Over on Bahaiperspectives.com, something interesting was posted on the topic of constructive criticism.  The author challenges the idea that constructive criticism is any better than regular criticism.

Having recently graduated from an Art/Design course which encouraged a culture of constructive criticism and witnessing its success, my initial response was that, if people have bad experiences with constructive criticism, then either its not being delivered well, or not being received well.  Both of which are skills anyone can learn.

Certain things I feel are important to keep in mind when critiquing are to make sure that the person you’re offering it too is prepared to receive it, and to offer lots of praise.  To take an honest look at the persons work or character, and focus on how they or their work can become even greater.

As for the receiver, the main thing is to not take offence unnecessarily, and to remain detached.

As I read through the article, the author then mentioned a friend who, rather than picking up on all the faults of her children, reviews where they are, and then tells them where they can go.  This model is very similar to the model of “praise-review-visualize” which is the form of criticism that many of us started to employ on our Art/Design course.  A model which worked quite successfully.

However, upon reflection, while this model has proven constructive, is it really criticism?  Would it not be more accurate to call it encouragement?  Its just more useful encouragement than the shallower “go on, you can do it!”

The more I think about it, the better the form of criticism I can think of, the more it seems to look like encouragement.

Reading through the various definitions of criticism reveal an orientation around fault finding.  Picking out the faults of others doesn’t seem like a healthy way to live my life, and “constructive” criticism just seems like putting nice icing on a bad cake.

Definitions of encourage on the Web:

• promote: contribute to the progress or growth of
• inspire with confidence; give hope or courage to

These definitions of encourage seem to be what I would intend constructive criticism to be.  So if this is encouragement, what’s constructive criticism, and why do we need it?

What are your views on criticism and encouragement?  Leave your comments below, or for any readers via facebook, head over to Coffee Stains and Ink Spills and comment there.

Filed under: Baha'i, freelance thinking, life musings by kiamo
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A painting I did inspired by a Baha’i paper.

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I’ve been living in Leicester for almost 3 years now. It’s been great! People I’ve met, friendships fostered, course complete, exploring the arts and discovering more of the wonders in life, have contributed to a great chapter in my life, certainly a time to look back on and smile.

I’ve been making a point of savouring every moment with my friends here before I leave for Canada and then, indefinitely China. Baha’u’llah said:

“Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. ”
(Baha’u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u'llah, p. 260)

Everyone has their own treasures, their own gems which I’m going to miss, but life goes on and it gladdens me to see everyone moving forward in life.

Some are working, some are moving, some are staying put, committed to nurturing the local community, some are continuing to hone their skills, and some are searching for their path to tread.

I’ve always wanted to travel, travel far that is. I’ve seen a fair bit of Europe (although there is still plenty left to explore) but I’ve been yearning for a long time to see more of the world. To explore new countries, climb new summits, meet new people and become acquainted with their cultures and be of service in their Baha’i communities. It’s time to chase my dreams.

“I live my life a quarter mile at a time. ”
(Vin Diesel – The Fast and the Furious)

I couldn’t resist quoting Mr Diesel, I feel much the same, never really knowing what’s going to happen next. I just try to make the best of it and live one step at a time, trusting in Baha’u’llah (but tying my camel albeit somewhat loosely), and seizing what opportunities I want that come my way.  I like it this way, it’s unpredictable and exciting.

At the moment I’ve been asked to house sit for a lovely sounding lady, and she as a cat! I really miss having a cat, I can’t wait!  I’ve also been presented with the chance of a job at Starbucks in Vernon, the city in Canada I’m going to move to.  I really like the idea of working in a cafe, and Starbucks is awesome.  I wouldn’t say its a life job, but it would certainly be a fun way to keep me alive, go on small trips and save up funds for further adventures in China.  I feel so blessed.  I’ll need to say lots of prayers for thanks.

There’s been so much running through my head to blog about but its 4 am and time to wrap this up.  I went hiking and camping in the Lake District with Paul last week, which is where I am in the picture up top.  More photo’s will be viewable in my photo’s page very shortly.

Time for some rest methinks.

Filed under: Baha'i, life musings by kiamo
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Thanks to Emily for sharing this quotation on her blog.  I find it so inspiring I thought I would share it on my blog also.

So without further ado, here it is:

You must manifest complete love and affection toward all mankind. Do not exalt yourselves above others, but consider all as your equals, recognizing them as the servants of one God. Know that God is compassionate toward all; therefore, love all from the depths of your hearts, prefer all religionists before yourselves, be filled with love for every race, and be kind toward the people of all nationalities. Never speak disparagingly of others, but praise without distinction. Pollute not your tongues by speaking evil of another. Recognize your enemies as friends, and consider those who wish you evil as the wishers of good. You must not see evil as evil and then compromise with your opinion, for to treat in a smooth, kindly way one whom you consider evil or an enemy is hypocrisy, and this is not worthy or allowable. You must consider your enemies as your friends, look upon your evil-wishers as your well-wishers and treat them accordingly. Act in such a way that your heart may be free from hatred. Let not your heart be offended with anyone. If some one commits an error and wrong toward you, you must instantly forgive him. Do not complain of others. Refrain from reprimanding them, and if you wish to give admonition or advice, let it be offered in such a way that it will not burden the bearer. Turn all your thoughts toward bringing joy to hearts. Beware! Beware! lest ye offend any heart. Assist the world of humanity as much as possible. Be the source of consolation to every sad one, assist every weak one, be helpful to every indigent one, care for every sick one, be the cause of glorification to every lowly one, and shelter those who are overshadowed by fear.

