Association of Baha'i Women

A highly enjoyable weekend was held recently in Dura Den, Fife. The participants studied a new language – ‘The Language of the Virtues’. For those who are not familiar with the Virtues Project, its focus is on those spiritual qualities latent within all of us, making use of positive language to encourage all to be at their best. The idea for this system of learning and speaking was founded by a Bahá’í, her husband and her brother. Although based in Bahá’í principles it is not a Bahá’í course. However we can gain practical ideas on the philosophy of this project which is ‘Simple ways to Create a Culture of Character. It is a practical way of using spiritual themes to help us manifest Bahá’u’lláh’s words that ‘Man is a mine rich in gems of inestimable value.’

The organisers are extremely grateful to their hosts Pam, Louise, Justin and the children and wish to thank each and everyone of them for their generosity, consideration, creativity and service shown throughout the entire weekend.

“Our ABW Virtues Weekend in Fife was wonderful – one of the best weekends I have experienced in my entire life. A wonderful programme; excellent facilitator, Gail; and a great, very varied, loving and humorous group of participants. We all hope we shall meet again in February 06 for a reunion and another great experience in improving our Virtues.” – Pam

“The virtues weekend was pretty amazing - much more so than I expected. I actually learned some useful skills and am now convinced that all parents would benefit from taking a virtues course – it gives you access to language skills that are direct and empowering.” – Maureen

A virtues weekend in Scotland, just what I wanted before the summer ended. One word to describe it is, AWESOME!!! My mam had previously completed the course so I thought it would be interesting to see what it would be like for me, having had the experience of one of my family members already knowing the language. It lived up to all the expectations and more. “The virtues” – although it sounds so simple, it is so unbelievably deep. They really do reach to the core of everything. Having looked at the virtues and explored how to use these very unique and wondrous gifts we have within, I really do feel that I have changed in my approach to life. Knowing that each one of us already has these virtues within us and we just have to look inside to find them gives me far more strength that I thought possible. – Diane

---

Right: Mr Martin speaking during a meeting with friends in Glasgow (3 November 2005). There was an excellent turnout of 75 friends from the Forth-Clyde cluster – the biggest cluster-wide event since its formation in the summer – despite there having been just a few days' notice. This date had been added at short notice to Mr Martin's already busy schedule but was greatly appreciated by the local friends. His presentation focused on the importance of each believer developing a personal relationship with the Universal House of Justice.