Soul: Wish

I wish I may
I wish I might
Be with you
On this fine night

Snow falls at morn
Excitement fills the air
Crowds pack the church
Quickly does the gift wrap tear

It's the night before
The eve of wishes
Of joys and laughter
Of hugs and of kisses.

Body: Battle

It's a battlefield in there
Some dumb, some straight
It's me against them
Take on 50, 20, or 8

One at a time, I show off my strength
I lift, I bow, I bend
A glance in the mirror
It's my ego that I fend

The wounds are few and far between
As much as it pains me
That little red sore
How it makes me giddy

The battle is sometimes long
And othertimes short and sweet
But no matter what
Return to that place, will my feet

Mind: Education as a means of Emancipation

Jamilah is a Kindergartener beginning her studies this week at a private Catholic Elementary School in the USA that her family chose for her after visiting several schools she had to choose from. Her experience is in bold below.

Niknaz is a graduate of the Baha’i Institute of Higher Education — the open university established to educate Baha’i youth who have been banned from the state-run colleges in Iran. She was interviewed about what it was like to study at the BIHE – her responses are in italics below.

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She awoke from her bed, eager and excited to attend school. “The teacher has curly hair like me” she exclaimed.

Every day of studying at the BIHE involves risk factors and restrictions.

“You don’t need to come with me, I can wait for the bus alone.” She boarded the bus without a fear and waved bye.

We were always very careful to avoid traffic while going and coming out of the house, not to attract any attention.

On the bus she made friends with the boys, “I already made friends with those boys” she exclaimed. The bus took over an hour to get to school, but she will only ride the bus once a day in the morning.

Sometimes for attending two classes in one day, I had to go from one class in the north of Tehran to another class in the south.

The bus arrived safely to the clean school building – the same one she had visited several times before in preparation for the first day of school.

Our classes were held at homes and the university was underground.

Friendly teachers stood outside to show her where to line up and to guide her to her classroom.

I did not study in a normal classroom like everybody else in America.

“Tomorrow,” they said, “You will set your back-packs here, play in the playground, and when the bell rings, you will line up again here to go to class.”

Every day, I did not know if tomorrow my university will be there or not.

Each day would be the same morning routine, and each day Mrs B would be there to greet her when she gets off the bus.

Every day the fear existed that our professors would be arrested and our equipments confiscated.

When she arrives to her classroom each day, Mrs S will greet her upon entering and she will hang her backpack on the same hook, and sit at the same table she sat at the day before.

There was no permanent place for our classes and workshops.

And when it comes the time for her scheduled gym, library, computer, music, or Spanish class – there will be a separate fully equipped classroom for her to go to.

Many Bahai homes and their basements, big or small, and the professors’ offices and workplaces, were ready to instantly turn into classrooms and studios and labs.

She, as a student, will be happy, under any circumstance, whether there isn’t enough strawberries in her lunch box, whether the teacher mispronounces her name, whether the smart board only has four pens, it won’t matter her mind is ready to learn.

We as students were happy under any circumstance, whether there were enough chairs or we had to sit on the floor; whether the room was spacious or cramped, whether, there was an overhead projector or a whiteboard, would not matter and our minds were ready to learn.

For more information on the persecution of Baha’is in Iran, please visit http://iran.bahai.us

Soul: Roses

The roses were brought from over 40mi away.
They arrived in the hands of a man
Eager to share with the woman he loved
A symbol of the love they shared.

The roses stood strong in nourished fresh water
Witnessing the comings and goings of that home
And then, all of a sudden, all become silent and still
The woman was gone, the roses stood alone.

One by one, those roses began to wilt
The woman had left the roses to explore
The love for God that grew continually within her heart
The roses longed to understand how come

The rose within her heart never seemed to wilt
It didn't need companionship, nor fresh water
It's existence was not conditional on nourishment
It was self sufficient and ever-giving

A few days past by, and the woman returned to that home
The roses remained on the table, wilted and still
Whilst the rose in heart shone radiantly from within
What did those roses symbolize now?

The woman had not needed the roses while away,
But it seems they had needed her
Had the roses sought refuge in her home?
Had the roses come to expect the care?

The woman glanced at the roses,
And a few... seemed to glance back at her
Those few symbolized faith, hope, and patience
The rest laid limp and still, never to be known what they symbolized

And the conflict ensued
Should she keep those that stood alive
And toss the dead among them?
Would the few be able to stand strong alone?

