The Six Basic Exercises (sometimes called the six supplementary exercises or habits) are six simple spiritual practices that develop pretty important qualities and capabilities, along with developing your inner life. Here’s the important bit; The six basic exercises are meant to be done alongside your existing spiritual path. They are not a replacement for anything, just a really important and big boost to whatever you’re doing already.
These are not a duty, don’t be too dogmatic about these and don’t take them too seriously. “Humour gets you further!” Says Tom van Gelder.
At the beginning, it’s usually practiced with doing one after the other (in order) for a period of about four weeks, and then continue doing the final exercise as is appropriate. Though, you can do these over a much longer period if you want, and stack them on top of each other, doing multiple at a time. The choice is in your hands.
Exercise 1 – Control of Thought
The first of Rudolf Steiner’s Six Basic Exercises is the exercise of focused thinking, intended to strengthen and clarify one’s thought processes. This exercise involves taking a simple object, such as a pencil, and concentrating on it for five minutes (or more) without letting the mind wander. During this time, one observes the object carefully, considering its shape, material, and purpose, and then holding that attention consistently without allowing stray thoughts.
This exercise is crucial for developing focused thinking, a key aspect of personal and spiritual growth. It helps one become aware of how easily the mind can drift, and by practicing bringing it back, one builds the capacity to control thoughts rather than be controlled by them. By practicing focused thinking, we can approach ideas, people, and tasks with greater presence and clarity. This exercise develops inner discipline, making it easier to focus on complex topics or creative tasks and ultimately deepening our understanding of life and ourselves.
Exercise 2 – Control of Will
The second exercise involves practicing willpower by performing a simple task at the same time every day, such as watering a plant or taking a few deep breaths, or flipping a coin. The idea is to choose something uncomplicated but meaningful, then carry it out daily with commitment. This strengthens the ability to follow through on intentions, even if the action itself is simple. This also is an action done wholly out of freedom, out of your own free choice. Today many things we do we don’t actually want to do, introducing something that is really your thing can be quite helpful.
This exercise is a practice in consistency, a quality that builds strength in our will. Regularly following through on intentions increases resilience, enabling one to meet challenges with greater inner strength and less resistance. The exercise of willpower builds confidence in one’s ability to set goals and act on them, which is essential for achieving long-term aspirations and personal growth. In a broader sense, it encourages inner reliability, making us dependable both to ourselves and to others.
Exercise 3 – Control of Feeling
The third exercise focuses on cultivating emotional balance. For this exercise, one practices experiencing an emotion, such as joy, sadness, or frustration, but without being overly reactive or losing control. This does not mean ignoring or suppressing emotions; instead, it involves feeling them fully while remaining centered. For instance, one might recall a memory that brings up a specific emotion and practice sitting with that feeling calmly. The goal of this one is to keep the more violent reactions at bay so the subtler ones can be felt.
This exercise is important because it brings about inner harmony, helping one avoid being overwhelmed by intense emotions or suppressing them. Learning to experience emotions without being controlled by them is a powerful skill that creates emotional resilience. By practicing this balance, one is better able to navigate life’s highs and lows without losing stability. Over time, this strengthens empathy, patience, and compassion, as it becomes easier to stay grounded and respond thoughtfully, even in challenging situations.
Exercise 4 – Positivity
The fourth exercise involves practicing positivity, which means making a conscious effort to look for the good in situations, people, or experiences, even when it might be challenging to do so. This doesn’t mean denying reality but choosing to notice what is constructive, uplifting, or beautiful.
This exercise strengthens the ability to meet life with an open and hopeful heart. It helps prevent a negative outlook from clouding one’s perspective, which can lead to greater overall happiness and resilience. In challenging situations, this practice can help one find meaning and growth.
Exercise 5 – Open-mindedness
The fifth exercise centers on practicing openness, which involves learning to approach new ideas, experiences, or people without judgment or prejudice. This can mean taking time to listen to someone with whom one disagrees or approaching a challenging situation with curiosity rather than resistance. Practicing openness might involve intentionally exposing oneself to perspectives or experiences that feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable.
Openness is important because it allows us to grow and learn continuously, expanding our understanding of the world and others. This exercise helps to overcome rigid beliefs and builds empathy, allowing us to engage with diverse ideas and people. In this way, openness encourages greater creativity and flexibility in thinking, which enriches personal and social life. Practicing openness nurtures a spirit of humility, helping one remain receptive to wisdom in all forms.
Exercise 6 – Harmony
The sixth and final exercise is the practice of inner harmony, which involves balancing all of the previous exercises into a single, integrated whole. Rather than focusing on just one quality, this exercise is about harmonizing focused thinking, willpower, emotional balance, positivity, and openness. One practices bringing these elements together in daily life, finding ways to embody them naturally rather than forcing them.
Basically, after having done all the exercises for a few months (though no rush!) you can stop doing all of them all the time and observe yourself, doing the exercises that you need at that time, addressing the specific needs that you have at specific times.
This final exercise is significant because it encourages a holistic approach to self-development. It is a reminder that growth involves balancing all aspects of the self, from thoughts and actions to feelings and perspectives. Practicing inner harmony creates a sense of unity within, allowing one to face life with greater strength, wisdom, and compassion. With this exercise, we develop a balanced, integrated self that can respond thoughtfully and effectively to life’s challenges and opportunities.
Looking to discuss these or attempt them with other people? The Rosefolk discord server runs a beginner’s group every other saturday around the six basic exercises and other similar foundational practices. Click here to join.