Something I’ve never shared publicly is how I was initiated into the path of personal Christhood, or Christ consciousness. It happened during my time volunteering for an Anthroposophical non-profit organization in South Africa. There, immersed in the profound teachings of Rudolf Steiner, I discovered the transformative power of following the Christ impulse.
In this article, I’d like to share five key lessons from Steiner’s Christology that not only transformed my own life and leadership style but also shaped my life’s mission and purpose. By sharing my story and the practical wisdom I gained, I hope to inspire you to awaken the heart leader within and align your life with the highest impulse of love, creativity, and service.
Let’s dive in.
My Journey from Actor to Minister in South Africa
My journey into the depths of Steiner’s Christology began during a pivotal time in my life. In 2008, I decided to leave my life in Los Angeles as an actor/producer and move to South Africa, where I volunteered at the Novalis Ubuntu Institute. Under the guidance of its founders, Ralph and Anne Lise Bure, who were also members of the South African Rudolf Steiner Society, I embarked on a path of self-discovery and service that would lay the foundation for my life’s work.
It was there that I first encountered Steiner’s revelatory teachings on the Cosmic Christ, a concept entirely new to someone with a Catholic background like me. This not only transformed my understanding of leadership but also inspired me to begin my training as a minister and later establish a small spiritual community. The experience of living and working alongside individuals who embodied the principles of heart-centered leadership showed me the transformative power of aligning one’s life with what Steiner calls the Christ impulse.
Before diving deeper into Steiner’s Christology, let me provide a brief background on Steiner and Anthroposophy.
Brief Background on Rudolf Steiner and Anthroposophy
Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) was an Austrian philosopher, mystic, and spiritual teacher. He led the Theosophy movement in Germany and Austria and founded Anthroposophy, a spiritual and scientific movement that seeks to understand the spiritual world through inner development and the cultivation of supersensible faculties. Steiner’s teachings encompass a wide range of subjects, including education, agriculture, medicine, and the arts, all rooted in a holistic understanding of the human being and the cosmos.
One of Steiner’s most significant contributions was the development of a holistic approach to human development called Waldorf Education. This approach encompasses the threefold nature of human beings: thinking, feeling, and willing, or simply, head, heart, and will. Through this system, the child’s body, heart and spirit are nurtured as much as their intellect. It’s no wonder Hitler closed all Waldorf schools after ascending to power!
The Significance of the Christ in Steiner’s Worldview
In Steiner’s cosmology, Christ is a solar being of immense spiritual power and importance. The incarnation of Christ on Earth through the person of Jesus of Nazareth is seen as a pivotal event in the spiritual history of humanity and the cosmos. Through this event, known as the Mystery of Golgotha, Christ united with the Earth and became a guiding force for human evolution, enabling humanity to ultimately redeem itself and achieve spiritual freedom.
Steiner emphasizes the importance of human beings freely choosing to connect with the Christ impulse. Unlike other spiritual hierarchies that work through direct influence, Christ respects human freedom and does not impose His will upon individuals. It is up to each person to consciously choose to seek a connection with Christ and to allow this impulse to guide their spiritual development. This is the reason why, “many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14).
Five Lessons in Steiner’s Christology to Awaken the Heart Leader Within
After reading several works on Steiner’s Christology and attending numerous lectures over three years on various topics related to education, occult sciences, and esotericism, here are the five key lessons I took away:
Lesson 1: The Christ Impulse is an Undeniable Cosmic Reality
“The Christ event is not merely a historical event but a cosmic reality that calls for our active participation.”
– Rudolf Steiner
Steiner’s teachings reveal that Christ is not merely a historical figure, as often portrayed in traditional Christianity, but a cosmic reality permeating all of creation. The Christ impulse, as Steiner calls it, is the evolutionary force guiding humanity towards love, compassion, and unity. This understanding transcends religious dogma, inviting us to recognize the Christ impulse as a universal principle at work in our world and throughout the entire cosmos.
During my time at Novalis, I experienced the power of this cosmic reality firsthand. In one particularly transformative moment, while meditating in the institute’s meditation hall, I felt a profound sense of connection to the Christ impulse as a living presence within my heart, connecting me to all of creation. This experience showed me that by recognizing and aligning with this impulse, we can tap into a profound source of wisdom and guidance that transcends the limitations of personal belief systems.
Lesson 2: The Path of Christ is the Path of Inner Transformation
“The path of Anthroposophy is a path of inner transformation and spiritual awakening.”
– Rudolf Steiner
Steiner’s Christology emphasizes the importance of inner transformation as the foundation for personal mastery, spiritual growth and authentic leadership development. While traditional religious practices often focus on external observances, moral codes, and ideals, Steiner invites us to cultivate qualities such as empathy, selflessness, and forgiveness from within.
At Novalis, I witnessed the transformative power of inner work in action. The leaders of the institute, who were deeply committed to their own spiritual practice, embodied a level of presence, compassion, and wisdom that inspired me and all those around them. Through their example, I learned that by embarking on a path of inner transformation, I could gradually embody the Christ impulse in my thoughts, words, and deeds, becoming a force for good in the world.
Lesson 3: The Significance of the Mystery of Golgotha
“The Mystery of Golgotha, the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, sheds light on the cosmic significance of this event for human evolution.”
