My blog is dedicated to waldorf education and lifestyle...while on a budget. I really should edit, and have it read "on no budget"..because, like so many other families in this time, we are so very low on funds...yet, we are rich in so many other ways...
I am so very thankful, every single day, that I am able to stay at home with my baby boy. This experience for our entire family is so beautifully priceless. I was able to keep my job as a personal trainer at our local gym...but my grand total of hours per week add up to no more than a mere 5. People are making budget cuts..and my services are usually the first to go. Daddy's business slows considerably in the colder weather, so we are facing the upcoming months with frugality in mind...
Becoming a Waldorf teacher is my dream...a goal I will reach, come what may.Throughout my undergrad years, I trained to be a traditional classroom teacher. I left feeling uninspired, upset, and ready to look for another career. I remember my first encounter with Waldorf, and feeling like I had finally come home after a long, disillusioned journey. Vivid in my memory is also the tuition paper that accompanied the beautiful folder full of student artwork and suggested reading. There was no way we could ever afford it. I could feel my heart breaking. Yet, I have always believed that a strong will, creativity and determination can take you anywhere!!
RV waldorf school
A few months later, I found myself sitting for an interview at our local waldorf school. I was offered an afterschool teacher position. YES!
Lack of childcare for W was an issue, and I sadly turned down the posotion for the time being. I have spent my days singing, dancing, reading, and playing... happily sharpening my skills to become an early childhood teacher.
Waldorf is appealing for so many reasons, but I fear that there is an elitist aspect to it, in some circles...I am saddened by this, as it sometimes seems to favor the wealthy..
Nature tables filled with expensive figures, bought items... while I so love to see natural and "discovered" items gracing these tables...
Why on earth is a playstand $300?
While I love Stockmar paints, I can't justify spending the money when Crayola works perfectly for us...
My favorite natural fiber yarns are also breaking the bank!
My teacher training will cost us $7,000+.
Alas, I embrace the beauty and inspiration that Waldorf has brought to me...
how I tend to my home.. raise my beautiful boy..and view this glorious life that is unfolding, every day, as it should.
Namaste!
Beautiful post!! lovely pictures..
ReplyDeleteOh what a blessing to have that opportunity!!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you on the elitism that can follow Waldorf. It really upsets me :(
And the toys oh goodness, yes! True Waldorf toys shouldn't cost a lot of money, but be handmade items and things fouind in nature <3
Thank you for this post! :)
Yes, yes, yes and yes. Thank you for this post. You're an amazing woman and mother.
ReplyDeleteHow I hear you! Simplicity and heart is all that is needed not all the expensive waldorf add-ons. Blessings to you and may your dreams be fulfilled.
ReplyDeleteLovely words, I have found that knowing about Waldorf education, and having a child attend and graduate, that for me I had to remind myself that nothing is perfect, not even Waldorf people. I needed to learn and grow into it, and take the things that meant something to me and treasure those things. Why did it come into your life? for the very reason that there was something in it that you needed. I was often reminded about not judging people who showed signs of elitism,and lack of warmth,and who judged me for my lack of knowledge in the system.This was sometimes really hard,and I am a gentle soul, so found this very hard. But I was reminded that it is my journey that I am on,and to embrace that what resounds with me. love and light Marie
ReplyDeleteI have so many of these thoughts myself. It's strange to aspire to a certain lifestyle, one that might at first appear less a part of our consumer/media driven world only to find oneself thinking "I could live more simply, if I could afford it". My husband and I have been talking a lot lately about want vs need and how that fits into our values and the lifestyle we want for our family. I would have to agree with you on sometimes feeling Waldorf is a bit of an elitist club favoring the wealthy. My love of natural yarns alone is a bit outside of what realistically fits into our budget! Thank you for sharing your point of view and giving me something to think about. It's nice to get some perspective. :-)
ReplyDeletebeautiful post, my dear. you speak the truth. you will make a most wonderful early childhood teacher, indeed! you are right where you should be right now though. ;) when it is time, the path will reveal itself, i'm sure of it.
ReplyDeletethis is so beautiful! i must find out more about waldorf...i am a montessori assistant teacher. it seems like they might be similar? i know what you mean about no budget!! i have 3 children and boy is it tough these days!! although i guess in the end it's about the memories we make:)
ReplyDeletevery beautiful, I will be back to read your blog
ReplyDeleteSuch true and tender words.
ReplyDeleteYou will surely make a wonderful teacher, with focus on the things that really matter!
