BahaiConnect

06/16/2026

Yesterday's Building a Healing Community workshop:

As is our tradition, the day began with a discussion of the principles of Building a Healing Community, exploring the idea that healing extends beyond techniques and treatments to include compassion, service, unity, and the creation of supportive relationships. We reflected on the powerful words of Bahá'u'lláh:

"So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth."

This conversation naturally led to meaningful discussions about implicit bias, racism, and the importance of recognizing our shared humanity. Participants shared insights and experiences, creating an atmosphere of openness, respect, and mutual learning.

We were also deeply moved as we listened to "When Will We Try Peace?", a song inspired by the words of 'Abdu'l-Bahá. The message of peace, unity, and the possibility of a better world resonated strongly with those gathered and set a thoughtful tone for the remainder of the day.

From there, we turned our attention to the clinical focus of the day: Lymphedema Therapy and Homeosomatic Lymphatic Therapeutics. The energy in the room was remarkable. Therapists from across the region gathered with a shared desire to learn new skills, deepen their understanding of lymphatic health, and discover practical ways to better serve their patients.

A special thank you goes to Amanda Sadler and Rafael Sustaita, whose expertise, professionalism, and generous spirit contributed greatly to the success of the workshop. Their demonstrations of herbal-infused therapeutic oils and their assistance during the hands-on training sessions added tremendous value to the learning experience.

Throughout the day, participants explored the causes and stages of lymphedema, assessment strategies, manual lymphatic techniques, decompression therapies, herbal support, therapeutic oils, self-care approaches, and integrative treatment protocols. The level of engagement was inspiring. Questions were thoughtful, discussions were lively, and the hands-on sessions reflected a genuine commitment to excellence in patient care.

What made the day especially meaningful was the spirit in which it was conducted. Beyond techniques and procedures, there was a shared understanding that healing is ultimately about service to others. The excitement, curiosity, and fellowship present throughout the workshop reminded us that education is at its best when it builds both professional skills and human connections.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this workshop such a memorable experience. Together we continue the work of "Building a Healing Community" - one therapist, one patient, and one act of service at a time.

06/16/2026

The song "Lift Me Up" is now available on the Songs of Healing YouTube channel at this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjdJge9Xrdc

"Lift Me Up" is a song of hope, longing, and spiritual homecoming.
Written in collaboration with Susan Lewis, this is our third musical project together, following "A Hero of the Heart" and "One-Winged Bird". Inspired by the timeless themes of faith, perseverance, and the soul's journey, "Lift Me Up" draws upon the rich traditions of American spirituals, folk hymns, and gospel music while expressing a deeply personal prayer for guidance, comfort, and belonging.

The song begins with a promise:
"You promised me a Kingdom,
Not built by human hands..."

From that promise unfolds a journey through loneliness, uncertainty, and life's dusty roads. Yet even in moments of struggle, there remains a quiet awareness that something greater is calling us forward. The Kingdom described in the song is not simply a destination, but a reality of love, mercy, peace, and unity, a place where every soul is welcome and no one walks alone.

Like the spiritual songs of earlier generations, "Lift Me Up" speaks to the universal human longing for home. It reminds us that beyond the burdens and divisions of this world there exists a higher reality that calls to the heart and lifts the soul.

My heartfelt thanks to Susan Lewis for her friendship, creativity, and inspiration. It has been a joy to continue our musical journey together through "A Hero of the Heart", "One-Winged Bird", and now "Lift Me Up".

I hope this song brings comfort, encouragement, and a sense of peace to all who hear it.

Lift Me Up is a song of hope, longing, and spiritual homecoming.W...

06/14/2026

"The Kingdom of God is the real world, and this nether place is only its shadow stretching out."

from Paris Talks — 'Abdu'l-Bahá

I am pleased to share "Lift Me Up", my third songwriting collaboration with Susan Wright

Following our earlier collaborations, "A Hero of the Heart" and "One-Winged Bird", this song is a prayer of hope, longing, and spiritual homecoming. It speaks to those moments in life when the road seems uncertain, when our feet are tired and our hearts are dusty, yet we continue to trust in a promise greater than ourselves.

At the heart of the song is the belief that beyond loneliness, sorrow, and struggle lies a Kingdom "not built by human hands", a world of light, love, mercy, and peace, where every soul is welcome and no one walks alone.

Thank you, Susan, for another beautiful collaboration and for sharing your gift of song.

06/13/2026

"The traveler, after traversing the high planes of this supernal journey, entereth the Valley of True Poverty and Absolute Nothingness."
— Bahá'u'lláh, The Seven Valleys

The desert occupies a special place in the world's spiritual traditions. It is a place of testing, purification, detachment, and discovery. In the desert, the seeker is stripped of illusion and learns to distinguish between what is temporary and what is enduring.