If she pours out the old water, and refreshes with new
Will those roses come to expect that each time they wilt
New water and nourishment will always be there
What if she doesn't always have fresh water to provide?

Yet is to be known what will come of those roses
As that woman stares and ponders
Only the rose shining within her has a glimpse of what's to come
And she prays that rose will offer but a sign

Or a note, from which she can make the tune
Or a stroke, from which she can complete the painting
Oh Dear Rose, be these roses tried and true
Eternal, let them stand side by side with you.

Mind: I want...

...a few more hours in each day...
so that I can write on my blog more frequently.

I can't believe it's already June -- hopefully work will let up soon so that I can start sharing with you some stories/reflections. Thank you for stopping by and checking in -- sorry I don't have any new posts, but feel free to check out the oldies-but-goodies from the past.

Check back again soon!

Dominique

Soul: Spirit's Springtime

A new day has dawned,
Now is the time for renewal
The weary may have yawned
They now work to polish each jewel

The blossoming tree
And the wilting flower
Abide in harmony
Shaded by the same tower

Those that seek direction
Look within first
And find truth in reflection
For more, they thirst

Roots spread out and deep
Into that which grounds them
Quenched and nourished, clarity they reap
Once a stone, now seemingly a gem

And whilst they were turned within, with care
The sun still shone radiantly down
And although that flower may not have been aware
It's petals no longer did frown

To harvest, one must sew
A crop so fruitful, one may find
To reap, one must hoe
Must love, be patient and kind.

Mind: Spring into Action

A blank piece of paper
Bright crayons within grasp
Images crisp and clear
A mind does clasp

A new day, a new dawn
Sky blue, grass green
Signs of birth and renewal
A vibrant scene

A bird's tweet at dawn
Children playing in the playground
Tunes energetic and upbeat
A hopeful and optimistic sound

A kite in the sky, a ball on the field
Bare feet brushing through grass
Tokens of joy and recreation
A smirk, a smile, some sass

A mother fills her pot with plants
Fathers tune up bikes and get out tools
Emblems of love and anticipation
A warmth felt as the wind cools

A farmer prepares for the annual yield
Accountants plan and forecast
Efforts intense and concentrated
A fish is caught if the line is well cast

A list of goals and steps to take
Excitement gleaming in eyes
Skills honed and strengthened
A vision of soaring through skies

Body: For the Love of God

No Really...We do it for the Lord. When you lift, when you run, when you lunge -- your spirit and mind are filled with energy as you test your body beyond it's capacity. During the fast, I urge you to continue to push your body beyond the limits of comfort -- you may be surprised what what you are capable of.

"Grant, O my Lord, that this fast may become a river of life-giving waters and may yield the virtue wherewith Thou hast endowed it. Do Thou accept all that we have done for love of Thee..." —Bahá’u’lláh

Please share your workouts during the fast in the comments below.

With Him, all things are made possible -- wishing you wellness and fitness for many days, months, and years to come.

I will start us off -- last night the hour of fast breaking was around 6pm, having had no drink or food since 6:45am, I took a sip of water at the fast breaking hour and headed to Boot Camp for 45min, then 30min Elliptical Interval training, and then 30min Kettlebells routine. I then drove home, put my daughter to bed, and broke the Fast with a vegetable soup at 8:35pm. -- For the Love of God.

Soul: Gift of Cheer and Virtues

Jamilah brought gifts to her school for Ayyam-i-Ha... those gifts were:

A Radiant Smile of Joy and Cheer
A Mom to Read
A Book about Ayyam-i-Ha
Crowns and Virtues to Adorn them With
Playdough Tubs for Each Child
Description for the Parents

For Books about Ayyam-i-Ha, please visit http://www.enablemetogrow.com/2012/02/18/ayyam-i-ha-books/

We used a version of Isabella Ruiter's book and would definitely recommend it. After reading the story, we talked about how God gave us the gifts of virtues which are like jewels on the crowns of our hearts. We then  decorated crowns -- for this project, you just need the below mentioned crowns, virtues, sequins, glue sticks, plates for the sequins and virtues, and masking tape to secure the crown in the correct fitting around the child's head once they have decorated it. As we taped the crown, we read the virtues the child had selected to them. When the crowns were complete and  each child was proudly wearing their virtues, they lined up to receive gifts from Jamilah since her holiday is a gift-giving holiday. She gave each child a play-dough to take home. We then slipped the descriptions for the parents into the childrens' take-home folders -- also included below.

