Virtual worlds, embodiment and psyche

Dear Colleagues,

'In view of the multitude of threatening and potentially also destructive forces that surround and indeed encircle the being of the child from birth onwards, the question is justified as to what things educational and therapeutic approaches can actually draw on spiritually in the face of this real existing overwhelming power.' This is the first sentence in Peter Selg's book Kindheit und Christuswesen - Von der therapeutischen Haltung im Angesicht der Bedrohung (Childhood and Christ Being – The Therapeutic Stance in the Face of Threat), published in 2015. 
If anything, we are experiencing this question as an even more burning and topical issue today, because in addition to a large number of external hardships such as wars and hunger crises, there is meanwhile a threat to childhood in every seemingly whole play space. In the close environment of children, the harmful effects of screen media and their invisible radiation are already being felt prenatally. The world that is invading the developing sensory organisation and nascent souls of children through this technology is full of dark messages. Although the impairment of vitality by radiation that is hostile to life is meanwhile the subject of intensive research, far too little action is being taken on the findings. 
At the same time, 100 years after Rudolf Steiner's educational impulse, we are more grateful than ever – especially in the face of these threats – for the health-giving effect of Waldorf kindergartens that offer shelter and rhythm as well as an artistic and living Waldorf education. We just have to keep making our remedies stronger and intensifying them. And, as Rudolf Steiner said, 'We must indeed give children back their childhood!' (Konferenzen mit Lehrern der Freien Waldorfschule, GA 300C, Dornach 1975, p. 137).
The aim of this conference is to learn, in addition to recognising the dangers, how to support healthy embodiment and thus mental health and how to strengthen vitality. We also look forward to discussing any questions you have brought with you about school medical care!

Looking forward to meeting and working with you, the preparatory group sends its warmest regards,

Michaela Glöckler, Johannes Kux, Ulrike Lorenz, Claudia McKeen, Karin Michael, Bettina Pump