:) Christina
We are only deprived if we yearn for things we cannot have. A truly lovely post.
ReplyDeleteThank for sharing this was a beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteI like your road and fallen tree metaphor. Ultimately, that tree will nourish the very earth of the path it has fallen across. So wonderful that you are able to see this!
ReplyDeleteAnd the photos! The first and last are my faves. Is that how Baby W crawls? Some of mine crawled that way. So adorable!
This is a very touching post. I admire your optimism and your decision to live happily in the moment. You make some very honest and true observations.
ReplyDeleteRebecca, you are so full of sweetness and passion that of course your dreams will come true!
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to consider what some people might call a Waldorf lifestyle, the true value in this education and philosophy has nothing to do with money or things.
I had to turn down an opportunity to teach a handwork class at the (very small) Waldorf school we sometimes visit, it was just too far away, but still so hard to let go!
Such a beautiful post! Truly inspiring words.
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you, thank you. For reminding me that the products don't matter, the time spent together does.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great, great post! I have recently began to learn about the Waldorf way and I thought wow real beeswax crayons for a set cost like $15, when right now I can get a pack of crayons for 25 cents (I know they are suppose to last longer, put how can I justify $15?).
ReplyDeleteThanks for being such a dedicated Mother. It's hard when finances are so tight to remember that right now having no money but being able to be with your children is what is important. We are their life long teachers and the early years are the most formative.
Thanks for your thoughts..
-Vanessa
A very beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for the gentle reminder. We too are trying to manage on less and it is all to easy to get caught up in the trappings.
What a beautiful and honest post, remembering where the heart of Waldorf lies is truly inspirational, the thing I love the best.
ReplyDeleteSpending time with your son is the best gift and where you receive so many blessings. I have spent all my time with my daughter who is 6yrs old now I love it and would not change the decision I have made, sometimes it is hard but those times are few and the joy, delights and blessing can not be compared. Thank you.
I have no doubt that you will have your dream when the time is right. We have so much in common. I to, turned down a teaching job that I really wanted so that I could stay home with my son. I don't regret it. He's now starting full day school in a week and I will miss him. Unfortunately, we can't afford the Waldorf school at this time either, so I try my best to provide that lifestyle at home. Those early years go by so fast. You seem to have captured the true spirit of what Waldorf is all about. You're right, it's not about expensive things to buy. Some of the most creative, beautiful solutions to what we want/need seem to come about when limited funds force us to think outside the box.
ReplyDeleteYour photographs are beautiful and your words rang true, I work part-time as a teacher (no choice financially at this time) I would love to train as a Steiner teacher one day but financially and geographically it looks unlikely in the future. Right now I am focusing on enjoying learning and growing with my Little Bean, if it is meant to be then it will be! It can be tough at times, to see a toy or something that I know Little Bean would love but then when out exploring in the woods, when his little face lights up at the sight of a butterfly, those moments are priceless.
ReplyDeleteWhat and honest and beautiful post. I really love that last photo of your son and you. Just lovely and radiant.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful words and pictures. I love to read honest thoughts and these strike a chord with me. Thank you for this post xx
ReplyDeleteI have often wondered about the simplicity aspect. Many "Waldorf homes" are full of "Waldorf toys" - but really it's just that a "Waldorf toy" replaced the "traditional toy." The materialistic aspect is still there.
ReplyDeleteAs I will have baby #3 soon, as a single Mama, I do need to keep things truly simple - besides I think that is what is "really" Waldorf.
No judgment intended.
Wonderful post. I believe plastic toys are just as expensive as the Waldorf toys - because you need less of them. It is the adult that wants more of the Waldorf toys because of their beauty...This past week I have felt like the lower crust of society when I sought out the tuition and enrollment of our local Waldorf school. 6K for three morning a week for half a year!!!! Gulp. I can't afford that - I plan to homeschool - was the plan all along but I got a little scared and called to just see...it seems that people who aren't living a Waldorf lifestyle are filling up the schools...I need to stop here...I could go on about this - it is fresh on my mind. But I need to relax, take a deep breath and surround myself with people like yourself. Namaste!
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely post.
ReplyDeleteI hope the Winter is kind to you and your family and that your dreams are fulfilled when the time is right.
What a beautiful post!
ReplyDeleteAll that you say resonates deeply with me~ I appreciate this post very much!
We make most of our children's toys, and clothing too- especially woolens~ many more people could do this too and save money on "waldorf toys", while also keeping more to true nature of Waldorf, in my opinion. There is an elitist attitude in many Waldorf circles that also saddens me as well- the heart and spirit of Waldorf is then lost.