For the Crowns:
I took posterboard and cut 4-5" strips along the 22" side so each strip was 4-5" x 22".
I then cut the zig zags down the middle of each strip to make two crowns. Each posterboard makes 12-14 crowns depending on how tall you would like the crowns. The 22" width of posterboard is perfect length to fit toddlers and preschoolers' heads.

For the Virtues:
I printed the following onto colorful cardstock and cut out each virtue/jewel.

Description for Parents:

HAPPY AYYAM-I-HA!

Ayyam-i-Ha (Days of Joy) is a Baha’i holiday and gift-giving time that is celebrated Feb 26 - Mar 1^st. The Baha’i calendar is composed of 19 months of 19 days in each month. To align with the Gregorian calendar, there are 4-5 ‘intercalary’ days (5 if a leap year) that bring the total number of days to 365. Baha’is celebrate the holiday by providing “good cheer for themselves, their kindred and, beyond them, the poor and needy.” They also use this time to prepare for the 19-day fating period beginning Mar 2^nd. Jamilah’s family wanted to share their holiday with their friends at Sunshine Valley. We hope the kids enjoy the gifts and crowns!

Body: Firms The Abs

Ayyam-i-Ha, the days of Joy
The days of Ha, Time to enjoy
We are called to "provide good cheer"
And most certainly without wine or beer

Enjoy a cookie, share a smile
Wear confidence with style
Turn to the Lord for He is good
May his light shine o'er your 'hood

The sound of joy can be heard for miles
Laughter rings out veiling life's trials
It warms the heart and firms the abs
Transforming those confronting the drabs

Squat and stand your ground
Breathe, tranquility found
Laugh, stretch, and release
You may have found inner peace

Mind: Perfection

Today is Mon, Feb 27, 2012 or in the Baha'i calendar it is Kamal (Perfection), 2nd Day of Ayyam-i-Ha, 168BE -- and on this day of Perfection, I will share briefly some reflections on this word/characteristic.

Perfection is a virtue of God
Then why does it cause frustration?
Virtues open hearts and open doors
Then why does perfection create barriers?

This morning, my daughter sat at the kitchen table.
Marker in hand, ready to take on the paper
(or the back of a Junior Youth Group book as the case may have been)
She was to draw a girl -- a very specific girl
With a specific curve to her chin and forehead
Very straight hair that had a specific curve in her ponytail
With a very specific glance in her eyes
And the very first girl face she drew... she was pleased with
She called me over with such excitement in her eyes
She had drawn the outline of a girl's face of which she was actually pleased
There was one problem, she had drew this girl on the back of a Junior Youth Group book
I gently suggested that she try to recreate the girl on a piece of paper
Not knowing at the time, what a test/challenge I was presenting her with
A few minutes later I returned to that same daughter
That had been so filled with joy a few minutes ago
Completely distraught and frustrated
With about 15 or more imperfect ovals and attempts to draw hair
Spread across the page like lilypads on a still pond
Disappointment and frustration filled the air
These attempts to draw girls were far from perfect
And this child strives for perfection
Act, reflect, encourage, encourage, encourage.
Sound familiar? Perhaps to some.
Now came my test, it was so very important that I demonstrated patience
Perseverance, encouragement, and the waiver to failure
She asked me if I could draw a girl -- I told her it would't be perfect, was that ok?
And at first, she stated that it wasn't --  it was not ok to not be perfect...
But she came around and allowed me to 'do my best work.'
And a few minutes later, she did her best work also
Still disappointed, still somewhat sad.
I encouraged her to cut out the one she had put so much hard work into
And she instantly got a rush of joy in thinking she could gift it to someone at school
She eagerly cut out that little girl, wrote her name on the back,
And proudly took that imperfect girl to school with her
Having planned to hand it to a teacher that would come to school later in the day
She noticed the new girl, Lucy, playing on her own,
And decided to give it to her instead.

Perfection was not attained, but progress was made that morn.

Soul: Fast

Today, on Ash Wednesday, for many Christians around the world, begins the fasting period of Lent.
Next week, on March 2nd, following the joyous days of Ha (Ayyam-i-Ha), for many Baha'is around the world, also begins a fasting period.

