For every step in spiritual perception, three steps are to be taken in moral development.
— Rudolf Steiner
1
Control of Thought
Master your mind
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This exercise involves focusing your attention on a simple object or thought for a period of time (typically 5 minutes), excluding all other thoughts. The goal is to develop mastery over your thinking process.
How to Practice
Choose a simple object (e.g., a pin, pencil, or coin)
For 5 minutes, think only about this object and its qualities
When other thoughts arise, gently return focus to the object
Practice daily at the same time
Mark as practiced
2
Control of Will
Strengthen your initiative
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This exercise involves performing a small, seemingly insignificant action at the same time each day, purely by your own initiative. The action itself doesn't matter - what matters is the self-initiated discipline.
How to Practice
Choose a simple action (e.g., moving an object, watering a plant)
Perform this action at exactly the same time each day
Do it solely because you decided to, not for any external reason
Continue for at least one month
Mark as practiced
3
Equanimity
Cultivate inner balance
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This exercise cultivates inner balance and emotional stability. The goal is to maintain composure through life's ups and downs, avoiding extreme reactions to both joy and sorrow.
How to Practice
Observe your emotional reactions throughout the day
When experiencing strong emotions (joy, anger, fear), pause
Take a step back mentally and observe the emotion without being swept away
Cultivate a steady, calm inner state regardless of external circumstances
Mark as practiced
4
Positivity
Seek the good in all
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This exercise involves seeking the good, beautiful, and true in all things and situations. Rather than focusing on faults and problems, actively look for positive qualities and opportunities for growth.
How to Practice
In every situation, consciously look for something positive
When encountering criticism or negativity, search for the grain of truth or good intent
Practice gratitude for simple things throughout the day
Reframe challenges as opportunities for learning and growth
Mark as practiced
5
Open-mindedness
Embrace new perspectives
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This exercise develops receptivity to new experiences, ideas, and perspectives. Approach life with the openness of a child, willing to learn from every person and situation.
How to Practice
Approach new information without immediate judgment
Listen to others' viewpoints, even if they differ from yours
Consider "What if I'm wrong?" or "What can I learn here?"
Practice saying "I don't know" and being comfortable with uncertainty
Mark as practiced
6
Harmony
Integrate all qualities
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This exercise integrates and balances the previous five exercises. It involves practicing all five qualities in harmony, allowing them to work together naturally in your daily life.
How to Practice
Practice all five previous exercises in rotation or combination
Observe how they complement and support each other
Let the qualities become integrated into your natural way of being
Review your day each evening, noting moments of harmony and imbalance