One hundred years ago, Rudolf Steiner visited a place in Eastern Germany called Lauenstein. This was the inspiration for a new approach to supporting people with disabilities, which has since spread around the world. Seewalde is one of the effects directly linked to this impulse.

A congress was held there from 13 – 16 June 2024 with the theme “Soul care unites”. Over 130 participants from Germany and Austria came to this remote place surrounded only by forests and lakes. Who would have expected the kind of life and offerings that the congress participants experienced here? Among other things, we were offered reflections on the theme, musical performances, a circus show, raft trips on the lake and a disco. We learnt how honey is extracted, sang, danced, went for walks and tandem rides, watched the rare osprey and visited a farm. We enjoyed the people, the hospitality, the music, the food, the sunshine and the blessing of the rain and had plenty of time to meet up again or make new friends.

The four days passed far too quickly. Everyone wanted to carry on! Will people and places be found that make events like this possible again?