Regarding fasting, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, has written:

"Ye had written of the fasting month. Fortunate are ye to have obeyed the commandment of God, and kept this fast during the holy season. For this material fast is an outer token of the spiritual fast; it is a symbol of self-restraint, the withholding of oneself from all appetites of the self, taking on the characteristics of the spirit, being carried away by the breathings of heaven and catching fire from the love of God."

I pray that those fasting receive the bounties and grace of God as a result of their sacrifice, obedience, determination, and love for God.

Body: Twists and Turns

On sister, on brother
Strands wrap
Around one another

Each going in different ways
Amassed
Progressing as one with few strays

Individually a strand
Together strong
Halts a combing hand

Twists and turns
Life’s road meets
Thorns and ferns

A breeze rustles through
With a lift and a bounce
Personality shines true

Sitting patient and proud
Formed and shaped
Definition both tame and loud

Each day different than the one before
But one thing for sure
The same dimples, the same smile to explore

You may glance, you might stare
Story of life can be found
In the twist and turns of that hair

Soul: What is Love?

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION:

What a power is love! It is the most wonderful, the greatest of all living powers. Love gives life to the lifeless. Love lights a flame in the heart that is cold. Love brings hope to the hopeless and gladdens the hearts of the sorrowful.

In the world of existence there is indeed no greater power than the power of love. When the heart of man is aglow with the flame of love, he is ready to sacrifice all—even his life. In the Gospel it is said God is love. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Paris Talks, pp. 179-181)

Know thou of a certainty that Love is the secret of God's holy Dispensation, the manifestation of the All-Merciful, the fountain of spiritual outpourings. Love is heaven's kindly light, the Holy Spirit's eternal breath that vivifieth the human soul. Love is the cause of God's revelation unto man, the vital bond inherent, in accordance with the divine creation, in the realities of things. Love is the one means that ensureth true felicity both in this world and the next. Love is the light that guideth in darkness, the living link that uniteth God with man, that assureth the progress of every illumined soul. Love is the most great law that ruleth this mighty and heavenly cycle, the unique power that bindeth together the diverse elements of this material world, the supreme magnetic force that directeth the movements of the spheres in the celestial realms. Love revealeth with unfailing and limitless power the mysteries latent in the universe. Love is the spirit of life unto the adorned body of mankind, the establisher of true civilization in this mortal world, and the shedder of imperishable glory upon every high-aiming race and nation. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 27)

The love of God has brought us together, and this is the best of means and motive. Every other bond of friendship is limited in effectiveness, but fellowship based upon the love of God is unlimited, everlasting, divine and radiant. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 442)

It is He Who created you from a single person, and made his mate of like nature, in order that he might dwell with her in love. (The Qur’án, 7:189)

In short, whatsoever thing is arranged in harmony and with love and purity of motive, its result is light, and should the least trace of estrangement prevail the result shall be darkness upon darkness…. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 88)

…The love which exists between the hearts of believers is prompted by the ideal of the unity of spirits. This love is attained through the knowledge of God, so that men see the Divine Love reflected in the heart. Each sees in the other the Beauty of God reflected in the soul, and finding this point of similarity, they are attracted to one another in love. This love will make all men the waves of one sea, this love will make them all the stars of one heaven and the fruits of one tree. This love will bring the realization of true accord, the foundation of real unity. But the love which sometimes exists between friends is not (true) love, because it is subject to transmutation; this is merely fascination. As the breeze blows, the slender trees yield. If the wind is in the East the tree leans to the West, and if the wind turns to the West the tree leans to the East. This kind of love is originated by the accidental conditions of life. This is not love, it is merely acquaintanceship; it is subject to change. Today you will see two souls apparently in close friendship; tomorrow all this may be changed. Yesterday they were ready to die for one another, today they shun one another’s society! This is not love; it is the yielding of the hearts to the accidents of life. When that which has caused this “love” to exist passes, the love passes also; this is not in reality love. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá: Paris Talks, pp. 179-181)

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. …Love never fails…(The Bible: 1 Corinthians 13:4, 5, 8)


MY REFLECTION:
Love is...
Turning towards God and seeking to do that which is right
Chanting prayers in times of joy and in times of pain
Giving hugs and kisses with praise and with compassion
Striving to better one's self, family, and community
Lending a hand selflessly to aid others
Smiling at strangers that cross your path
Taking a moment to reflect and appreciate
Looking for the positives in each and in all
Seeking the blessings in times of tests
Listening with understanding and empathy
Expressing with tact and sincerity
Sharing a meal or a heart-warming treat
Encouraging loved ones with wisdom to act or to yield
Thinking of others before oneself
Prioritizing love and unity before all else.

