What are the Six Supplementary Exercises?
According to Anthroposophy, moral development reveals the extent to which one has achieved control over one’s inner life and can exercise it in harmony with the spiritual life of other people. It shows the real progress in spiritual development, the fruits of which are given in spiritual perception. It also guarantees the capacity to distinguish between false perceptions or illusions (which are possible in perceptions of both the outer world and the inner world) and true perceptions, or, better said, is to distinguish in any perception between the influence of subjective elements (i.e. viewpoint) and the objective reality the perception points at.
Steiner suggested that a special group of general exercise should accompany all spiritual training, as he believed their influence on inner development would be beneficial whatever the spiritual path. These six exercises are:
Practicing self-control over one’s thinking – For example: for a period of time – normally a few minutes, not longer – contemplate any object and concentrate one’s thoughts exclusively on this object. (A crystal or a paper clip might do.)
Development of initiative – For example: choose any positive but free deed, i.e. one that nothing is influencing you to do, and choose a regular time of day or day of the week to practice this.
Equanimity – Avoid reactive emotions and subjective judgment.
Positivity – See the positive aspects of everything, and make the best out of
every situation.
Open mindedness – Be open to new experiences and ideas, never letting expectations based upon the past, close your mind to the lessons of the moment.
Harmony – Find a harmonious, balanced relationship between the above five qualities, practicing them regularly and becoming able to move dynamically between them.