Beautiful and wise words! I know exactly what you mean about the cost. It seems that Montessori and Waldorf supplies cost so much! There is a simpler way! I did buy some Stockmar crayons recently, but only after a year or two of thought and issues with our usual crayons (skipping, breaking constantly). I think it is fun to make some of these supplies when we can and to not buy a lot. From what I have seen you are already an incredible and gentle teacher. I love your fallen tree metaphor also. Your words resonated with me deeply. I look forward to reading more about your adventures in simplicity. Namaste my friend and thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting on my blog! I am a bit(well a lot) behind on mine and reading others!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog!
What a wonderful and heartfelt post! I wish you all the best as your paths unfold as they are meant to. My hubby went to school to be a teacher as well, but once he got into the "system" he quit almost immediately. He was totally disheartened by the schools and decided that he would put his energy into homeschooling.
ReplyDeleteHe was an early homeschooler, (in the 70's), and helped pave the way for all of us homeschoolers today, (yes we do have a bit of an age gap ;)
We live pretty darn frugally too, but I wouldn't trade it for the world...the joys of being able to spend your days with your children, just far outweigh the "joy" of a paycheque!
xo maureen
I love this post Rebecca and understand how you feel...We are also on a "non existent" budget but I am totally committed to our lifestyle...I LOVE Waldorf education and also want to be a Waldorf teacher one day...I will one day train as an Early Childhood as well as a Handwork teacher...I also had to turn down a position as an early childhood assistant, because my boys are still very young, and I teach them at home...
ReplyDeletethank you, everyone, for the lovely and kind words....they mean so much to me!
ReplyDeleteI love and relate to this post. I while back I looked at my kids & their toys and thought that there had to be something I could do to further their imaginations & joy in the simplicity of life. In my educational searches, I came across waldorf and really love it. We did resist sending my daughter to a waldorf preschool because it was way out of our price range. So I can totally relate to the elitist feeling that I too have felt. As far as the toys go, we do try to make most of them. I love creating something for my kids and seeing them fall in love with it. I don't know if they will always love handmade things like they do now, hopefully so!
ReplyDeleteThought I'd stop by and say hello after seeing you visited me!!! So happy I did as all your beautiful words echo so much of how we live and believe. I, too, am a teacher and have been very disillusioned by the mainstream system. I, too, felt like I came home when I discovered Waldorf education and Steiner philosophy, layer by layer. And it has truly redirected our family life in such a positive way. Moment to moment, I feel like we are on such a good, wholesome path to realizing our true human potential. Thank you for sharing and I look forward to connecting some more...
ReplyDeleteRebecca
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog.
I am very interested in educating my daughter to Waldorf education, pity it is so expensive here in Chile.
I teach traditional classroom and would not be consistent with such a structure as rigid and no values for my daughter.
I hope to have the money so when she are old enough to go to school, what can be done in a Waldorf.
Greetings from Chile
Ps: I´m sorry for my bad english.
Your blog is lovely,I've been reading for a while and I wasn't sure how to contact you except through a comment, but I'm involved with planning a craft show near Bethlehem and wondered if you might want to get involved?
ReplyDeleteYou can email me at blackbirdcrafts@yahoo.com.
Thanks!
We live on a nearly no budget as well - but the key as you wrote, is to practice gratitude and to make the most of what we are given - with these two practices, nearly anything is possible.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful picture of you and your baby!
Warm wishes, Tonya
Perfect post mama. The right time will come and all will fall into place. It seems your outlook on life is real. I too turned down a waldorf teaching job to continue to teach and mother my little ones. That's what it's all about anyways....
ReplyDeletexo
oh my goodness...thank you so much for this! we are also raising a baby (born close to your boy 9.18.09!) on NO budget...and yet our lives are filled with the abundance of nature (even in the city), lives lived simply and frugally and teeming with song and creativity, play, humor and sincerity. i have been intrigued by the waldorf school and lifestyle too, but because of the cost we will either homeschool, or perhaps unschool. i appreciate you naming the shadow of the expensive paints and figurines...sometimes the lack of transparency around this has left me feeling a little crazy! good luck to you on your teacher training! xo mary
ReplyDeleteI hear what you're saying about Waldorf supplies. I looked at teacher training too. It's not in the budget right now, but maybe some day. In any case, your pictures of your family and your home are beautiful.
ReplyDelete