Mind: Creative Valentines

 

Materials needed:

Template (below) 

Card Stock - Red, Green

Red Tissue Paper

Scissors

Glue Stick

Lollipop
Pen for writing name

Instructions:

HEART

1. Print Template on Red Card Stock -- 6 per page

2. Cut out each heart Template, fold in half, and cut a 5mm slit in the grass, open the heart back out

3. Child's name is written below the From: 

LEAVES

1. Cut Green Card Stock lengthwise into 2" wide strips.

2. Fold each Green Card Stock strip in half and cut leaf shapes -- make sure that 2-3mm of the leaf shape is on the fold to allow for each leaf to be able to fold around Lollipop stick -- set leaves aside

ROSE

1. Cut Red Tissue Paper into Circles (2-3" Diameter depending on size of lollipop)

2. Cut small curved slits all the way around the circle to make petals

3. Fold Red Tissue Paper circles in half and make a little cut in the middle 

4. Insert lollipop stick into the middle of two circles (adjust one of the circles around so they are not exactly aligned on top of each other)

5. Fold a green leaf (pre-cut above) around the lollipop (about 1" from bottom of stick) and glue leaf together 

ASSEMBLY

1. Insert Rose into the slit in the Heart

2. Glue leaf to the Heart -- be careful not to cover any of the writing

CHILDREN CAN THEN ENJOY SHARING THESE WITH THEIR FRIENDS!

EXAMPLE:

ALSO SEE FOLLOWING LINK FOR THE 2013 VALENTINE IDEA:
http://fastfunfit.blogspot.com/2013/02/mind-creative-valentines-2013.html

Body: Kettlebells

Snatch, release, push, pull, thrust, exert, swing, orbit -- these are just some of the momentum driven actions involved in a kettlebell routine. It's no wonder this form of exercise is so impactful.

Soul: Honor Thy Parents

As a parent, you emphatically consider and diligently work on getting your child to listen to you and other adults, to follow directions, to be honest and trustworthy, kind and patient, joyful and friendly... And in return, you praise the child for behaviors that align with your desires.

Before those 4-6yr olds -- who strive to make their parents proud -- grow into 8-12yr olds -- how do we instill in them a sacred responsibility of honoring one's parents?

And better yet, why don't we often consider and work diligently on this aspect? Do we think that the act of listening is sufficient? How would we like our children to demonstrate love and honor for us? Do we unconsciously question whether we are even worthy of the growing child's honor and focus more on honoring and cherishing their pure souls?

From the Baha’i Holy Writings:

The fruits of the tree of existence are trustworthiness, loyalty, truthfulness and purity.  After the recognition of the oneness of the Lord, exalted be He, the most important of all duties is to have due regard for the rights of one’s parents.  This matter hath been mentioned in all the Books of God.

Bahá’u’lláh:  Family Life, p. 385

It is seemly that the servant should, after each prayer, supplicate God to bestow mercy and forgiveness upon his parents.  Thereupon God’s call will be raised:  “Thousand upon thousand of what thou hast asked for thy parents shall be thy recompense!” Blessed is he who remembereth his parents when communing with God.  There is, verily, no God but Him, the Mighty, the Well-Beloved.

Selections From the Writings of the Báb

The son, on the other hand, must show forth the utmost obedience towards his father, and should conduct himself as a humble and a lowly servant.  Day and night he should seek diligently to ensure the comfort and welfare of his loving father and to secure his good-pleasure.  He must forgo his own rest and enjoyment and constantly strive to bring gladness to the hearts of his father and mother, that thereby he may attain the good-pleasure of the Almighty and be graciously aided by the hosts of the unseen.

`Abdu'l-Baha:  Family Life, p. 394

Beware lest ye commit that which would sadden the hearts of your fathers and mothers.  Follow ye the path of Truth which indeed is a straight path.  Should anyone give you a choice between the opportunity to render a service to Me and a service to them, choose ye to serve them, and let such service be a path leading you to Me.  This is My exhortation and command unto thee.  Observe therefore that which thy Lord, the mighty, the Gracious, hath prescribed unto thee. 

Bahá’u’lláh

O Lord! In this Most Great Dispensation Thou dost accept the intercession of children on behalf of their parents.  This is one of the special, infinite bestowals of this Dispensation.  Therefore, O Thou kind Lord, accept the request of this Thy servant at the threshold of Thy singleness and submerge his father in the ocean of Thy grace.