Desert Wind, a new Songs of Healing music video, reflects upon this journey of longing and transformation. As sand, wind, and water wear away what is false, the heart is prepared to receive the water of life and to discover that which remains eternally true.

06/09/2026

"During the last six thousand years nations have hated one another, it is now time to stop. War must cease. Let us be united and love one another and await the result. We know the effects of war are bad. So let us try, as an experiment, peace, and if the results of peace are bad, then we can choose if it would be better to go back to the old state of war! Let us in any case make the experiment. If we see that unity brings Light we shall continue it. For six thousand years we have been walking on the left-hand path; let us walk on the right-hand path now. We have passed many centuries in darkness, let us advance towards the light."

— 'Abdu'l-Bahá, *Abdu'l-Baha in London*, pp. 61–62

These remarkable words, spoken more than a century ago, remain as relevant today as when they were first uttered. Rather than arguing for peace as an abstract ideal, 'Abdu'l-Bahá invites humanity to examine the evidence of history itself. We know the results of war. We know its harvest of suffering, loss, division, and destruction.

My new song and music video, "When Will We Try Peace?", was inspired by this powerful passage. The song reflects upon humanity's long experiment with war and poses a simple question:

If we know what war produces, when will we try peace?

May these words inspire reflection, consultation, unity, and renewed efforts to contribute to the peace and oneness of humanity.

06/08/2026

“Wonder not, if My Best-Beloved be closer to thee than thine own self; wonder at this, that thou, despite such nearness, should still be so far from Him.”
— Bahá’u’lláh

I am pleased to share the new bilingual English-Spanish version of On the Other Side.

This song grew from a simple yet profound realization found in the Writings, that the spiritual world is not distant, and that the Beloved is closer to us than we can imagine. The poem that inspired the song seemed to unfold as a lesson in spiritual awakening, reminding me that what we often seek far away may already be present, waiting to be recognized.

The song reflects on the soul's journey from sleep to awakening, from blindness to vision, from thirst to fulfillment, from distress to tranquility. These are themes that appear throughout the Bahá’í Writings and in the life of every soul striving to draw nearer to God.

In this new bilingual version, English and Spanish alternate throughout the song, expressing a message that transcends language and culture. The realities of the spirit belong to all humanity, and the longing of the soul for its Beloved is universal.

Perhaps the "other side" is not merely a place beyond this world. Perhaps it is a deeper awareness of a spiritual reality that surrounds us even now.

I hope this song inspires reflection, hope, and a renewed awareness of the nearness of God.

06/03/2026

New Song Release: Throne of the Inner Temple

The inspiration for this song began with a simple but profound statement from the Baha'i writings and a quote by the Báb:

"AS this physical frame is the throne of the inner temple, whatever occurs to the former is felt by the latter. In reality that which takes delight in joy or is saddened by pain is the inner temple of the body, not the body itself. Since this physical body is the throne whereon the inner temple is established, God hath ordained that the body be preserved to the extent possible, so that nothing that causeth repugnance may be experienced." - The Báb

For many years I have taught that the body is more than flesh, blood, and bone. It carries our memories, our sacrifices, our joys, our sorrows, and the stories we often cannot find words to tell. What we experience as pain is not an enemy. Sometimes it is a messenger. Sometimes it is the body speaking in a language we have forgotten how to hear.

Throne of the Inner Temple is a reflection on healing, survival, and the sacred relationship between the body and the soul. It is a reminder that our scars are not merely evidence of suffering. They are evidence of endurance, resilience, and love.

One of the central insights of this song is:

"My body didn't carry sorrow.
It carried my survival."

I hope this song speaks to anyone who has walked through difficult times, cared for another, carried hidden burdens, or struggled to understand the messages written within their own heart and body.

May it remind us that the body is not a prison, but a sanctuary; not an obstacle to the spirit, but its companion on life's journey.

06/02/2026

"Treat disease through diet, by preference, refrain from the use of drugs; and if you find what is required in a single herb, do not resort to a compounded medicament. Abstain from drugs when health is good, but administer them when necessary."
— Bahá'u'lláh, Tablet of Medicine (Lawḥ-i-Ṭibb)

"This is worship: to serve mankind and to minister to the needs of the people. Service is prayer. A physician ministering to the sick, gently, tenderly, free from prejudice and believing in the solidarity of the human race, he is giving praise."
— ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Paris Talks, p. 177

Yesterday was awesome. So awesome we are going to offer a Women's Health and Wellness, Part Three, the date to be announced.

Our Women’s Health and Hormone Balancing Workshop was one of the best attended and most engaging programs we have offered to date. The room was filled with enthusiastic healthcare professionals eager to learn, share experiences, ask questions, and explore practical solutions for helping women achieve better health through natural and holistic approaches.

