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Recently I read how repressed anger can deaden all feelings. More recently I went to a meeting, which wasn't Bahá'í, which sparkled with energy and life, and found myself wondering why, in my experience, Bahá'í meetings aren't usually like that. And it suddenly struck me - is it because repressed anger or frustration deaden all feelings? Are Bahá'ís too "nice" for their own good, and the good of the Faith?

Sometimes when I've tried to say something is wrong, other Bahá'ís have said, "Oh you can't say that - it's negative". As I see it, it isn't possible to sort out something that's going wrong without facing the problem honestly and "naming" it. Then all concerned can focus on the positive as they work together to evolve a strategy to deal with the problem. Focussing on the positive is great, but the negative isn't dealt with by pretending it doesn't exist, because it goes underground and festers.

Consequences of pretending problems don't exist could be the frustration and subtle censoring of people who believe they do, and a tendency for them to get disillusioned or go elsewhere. Such people are not necessarily disruptive, they just need to be heard. Humbug and hypocrisy is easily spotted, which makes it harder for those who try to teach the Faith. Finally, have you ever been hugged by someone who didn't really care for you? It has an un-nerving feeling.

One source of problems within communities is Bahá'ís who genuinely care for the Faith so much that they want every "i" dotted and every "t" crossed - but who don't recognise that their fellows may be struggling at a basic level, and be in need of loving support rather than correction. Sometimes correction may douse the flickering little flame of spirit.

Bahá'u'lláh came to bring true liberty - some of us may unintentionally and unwittingly transform this into a steel cage for others. There are many mentions in the Writings of joy and radiance. If our communities were really distinguished by joy and radiance, we wouldn't have to go out looking for people - they would be knocking at our doors!

Pippa Cookson

We are interested in making contact with choristers and those able to lead local groups in regular rehearsals for a prestigious Centenary event in Brangwyn Hall, Swansea South Wales, Sunday 31st October. We need a balanced choir of at least 100 voices to be effective in this large hall.

The South Wales Bahá'í Arts Centre find, after approaching nine local choral societies, that it is unable to engage a large enough choir to sing the powerful and exquisite words of the Ridván Tablet.

Dedication is needed to realise a satisfactory performance, and it is practical if groups can come together for regular local rehearsals.

Please reply promptly stating type of voice and we will send you all that is necessary. Contact Joan Phillips, 1, Clos Penderri, Penllergaer, Swansea, SA4 1BZ Tel: 01792 893644, e-mail: yosd@cix.co.uk

Joan Phillips, Secretary, South Wales Bahá'í Arts Centre

I swear by My life! Nothing save that which profiteth them can befall My loved ones. To this testifieth the Pen of God, the Most Powerful, the All-Glorious, the Best Beloved." "Let not the happenings of the world sadden you. I swear by God! The sea of joy yearneth to attain your presence, for every good thing hath been created for you, and will, according to the needs of the times, be revealed unto you."

Bahá'u'lláh,

The Advent of Divine Justice, p69