`Abdu’l-Baha

From the Christian Holy Writings:

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

 Ephesians 6:1-4

For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

Matthew 15:4, 19:19, Mark 10:19

From the Jewish Holy Writings:

Honor your father and your mother that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God gives you.

 Exodus 20.12

There are three partners in man, God, father, and mother.  When a man honors his father and mother, God says,  “I regard it as though I had dwelt among them and they had honored me.”

Talmud

From the Muslim Holy Writings:

Thy Lord has decreed…that you be kind to parents.  Whether one or both of them attain old age in your lifetime, do not say to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor.  And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say, “My Lord! Bestow on them Thy mercy even as they cherished me in childhood.”

 Qur’an 17.23

One Companion asked,  “O Apostle of God! Who is the person worthiest of my consideration?” He replied,  “Your Mother.” He asked again,  “And second to my mother?”  The Prophet said,  “Your mother.”  The companion insisted,  “And then?”  The messenger of God said,  “After your mother, your father.”

Hadith of Bukhari

From the Hindu Holy Writings:

A man has three venerable superiors, his father, his mother, and his spiritual teacher.  By honouring his mother, he gains the present world, by honouring his father, the world of gods, and by paying strict obedience to his spiritual teacher, the world of Brahman.

Vishnu-Sutra

From the Buddhist Holy Writings:

Supporting one’s father and mother, cherishing wife and children and a peaceful occupation; that is the greatest blessing.

Sutta Nipata 262

Ponder these writings in your heart -- How will you acknowledge and praise children today for honoring, loving, supporting their parents?

Mind: Human Intellect

At last night's Junior Youth Group, the youth were excitedly engaged in discussion about the differences between the minds of humans and other living things. They exercised their own power of intellect to explore whether they think certain living things have intellect and understanding and how these living things exercise their brains/physiological abilities to 'think' and/or make decisions. Like them, I was very curious about this topic and went on to read further. Below is a passage regarding the special properties of humankind's mental faculties followed by my reflections...

Now concerning mental faculties, they are in truth of the inherent properties of the soul, even as the radiation of light is the essential property of the sun. The rays of the sun are renewed but the sun itself is ever the same and unchanged. Consider how the human intellect develops and weakens, and may at times come to naught, whereas the soul changeth not. For the mind to manifest itself, the human body must be whole; and a sound mind cannot be but in a sound body, whereas the soul dependeth not upon the body. It is through the power of the soul that the mind comprehendeth, imagineth and exerteth its influence, whilst the soul is a power that is free. The mind comprehendeth the abstract by the aid of the concrete, but the soul hath limitless manifestations of its own. The mind is circumscribed, the soul limitless. It is by the aid of such senses as those of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch, that the mind comprehendeth, whereas the soul is free from all agencies. The soul as thou observest, whether it be in sleep or waking, is in motion and ever active. Possibly it may, whilst in a dream, unravel an intricate problem, incapable of solution in the waking state. The mind, moreover, understandeth not whilst the senses have ceased to function, and in the embryonic stage and in early infancy the reasoning power is totally absent, whereas the soul is ever endowed with full strength. In short, the proofs are many that go to show that despite the loss of reason, the power of the soul would still continue to exist. The spirit however possesseth various grades and stations.

As to the existence of spirit in the mineral: it is indubitable that minerals are endowed with a spirit and life according to the requirements of that stage. This unknown secret, too, hath become known unto the materialists who now maintain that all beings are endowed with life, even as He saith in the Qur’án, ‘All things are living’.

In the vegetable world, too, there is the power of growth, and that power of growth is the spirit. In the animal world there is the sense of feeling, but in the human world there is an all-embracing power. In all the preceding stages the power of reason is absent, but the soul existeth and revealeth itself. The sense of feeling understandeth not the soul, whereas the reasoning power of the mind proveth the existence thereof.

In like manner the mind proveth the existence of an unseen Reality that embraceth all beings, and that existeth and revealeth itself in all stages, the essence whereof is beyond the grasp of the mind. Thus the mineral world understandeth neither the nature nor the perfections of the vegetable world; the vegetable world understandeth not the nature of the animal world, neither the animal world the nature of the reality of man that discovereth and embraceth all things.

