The Key to Freedom
A friend from my time as a Waldorf student told me about the February Days in Dornach. Lately, I have mostly been busy with my studies, leaving little time for what I call Waldorf things. I was missing the singing together, the sharing of ideas, and connecting through art. The main theme of the youth conference in Switzerland was A quest for a pictorial understanding of anthroposophy through Rudolf Steiner's book, “The Philosophy of Freedom.” Although I was not familiar with the book, I felt a wish to go.
With the help of the Dutch Youth Section's social media, we arranged with a group to travel on the same train. And so, after a long journey, we arrived in front of the Goetheanum on February 13. I was filled with expectation and curiosity.
The program consisted of lectures by different speakers, each shining their light on “The Philosophy of Freedom.” Through different exercises also we, the participants, worked with complex topics from the book. We researched them through elective workshops in conversation, visual art and theater. I chose a sculpting workshop with Rik ten Cate, in which we went on a search for our inner freedom. In a meditation, Rick led us to a square with a box with a key in it. This was the key to our freedom. For hours, we carved, sanded and polished, until this symbolic key slowly emerged from the rough matter. Working with stone was a special experience for me. Freedom, it turned out, was not just a quick thought or something abstract, but in fact a deed that can be put into matter. Each hit with the chisel required my attention and dedication.
What touched me most these days was the feeling of connection with others. Even though we came from all different corners of the world, we shared a common value and intention: looking for depth in life through conversation and art. Freedom became tangible through singing, dancing, and creating together. A highlight was Rick leading us through the Goetheanum. The stories behind the windows of the Great Hall, the Representative of Humanity, and hidden details made the place very magical. It felt as if the space absorbed us. As if we, just for a moment, became part of something bigger.
Back home in Rotterdam, I look back at the days in Dornach. I am aware that freedom is something that I can form with my hands, with my voice and with my presence. The stone key that I made is lying next to me now. A tangible memory of these beautiful days, but also of the continuous choice of giving freedom a place in my daily life.