In the midst of life we can find ourselves pulled in many different directions and it is easy to lose our sense of self. Is it possible to find and strengthen the inner core of who we are? Can we rediscover our inner equilibrium and tranquillity without retreating from the world?

Since ancient times people have sought to re-establish inner balance by using specific meditative practices. The ‘soul exercises’ described in this booklet are derived from Rudolf Steiner’s spiritual philosophy, but also acknowledge the Buddhist tradition of mindfulness. Offering strategies to boost self-confidence, self-reliance, inner stability and concentration, they are intended for anyone seeking personal growth. The exercises are perfect for enriching everyday life, but can also help in times of stress, mental and emotional crisis, burn-out and in the context of psychiatric and psychosomatic therapies.

In a series of short chapters illustrated with beautiful colour photos, this booklet offers accessible and easy-to-follow commentary and instructions on creating a path of inner development and balance.

KLAUS ADAMS, born 1961, trained as a nurse at Herdecke district hospital. He has worked as a nurse at Friedrich-Husemann Clinic in Buchenbach, near Freiburg, Germany, since 1990. He took further training in psychiatry and is a practice manager and expert in anthroposophic nursing and an IKAM auditor (International Coordination Centre for Anthroposophic Medicine at the School of Spiritual Science at the Goetheanum). He has taught for many years on healthcare and nursing training courses, is a tutor for soul exercises and other aspects of anthroposophic psychiatry, and has authored various publications on anthroposophic psychiatric nursing.

WOLFGANG RISSMANN M.D., born 1948, studied medicine in Freiburg, Germany, and Vienna, subsequently specializing in psychiatry. From 1987 to 2013 he was chief physician at the Friedrich-Husemann Clinic in Buchenbach near Freiburg. Since 2014 he has run a private practice for psychiatry in Hamburg. He works in training of medical students, physicians and other medical professionals in the field of anthroposophic medicine and psychiatry.

MARKO ROKNIC, born 1958, trained as a nurse at Herdecke district hospital. From 1990 to 2009 he was a nurse at the Friedrich-Husemann Clinic in Buchenbach near Freiburg, Germany, and since 2009 has been a nursing manager at Sonneneck Psychosomatic Clinic in Badenweiler, Germany. He took further training in psychiatric nursing and is an expert in anthroposophic nursing, a trainer in Wegman/Hauschka rhythmic massage, and a health pedagogue (AfW Freiburg). He sits on the advisory board of the association for anthroposophic nursing, and has taught for many years in healthcare and nursing training. He is a tutor for soul exercises and other aspects of anthroposophic psychiatry, and has authored various publications on health education and nursing.

Translated by: Matthew Barton