Anthroposophic Nurses Association
Aotearoa New Zealand
About
Welcome to our community of nurses who believe in the significant impact of the nurse in our human culture. As anthroposophic nurses we understand each individual to be a free, evolving being who is intrinsically connected to Self, nature, culture and the cosmos on the various levels of body, soul and spirit. Our nursing serves to maintain, or where necessary, regain or redevelop these connections. We work closely with the elements of warmth, rhythm, and conscious awareness which are of key importance in supporting and nurturing life giving forces.
Origins
From the beginning of Anthroposophic Nursing in Arlesheim, Switzerland in the 1920’s, self-knowledge, an inner path, community building and initiative-taking have been signatures of our work.
From the outset the nursing has developed in collaboration with physicians, pharmacists and anthroposophic therapists.
Embracing the Spiritual Journey of Nursing
“Nursing itself as a spiritual path that is probably not easy to find in our time. Anthroposophy aims to guide people toward a peaceful future as a gift and a challenge. Today, nursing requires more than goodwill and compassion. It needs a power that permeates and acts through the eyes and hands so that a battered body, an exhausted soul, or a powerless spirit can find the courage to rise again.”
ROLF HEINE
Our Holistic Care
Anthroposophic nurses develop expertise in Care. Specific nursing interventions such as warm wrapping and compresses, bath therapy, and a particular whole body rhythmical massage (Rhythmical Einreibung). The effect can be profound.
We appeal to the sense of life which penetrates our skin from outer to inner experience of being.
Empathy and Insight in Nursing Practice
Our Path
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Developing faculties of observation of the whole human being - enlivened, ensouled and as Spirit.
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Developing a relationship to healing plants.
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Understanding the effect of warm touch and creating a therapeutic space.
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Self-knowledge as essential and supported by an understanding of one's own biography
“The anthroposophic nurse’s understanding of the human being, including the anthroposophical perspective and the development of an inner meditative life, can lead towards a healing practice. There is the consciousness of two heart impulses: warmth giving rise to love and compassion and light leading to wisdom, both of which inspire the intention of the nurse”
TESSA THERKLESON
