Siona's thoughts on becoming a Bahá'í

What do I think about the faith in Poland. You know, the faith in Canada is huge, there is just no comparison at this point unless you were to compare the joy and fervour of the pioneers and Polish believers which is the same the world round. Polish Bahai's are a little shy to share their faith, but that is rapidly changing now thanks to each of us studying about what it means to be a Baha'i and how to teach the faith. The faith has a lot to offer Poland in terms of the wisdom of its teachings and in the openess and tolerance of its believers

The faith has a very special place in my heart and I really feel as though I have a personal relationship with Baha'u'llah through prayer (as do we all) and meditation and study of the writings. Constantly, each day I am developing, as is my family and we are closer and closer to one another and our actions are much more sensible and beautiful on a daily basis as we strive to make our inner and outer life mirror this gift that we all have been given. Now looking back I can really appreciate that the process of devlopment although each day one my think why can't I justbe perfect now!

Now that is something! I am a musican and teacher because I am a Baha'i. The Baha'i Faith teachers that the role of the teacher is very great and the music moves the soul. Isn't it wonderful that I have two passions that are equally supported by our faith? I always wanted to be a great mother and wife, and in teaching I have the opportunity to look at myself , to take myself to account as no othe rjob perhaps would permit me. Because I teach I am a better mother, and isn't it interesting that when asked how to educate their child, Abdu'l- Baha recommended the Montessori method to the parents of one of the greatest heorines of our faith? It made me wonder,and now (having completed the training and taught in the environment, I know why.) In fact the first Montessori school in Canada was out of the home of that Baha'i family in Montreal.

As a musician, I can only say what a better vocation than a vocation that makes people full of joy and life. It is a vocation that helps people think about who they are and where they have been and what they have done. Not every song has to be happy or full of beautiful melodic lines as long as it awakens within the listener the desire to do better, be better, serve better. When I sing the music of the blues composer Willie Dixon, or jazz composers like Jobim or Ellington, even when I sing soul pieces or the great Caribbean songs of Arrow, Crazy or the Mighty Sparrow i am reminded of how important the story is to our lives and how these stories mirror the stories of each of us on our journey to live and love better.

Siona