– Rudolf Steiner
Steiner’s insights into the Mystery of Golgotha offer a profound understanding of the cosmic significance of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. In contrast to traditional Christian interpretations that often focus on personal salvation, Steiner presents this event as a turning point in human evolution, enabling humanity to overcome the forces of materialism and egoism.
During a study group at Novalis, I delved deeper into Steiner’s teachings on the Mystery of Golgotha. As we explored the esoteric significance of this event, I began to understand how Christ’s sacrifice opened a path for humanity to unite with the divine through love and freedom, rather than obedience and fear. This realization transformed my understanding of leadership, showing me that true power lies not in control or dominance, but in the willingness to serve and sacrifice one’s lower drives for the greater good.
Lesson 4: The Important Role of Dedicated Spiritual Practices
“Spiritual practices and exercises can help us cultivate a deeper connection to the Christ impulse and our own inner wisdom.”
– Rudolf Steiner
Steiner’s teachings offer a wealth of spiritual practices and exercises that can help us cultivate a deeper connection to the Christ impulse and our own inner wisdom. Unlike traditional religious practices that often emphasize belief by faith and devotion, Steiner’s approach is intimate, experiential, and transformative.
At Novalis, I was introduced to a range of practices, from meditation and contemplation to artistic expression and eurythmy. As I engaged with these practices on a daily basis, I began to experience a gradual awakening of my higher faculties and a deeper alignment with the Christ impulse. These practices became an essential foundation for my journey of heart-centered leadership, helping me to develop greater clarity, compassion, and resilience in the face of the challenges I was facing.
Lesson 5: Awakening the Inner Christ Is Answering the Call to Serve
“As we awaken to the Christ within, we naturally feel called to use our gifts and talents for the benefit of others and the world.”
– Rudolf Steiner
Perhaps the most important lesson I learned from Steiner’s Christology is that true leadership is rooted in directing our unique gifts and talents in service to others. While conventional notions of leadership often emphasize power, status, and personal gain, Steiner invites us to awaken to the Christ within and to use our gifts for the benefit of the world and planetary evolution.
During my time at Novalis, I witnessed countless examples of individuals who had aligned their lives with the call to serve. Both Ralph and Anne-Lise had dedicated their lives to being of service to others by fostering their mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. From the teachers in the Waldorf school to the biodynamic farmers tending the land, each person had found a way to use their unique talents and passions to contribute to the greater good. Their example inspired me to reflect deeply on my own gifts and how I could use them to make a positive impact in the world in a way that felt natural to me.
Overcoming Challenges on the Path of Heart-Centered Leadership
While the path of heart-centered leadership is ultimately one of joy and fulfillment, it is not without its challenges. As you seek to fully embody the principles of Steiner’s Christology in your life and work, you may encounter obstacles such as:
- Resistance from others who may not understand or support your approach.
- Your own ego-driven desires and fears that can pull you away from your higher purpose.
- Systemic barriers and structures that perpetuate disconnection, inequality, and division.
When faced with these challenges, it is essential to remember that you are not alone on this path. By staying connected to the Christ impulse within you and to a supportive community of like-minded individuals, you can find the strength and resilience needed to persevere.
Practical Strategies for Overcoming Challenges on the Path
Some practical strategies for overcoming challenges on the path of heart-centered leadership I found useful include:
- Cultivating a daily practice of meditation, inner work, and self-reflection to stay grounded and aligned with our higher purpose.
- Engaging in practices that deepen your connection with the earth, its elements, creatures, and the whole.
- Seeking out mentors, teachers, or guides who are walking the same path and can offer wisdom and support along the way.
- Engaging in open and honest conversation with others, even those who may hold different views, to find common ground and understanding.
- Trusting in the journey and surrendering to the guidance of the Christ impulse, even when the path ahead may be uncertain.
Final Thoughts
My immersion in Steiner’s Christology during my time at the Novalis Ubuntu Institute was a true turning point in my life and leadership journey. Through the profound wisdom and embodied examples of heart-centered leaders like Ralph and Anne-Lise, I discovered a path of purpose, meaning, and service that continues to guide me to this day. I’m deeply grateful to them for taking me under their wing and nurturing the Christ impulse within me.
As you navigate the complexities and challenges of our world, the insights of Steiner’s Christology offer you timeless wisdom and practical guidance for awakening the heart leader within you. By cultivating inner transformation, engaging in practices that deepen your connection with the earth, embracing the call to serve, aligning your life with the Christ impulse, and trusting in the journey, you can become a force for love, compassion, and unity in the world.
It is my deepest hope that by sharing these lessons and reflections, you too may find inspiration and guidance on your own path of heart-centered leadership. As you embark on this journey, trust in the wisdom and love that dwells within your own heart, and know that you are part of a global community of individuals working towards the realization of our highest potential, in service to the evolution of humanity and the cosmos.
Finally, the path of heart leadership is a lifelong journey of growth, discovery, and service. By staying committed to your own inner work and aligning your life with the highest impulse of love, you can gradually embody the Christ impulse and become a transformative presence in the world.
As we each awaken the heart leader within and help others do the same, we contribute to the birth of a new culture of compassion, wisdom, and unity – a future that honors the sacredness of all life and the profound interconnectedness of all beings.
What is the Christ impulse within you asking of you?
Are you ready to answer its call?
From my heart to yours,
