

h

[kghaffar]

Originally Posted by mamaofthree

I know there are book available, but our library system doesn't have them and I can't afford to get a library of Waldorf books. LOL

h

Most libraries participate in Inter Library Loan (and most for free). That's how I have read countless Waldorf books. Ask you librarian.

[LindaCl]

It's our age. We live in an age of excess, and have to work so hard at being "simple', we become a bit fanatic about it sometimes. Oftentimes.

Simple is splendid. Heart felt is VASTLY more important than "natural". Less is more. Don't preach or puff the chest and sermonize. Don't worry. Be happy.

It's not about the "stuff".

[mamaUK]

Originally Posted by racheleuphoria

One way to look at this focus on the "stuff" is that changing our outward surroundings can be a first step to changing our inner selves. When we get rid of 10 noisy plastic toys and replace them with a basket of playsilks we are saying we want our children to create play, not be entertained by toys; we are saying that we need less things, albeit different things. For real inner and lasting change to happen, there's a lot more to it than changing the "stuff", but changing the stuff does help.

:

do you get the idea I liked what you posted?!
Your reply really made me think this morning....you said what I didn't even know I wanted to say LOL
Yeah, so it is just more stuff, but for me it was the start of an incredible journey for me and my family and helped us move on to a more positive/creative play environment. When you walk into out living area now, my LO's play things are so natural and beautiful that it just leads to a real sense of calm, things don't feel so hectic as they did before. Also, I'm sure, there is a real sense of positivity to the play environment b/c the toys are so well made that they dont break easily....I used to find it so sad before to see plastic toys not quite all there with bits broken off them or just beginning to look really tatty. So basically 'the stuff' helped us transition into a better way of life for our family and went hand in hand with going TV free, family meals, bedtime blessings and lots of nature walks with the whole family at weekends.
It was almost like making a commitment to move forward into a more waldorf inspired way of life. Not everyone needs 'the stuff' to do this, but for me it felt like I was cleansing our Lo's play area so we were ready to start afresh and move forward into a more beautiful, thankful,grateful way of living.

[mamaUK]

Originally Posted by mamaofthree

I guess I should have come at this differently. Instead of sounding like I was accusing people, I should have just asked my questions.
I know there are book available, but our library system doesn't have them and I can't afford to get a library of Waldorf books. LOL

Is there a website or a book that you thought/think explains waldorf education the best and the reasons behind it, and maybe let me know why you like it.
What about Waldorf do you love? What about the education do you like so much?

Thank you all for your replys and thoughts on the matter. :

h

I found this website extremely helpful and has got some very interesting articles:

http://www.waldorfinthehome.org/

I think some of them you have to pay to read (I didn't bother doing this) but there are plenty of articles on the site that are free to read. Have a really good look, as it's a real gem of information. There's stuff on creative play, story telling, housework, fesitivals etc etc. It's great!