The animal is the captive of nature and cannot transgress the rules and laws thereof. In man, however, there is a discovering power that transcendeth the world of nature and controlleth and interfereth with the laws thereof. For instance, all minerals, plants and animals are captives of nature. The sun itself with all its majesty is so subservient to nature that it hath no will of its own and cannot deviate a hair’s-breadth from the laws thereof. In like manner all other beings, whether of the mineral, the vegetable or the animal world, cannot deviate from the laws of nature, nay, all are the slaves thereof. Man, however, though in body the captive of nature is yet free in his mind and soul, and hath the mastery over nature. Consider: according to the law of nature man liveth, moveth and hath his being on earth, yet his soul and mind interfere with the laws thereof, and even as the bird he flieth in the air, saileth speedily upon the seas and as the fish soundeth the deep and discovereth the things therein. Verily this is a grievous defeat inflicted upon the laws of nature. So is the power of electrical energy: this unruly violent force that cleaveth mountains is yet imprisoned by man within a globe! This is manifestly interfering with the laws of nature. Likewise man discovereth those hidden secrets of nature that in conformity with the laws thereof must remain concealed, and transfereth them from the invisible plane to the visible. This, too, is interfering with the law of nature. In the same manner he discovereth the inherent properties of things that are the secrets of nature. Also he bringeth to light the past events that have been lost to memory, and foreseeth by his power of induction future happenings that are as yet unknown. Furthermore, communication and discovery are limited by the laws of nature to short distances, whereas man, through that inner power of his that discovereth the reality of all things, connecteth the East with the West. This, too, is interfering with the laws of nature. Similarly, according to the law of nature all shadows are fleeting, whereas man fixeth them upon the plate, and this, too, is interference with a law of nature. Ponder and reflect: all sciences, arts, crafts, inventions and discoveries, have been once the secrets of nature and in conformity with the laws thereof must remain hidden; yet man through his discovering power interfereth with the laws of nature and transfereth these hidden secrets from the invisible to the visible plane. This again is interfering with the laws of nature. In fine, that inner faculty in man, unseen of the eye, wresteth the sword from the hands of nature, and giveth it a grievous blow. All other beings, however great, are bereft of such perfections. Man hath the powers of will and understanding, but nature hath them not. Nature is constrained, man is free. Nature is bereft of understanding, man understandeth. Nature is unaware of past events, but man is aware of them. Nature forecasteth not the future; man by his discerning power seeth that which is to come. Nature hath no consciousness of itself, man knoweth about all things. Should any one suppose that man is but a part of the world of nature, and he being endowed with these perfections, these being but manifestations of the world of nature, and thus nature is the originator of these perfections and is not deprived therefrom, to him we make reply and say: the part dependeth upon the whole; the part cannot possess perfections whereof the whole is deprived. By nature is meant those inherent properties and necessary relations derived from the realities of things. And these realities of things, though in the utmost diversity, are yet intimately connected one with the other. For these diverse realities an all-unifying agency is needed that shall link them all one to the other. For instance, the various organs and members, the parts and elements, that constitute the body of man, though at variance, are yet all connected one with the other by that all-unifying agency known as the human soul, that causeth them to function in perfect harmony and with absolute regularity, thus making the continuation of life possible. The human body, however, is utterly unconscious of that all-unifying agency, and yet acteth with regularity and dischargeth its functions according to its will. ('Abdu'l-Bahá's Tablet to Dr. Forel)

I walk. I talk.
I can walk that which I talk.
I think. I am.
I can think about what I am.
I breathe. I live.
I can understand that the breathing keeps me living.
I take. I give.
I can decide to take nothing and embrace the joy of giving
I see. I smile.
I enjoy things for more than a short while
I remember. I relate.
I analyze my past, my future, and possibility of fate.
I believe. I dream.
I can tell the difference between a river and a stream.
I look. I see.
I look and see that mankind is one large family.

Body: Stress

Stress...

Increases the heart rate
Intensifies the heart beat
Applies pressure
Drives one to action
Provides a boost of energy
Tones composure
Trains strength
Builds resilience
Asserts caution
Lets adrenaline flow
Releases endorphins
Excites the mind

Experiencing situations of eustress* in your life -- the good stress -- helps you to prepare for handling situations of distress -- the bad stress.

I resolve to embrace STRESS.

Scientific
Turmoil
Releasing
Endorphins
Shocking
System

*Eustress is a term coined by endocrinologist Hans Selye -- look it up.