In brief, let each one of you be as a lamp shining forth with the light of the virtues of the world of humanity. Be trustworthy, sincere, affectionate and replete with chastity. Be illumined, be spiritual, be divine, be glorious, be quickened of God, be a Bahá’í.

(Abdu’l-Baha, The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 452)

Quotes from Abdu’l-Baha fill me with such joy, and inspire me to try and do what little I can to live life in such a beautiful way.

Filed under: Baha'i by kiamo
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Dr Nazila Ghanea, an Oxford University human rights lecturer, has written a heavy article in the telegraph about the latest in a long line of violations of human rights against the Baha’is in Iran.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states in Article 19, that “everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression”, however this doesn’t perturb Iran’s Prosecutor General from removing this freedom from the 300,000 Baha’is in Iran.

Ayatollah Qorban-Ali Dorri-Najafabadi is Iran’s Prosecutor General and

has declared that the very expression of affiliation to the Bahá’í faith is illegal. This was communicated in a letter to the Minister of Intelligence, Ghulam-Husayn Ejeyee, who needs no encouragement to violate rights. Human Rights Watch named him one of Iran’s ‘Ministers of Murder’ four years ago.

Najafabadi stated that

“Adherence to a principle or belief is free [to anyone], but to openly express and proclaim it in
order to cause deviation in the thoughts of others, to manipulate, pretend, disseminate [ideas],
and otherwise attempt to deceive and confuse people will not be permissible.”

On March 4rth, the International Baha’i Community sent an open letter (found here) to Najafabadi, in which it responds

Such a statement tests credulity to an extreme. It is widely recognized that similar statements have been used by repressive regimes throughout the centuries to justify the arbitrary suppression of conscience and belief. The suggestion that it is possible to separate the convictions held by an individual from their expression in words and action begins an entirely false line of reasoning. To see its absurdity one need only ask oneself what it means to have faith if it is not consciously manifested in one’s relationships with others.

Najafabadi is simply just paving the way to yet more persecution, despite fantastic claims that “Bahá’ís in Iran are provided with all facilities afforded other Iranian citizens, and are respected as human beings” and that “much kindness had always been shown Bahá’í citizens of Iran”.

While the Baha’is are the particular victims of Najafabadi’s statements, the violations of freedom extend to all the Iranian people.  The Prosecutor General is essentially shutting down freedoms of religion/belief, expression and even conscience for all of Irans people.

Iran’s criminalisation of the freedom of expression rights of hundreds of its Bahá’í citizens does not bode well for the wider cause of opinion, thought and conscience. In September last year, International PEN expressed alarm at increasing and widespread violations. The situation has just got a lot worse.

Dr Ghanea’s article is well worth a read -> go read!

Filed under: Baha'i by kiamo
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Back in May last year, the governing body of Iran had the seven leaders of the Baha’i community in Iran thrown into prison with no explanation.  There is a long history of the Iranian leaders persecuting the Baha’i’s, and this is one of the more recent attempts by the Islamic Republic to wipe out the Baha’i Faith from within Iran.

Recently these authorities brought up some charges against these seven.  Accusing them of espionage, a crime punishable by death in Iran.  Various governmental institutions from around the world have spoken out on the issue and now too have the top UK comedians, who wrote this open letter which has appeared in the Times.

I’ll also post a copy:

Sir, We are deeply concerned at the continuing imprisonment for more than eight months of seven leaders of the Baha’i community in Iran. No formal evidence has been brought against them.

They have not been given access to their legal counsel, the Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi. She has had no access to their files and has suffered threats and intimidation since taking on their case.

Spurious charges now look likely to be filed against these Baha’is in the Revolutionary Court. “Espionage for Israel, insulting religious sanctities and propaganda against the Islamic republic” are their alleged crimes.

In reality, their only “crime”, which the current regime finds intolerable, is that they hold a religious belief that is different from the majority.

As artists who strive to uplift the human spirit and enrich society through our work, we register our solidarity with all those in Iran who are being persecuted for promoting the best development of society — be it through the arts and media, the promotion of education, social and economic development, or adherence to moral principles.

Further, we join with the governments, human rights organisations and people of goodwill throughout the world who have so far raised their voices calling for a fair trial, if not the complete release of the Baha’i leaders in Iran.

David Baddiel
Bill Bailey
Morwenna Banks
Sanjeev Bhasker
Jo Brand
Russell Brand
Rob Brydon
Jimmy Carr
Jack Dee
Omid Djalili
Sean Lock
Lee Mack
Alexei Sayle
Meera Syal
Mark Thomas

Filed under: Baha'i by kiamo
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The Hidden Words are a collection of short utterances, in which Baha’u'llah (the author) has taken the essence  of past dispensations and “clothed it in the garment of brevity” as He says.

Earlier this afternoon I came across this site.  Where Nathan & Nabil Huening have put some of the Hidden Words in a musical form, and offered it up for anyone to listen and download.  Of course we are free to donate towards this service.

Filed under: Baha'i, music by kiamo
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I don’t watch TV, but if I did I might have noticed this BBC series earlier.  Around the world in 80 faiths is a documentary following Pete Owen-Jones as he journeys around the world exploring the great diversity of beliefs and rituals.

Over the last handful of years the Baha’i Faith has been mentioned more and more on TV, and here Pete includes it in his documentary too.

Filed under: Baha'i by kiamo
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