Getting Ready for Transformation

Today we’re taking an in-depth look at transformation. We want to move from Cis-Land, which we know, to a transformed state that we do not yet know, and standing between us is a tall mountain that blocks our view. We must prepare ourselves to climb these heights. This affects many dimensions of society, from mobility to dealing with simulated consciousness—through and within AI—to new structures for social security systems. How great is the psychological strain we feel in Cis-Land? Things are stuck and not running smoothly on the trains, in Waldorf schools and other schools,
when it comes to educational standards and the willingness of colleagues and students to put in the effort. Incidentally, surprisingly enough, it’s always the other colleagues who are the problem.

How strong is the pull of this still-unknown trans country? Will things really be better there, and will I even still have a role to play there with the responsibilities I’ve had so far—as a board member, a teacher, or an executive director? Do I even want change? Or, despite all the pettiness and the restrictive constraints of daily life, wouldn’t it be more pleasant to just spruce up the front yard a little bit in Cis country?

And just think how high and rugged the Alps are! They must first be conquered with effort, sweat, and perhaps even tears. I think we’re a little hesitant to get our transformation muscles in shape with unfamiliar new movements so that we can set out from the plains and embark on this tightrope walk. Beware of the latent danger of falling! That requires new equipment.

And reliable forms of communication that provide us with security even when the world around us becomes uncertain. Above all, this path requires a willingness to shed unnecessary baggage and to step outside our familiar safety nets and comfort zones. This applies to the transformation of social systems, the energy transition, and the governance structures of the Bund der Freien Waldorfschulen (German Federation of Waldorf Schools). From my own experience with that liberating deep breath and the wonderful 365-degree view from the summit, I can say the effort is worth it. And from up there, the path continues smoothly down into Trans-Land. Not everything will be better there, but it feels fresher and holds options in store. A muscle I thought had disappeared—the muscle of improvisation, the joy of the unplanned—feels toned and is looking forward to being exercised every day from now on.