To begin the day, we began with one of our teaching songs, Joy Gives Us Wings - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vd4k7Qd4tIk

Throughout the day we explored hormone balance and dysfunction, assessment strategies, nutrition, herbal medicine, therapeutic modalities, medical massage therapy applications, and practical clinical approaches for supporting women through the many stages of life. The level of participation was exceptional, and the quality of discussion reflected the dedication and professionalism of everyone in attendance.

A special thank you goes to Rafael Sustaita and Amanda Sadler, who did an outstanding job. Rafael demonstrated pelvic and abdominal massage techniques and sharing his clinical knowledge and experience. His presentation generated tremendous interest and discussion. Amanda Sadler did a heroic job of teaching how to make an herbal lotion, and this was a highlight of the day. Amanda and Ashley provided a hands-on demonstration showing participants how to create herbal-infused oils for therapeutic use.

These practical demonstrations added another dimension to the workshop and gave participants skills they can immediately begin applying in practice.

What impressed me most was the energy in the room. There was genuine excitement, curiosity, and a strong desire to learn. The questions were thoughtful, the discussions were lively, and the atmosphere reflected a community of practitioners committed to improving the lives of their patients.

For more than fifty years, our mission at Blue Heron Academy and American Health Source has been to build healing communities through education, service, and the sharing of practical healing knowledge. Yesterday's workshop was a wonderful example of that vision in action.

Thank you to everyone who attended, participated, shared your insights, and helped make this event such a success. I am deeply grateful to our students, instructors, assistants, and supporters who continue to make these programs possible.

The future of healthcare belongs to practitioners who never stop learning.

'sWellness

05/30/2026

There are times when we all carry burdens that seem heavier than a stone. We stumble in the darkness, feel alone, and wonder how we will find our way forward.

As a healer, teacher, and student of life, I have learned that not every wound is healed by medicine alone. Sometimes it is a smile, a kind word, a gentle touch, or the simple presence of a friend that lifts the spirit and helps the heart begin to heal.

This realization inspired my newest song, Joy Gives Us Wings, from my ongoing Songs of Healing project.

The title comes from these beautiful words of ‘Abdu'l-Bahá:

"Joy gives us wings! In times of joy our strength is more vital, our intellect keener, and our understanding less clouded."

Joy is not merely an emotion. It is a force that renews us, strengthens us, and helps us rise above fear, pain, and discouragement. It is one of the great medicines of the soul.

I hope this song brings a little sunshine into your day and reminds you that even the smallest act of kindness can become a source of healing and hope.

May your heart be light, your spirit uplifted, and your wings renewed.

05/29/2026

"Bring thyself to account each day ere thou art summoned to a reckoning."
— Bahá’u’lláh

I have been revisiting and expanding a project that I first began many years ago. What started as a study of ego, human motivation, and self-destructive behavioral patterns has evolved into a much deeper exploration of authenticity, conscience, emotional healing, and spiritual transformation.

The result is a revision and expansion of my original booklet on the ego and the three negative behavioral motivators: greed and materialism, the need for personal recognition, and the desire for power and control over others through manipulation. What began as a study of human behavior has now grown into a broader examination of the relationship between psychology, spirituality, trauma, conscience, and personal growth.

Drawing from the wisdom of the world's religions, philosophy, modern psychology, trauma-informed care, and the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, this work explores the universal human struggle between appearance and authenticity, self-interest and service, fear and courage, ego and conscience.

One of the unexpected discoveries during the writing process was how often I found myself reflected in the very ideas I was exploring. The journey became less about studying others and more about examining my own motives, assumptions, strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for growth. At times, the process was uncomfortable. It reminded me that the struggle between authenticity and ego is not someone else's struggle. It belongs to all of us.

My sincere thanks to Susan Wright, whose sharing of a remarkable passage from Bahá’u’lláh rekindled my interest in this subject and inspired me to revisit and expand the original work. I am also deeply grateful to the staff, instructors, assistants, and volunteers of Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts and Sciences, whose dedication and support make projects like this possible.

This booklet will also become part of our Trauma-Informed Care Training and Certification Program and our ongoing efforts to Build Healing Communities through education, self-awareness, compassion, healing, and service.

The challenge remains the same as it has always been:

To look beneath the mask.

And having seen what is there, to continue the work of becoming.

The booklet is a free download at this link:

https://issuu.com/muyblue/docs/beneath_the_mask_-_spiritual_authenticity_ego_an

For more than 50 years, The Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts and Sciences has been carrying forward this sacred vision—offering training and education in Baha’i-inspired traditional medicine and holistic health care. Rooted in the spiritual principle of service to humanity, our mission has always been to Build Healing Communities through knowledge, empowerment, and compassionate action. We continue to blend timeless healing wisdom with modern understanding to uplift individuals and communities alike.

Beneath the Mask is an exploration of the universal human struggle between appearance and authenticity, ego and conscience, self-interest and service. Drawing upon the wisdom of the world's religions,