Comments on: Conquering Anxiety with Conscious Happiness

By: Wendy Scott

Wendy Scott — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 04:57:48 +0000

The “refresh and gladden my spirit” prayer may have been said or written by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, but the original can’t be found anywhere, so it has been removed from the Bahá’í prayer book. However, we can say it if we like, and we can also say it was attributed to Him, since it was, although if it is authentic, we don’t know. It’s ironic since it’s a favorite prayer of many believers (I have it memorized myself), but it also shows how careful the House of Justice is about making sure that the Bahá’í writings we have were actually revealed by the Central Figures of the Faith.

By: Wendy Scott

Wendy Scott — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 04:42:53 +0000

In reply to Alison Ewing. I like that Taoist saying! It's really pretty perfect!

By: Alison Ewing

Alison Ewing — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 13:11:11 +0000

I was drawn to this article because I am trying not to be such a worrier and found it very helpful.
Here are some verses that I have found helpful to bring to mind throughout the day:

” ‘Neath the shade of Thy protecting wings let me nestle, and cast upon me the glance of Thin all-protecting eye.” ‘Abdu’l-Baha’i

“Don’t worry about the things you can’t change because you can’t change them. And don’t worry about things you CAN change, because you can change them. So there’s never anything to worry about.” Taoist quote.

“Just do the next right thing.” (not sure of origin)

By: Yvonne McPhail Osterman

Yvonne McPhail Osterman — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 22:24:48 +0000

My favorite Baha’i prayer and practice! Thank you Jennifer – more of us need to find happiness!

By: Mike Moum

Mike Moum — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 03:48:00 +0000

In reply to Azita Dameshghi. The prayer cannot be authenticated, therefore it has been removed from the latest edition of the Baha'i Prayer Book. We can, of course, continue to use it if we wish, but it should not be attributed to 'Abdu'l-Baha.

By: Angela Bryan

Angela Bryan — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 07:35:01 +0000

Thanks! Some great suggestions for picking ourselves up or reaching out for help if needed. Also try clicking onto my musical version of Refresh and Gladden My Spirit on YouTube. Hope it helps in your time of need. Angela Bryan

By: Mary E. Wilhelm Wedemeyer

Mary E. Wilhelm Wedemeyer — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 20:26:01 +0000

I agree that “happiness” is a spiritual awareness of loving God and knowing that He is in your heart and that makes us choose to be happy. However, so often, the reason for deep pain and permanent depression/unhappiness is due to the effects of very unkind and unfair mistreatment perpetrated onto a person from their own “safe” loved ones such as an abusive father, who never gave love or support, or from a spouse, or care-taker, or a sibling. The immediate family dynamics are the most influential in our happiness overall. Being validated as a person is required for an individual to grow and develop and be able to feel valuable. Abduhl Baha stated that all of us have issues but they can all be solved spiritually.

By: Paddy Honan

Paddy Honan — Fri, 04 Jul 2014 13:35:22 +0000

Well said Jennifer :). Sorry if this is a bit of a plug, but I have put together a Free ebook on ‘The Purpose of Happiness’, covering some happiness techniques and takes a deeper look at happiness from a Bahá’í / spiritual perspective. it’s at http://www.paddyhonan.com <3

By: Carol Campbell

Carol Campbell — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 15:44:21 +0000

Wonderful, Jennifer Campbell, I use the “Happy” song all the time. It never fails. Thank you for great suggestions.

By: Azita Dameshghi

Azita Dameshghi — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 11:15:17 +0000

Thank you so much Jennifer. Your article and Abdul-Baha’s prayer helped me to open my eyes I must trust God.