Lessons from WSSB (version 2)

Dear Friends (Near and Far) of WSSB,

Here are a few revealing images from these last many weeks at The Waldorf School of Santa Barbara: the Second/Third Graders running through the sprinkler in the orchard as if there was no more urgent joy; Kindergartners in aftercare falling asleep to the sound of Ms. Marla's harp; the Fourth/Fifth graders eating lunch in the sun on the steps of the amphitheater; enamored Seventh/Eighth Graders unable to not smile while looking at each other, sitting on the grass in the field.

Nigerian writer Bayo Akomolafe writes powerfully about the importance of "making sanctuary." He says, "The times are urgent, so let us slow down." Akomolafe’s language calls to mind the vivid, simple joys of WSSB: a place where children can be children; a place where they can make kin with each other and our beautiful world; a place of sanctuary.

The founder of Waldorf schools, Rudolph Steiner, wrote: "An atmosphere of gratitude should grow naturally in children through merely witnessing the gratitude the adults feel as they receive what is freely given by others, and in how they express this gratitude. Out of this an all-embracing gratitude will develop towards the whole world. The cultivation of gratitude is of paramount importance."

Cultivating this "gratitude towards the whole world" is a big part of the work here at WSSB. A remark by Henry David Thoreau -- who as he grew older became increasingly convinced that we find only what we are prepared to find -- complements Steiner’s insight. "A man," said Thoreau, "sees only what concerns him." At WSSB giving thanks -- for our food at mealtime, for the changes of the seasons, for the earth, for each other -- is a primary concern. We know that such gratitude can foster well-being in our children and enjoin them to stewardship, to care.

Please be in touch should you be interested in touring our campus and/or learning about our unique and healing education. And please consider supporting WSSB so that it may continue to thrive:

https://waldorfsantabarbara.org/annual-giving-fund

With sincere gratitude,

The Admin Team

PS The poem of the day is by David James:

LESSONS

"Is there anyone among you who,
if your child asks for a fish, will give
a snake instead of a fish? Or if the
the child asks for an egg, will give
a scorpion?"
Gospel of Luke, Chapter 11

She asks for pop, I pour cold water.
He asks for Kool-Aid, I pour cold water.
She asks for toys, I buy gum.
He asks for the hammer, I tell him to look for it.
Asks for chocolate, I peel an orange.
Asks for money, I dish out chores.
They ask for help, I give them help.
She asks for ice cream, I fix lunch.
He asks for a sip of beer, I pour cold water.
Asks for understanding, I offer advice.
Asks for more time, I give excuses.
They ask for a later curfew, I say no.
She asks for a swimming pool, I take her to the beach.
He asks for it big time, I give it to him big time.
They ask and ask, I give and give.
So when they finally ask for answers,
I give them love.
When they ask for their freedom,
I give them love.
And when they ask for love,
I give them
everything.