Perfection or Perfectionism – How to Tell the Difference
Workaholics reading “Strain every nerve” in the following quote, will see evidence in the Writings to push through and work harder: Strain every nerve to acquire both inner and outer perfections, for the fruit of the human tree hath ever been and will ever be...
read moreTwelve Step Prayers with Baha’i Prayers
By Anonymous The Twelve Step Prayers were created using the text of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. The text used to develop the prayers are shown at the end of the prayer in parenthesis. In my attempt to show how the principles of the Baha'i Faith integrate...
read moreWhy I Don’t Want to Fall Prey to the Kingdom of Names
I noticed that in many of His Tablets Bahá'u'lláh exhorts His followers not to become the bond-slaves of the “Kingdom of Names”. I found this phrase puzzling and didn’t know what it meant or how it might apply to me. In the following quote, Baha’u’llah seems to use...
read moreHelp Wanted – A Higher Power Who Can Restore Me To Sanity
By Anonymous The following was written as part of my Step 1 Homework, getting clear about my relationship to God. At the request of several people, I share it here, in hopes that others might find it helpful. Help Wanted – A Higher Power Who Can Restore Me To Sanity...
read moreHow to Stop Being Driven
I’m Susan and I’m a workaholic. My life has become unmanageable and exceeds the bounds of moderation. I don’t think I’m alone, especially in the Baha’i community. I’m driven to complete my goals. I’m driven to please others. I’m driven to being the best Baha’i I...
read moreBaha’is and Baptism
When my son was born, I was a new Bahá’í (of 2 years), and my husband was Anglican. I had a vague idea that Bahá’ís didn’t baptize their children, but believed that unity in the family was a higher principle, so my son was baptized in the Anglican church and raised...
read moreCauses of Estrangement and How to Overcome It
When I began to speak about the abuse that happened in our family, I wrote to the House of Justice about how much contact I should have with them and they suggested: Such an attitude (forgiveness and insight into their actions) does not preclude your being prudent in...
read moreWho is God and How Can He Help Restore Me to Sanity?
This book, by Justice St. Rain of Baha'i Resources, is now available on Amazon. Click the book title for more information! By Anonymous I’m a workaholic and adrenaline junkie and my life has become unmanageable due to burnout and adrenal fatigue caused by drivenness,...
read moreIntegrating Spiritual Principles into Our Work Life
Recently I was listening to a talk called “A Baha'i Perspective on the Meaning of Work” by Dr. Tiffani Razavi and as someone in recovery from workaholism and work anorexia (also called underearning or under-being), it got me wanting to know more about what the...
read moreRuhi Book 10: Talks to Prepare for a Conversation with Youth
In Ruhi Book 10.1, (Accompanying One Another on the Path of Service) pages 86-87, we are asked to put some passages together on the themes Enidia identified. These included: Period of Youth Twofold Moral Purpose Relationship Between Personal and Social Transformation...
read moreThe Dangers of Suspicion and How to Overcome Them
Recently I came across this quote which made me sit up and take notice: Take heed that your . . . deeds be cleansed from craftiness and suspicion. (Bahá’u’lláh, Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, p. 138) It made me wonder – what deeds of mine are stained with suspicion. I’m...
read moreSeeing Ourselves through the Eyes of God
Continuing on the theme of recovery from low self-esteem, I think there are two more things we need to pay attention to – one is looking at how God sees us and understanding how much He loves us, just the way we are. First of all, He created us because He loved us:...
read moreRecovery From Low Self Esteem
Recently I was following a discussion on self-esteem on a Baha’i forum. As someone who suffers from low self-esteem, I was particularly interested in the discussion, hoping to find a Baha’i-inspired way to overcome this problem. I was disappointed to see the tone of...
read moreUnderstanding Low Self Esteem
Someone with low self-esteem frequently feels unworthy, incapable, and incompetent. This can lead to: Social withdrawal Anxiety and emotional turmoil Lack of social skills and self-confidence. Depression and/or bouts of sadness Eating disorders Inability to accept...
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