Tranquillity Zone, a basic step-by-step approach

The Tranquillity Zone: A basic step-by-step approach

First things first:

Who is organising it? A group, a committee, a working party? Make sure you have your strategy worked out: who is the Tranquillity Zone for? where is it? when do you hold it,? how far ahead of time can you gain access to set up? does everyone know their tasks? Are all the tasks allocated to someone? These are basic and obvious points but if you do not plan at the start it is amazing how easy it is to overlook something important ("No, honestly, I thought you were bringing the keys to open up!").

Have you thought about fire risks? Potential hazards and obstructions? Disabled access? Are you insured for this activity?

And for the event itself:

		Materials needed include the following: Flowers, vases, muslin, candles and floating candles, cushions, rugs, tablecloths, rose oil and burner. This can be acquired over time, depending on the size of your venue, etc.

		Choose a room where there will be no outside distractions or noise - and make sure it's warm.

		Darken the room with dark curtains.

		Drape the muslin around the room to enhance the beauty of the space. You can even make the room look like a heavenly tent, depending on the amount of muslin you have and the shape of the room you're using!

		Arrange a low table in the middle of the room draped with a large white cloth.

		Arrange the flowers and candles around the room and on the table;

		Burn rose oil for a beautiful scent to pervade the room.

		Scatter your cushions around the floor and provide chairs for people who do not wish to sit on the floor.

The Programme

		A warm welcome outside the Tranquillity Zone - it's important that no one sees the room beforehand. During this time it's important to tell people exactly what will happen. For example you could say:

		"Welcome to the Tranquillity Zone. I'm (name) and I'm a member of the local Bahá'í community. "The Tranquillity Zone is a meditative experience, a little oasis away from the hustle and bustle of life. It is a place where we can enjoy a few unhurried moments to reflect on some inspiring words with music, specially chosen to uplift the heart, rejoice the soul and refresh the spirit. A welcome escape from the pressures of life. The readings you will hear are mostly from the Bahá'í Sacred Writings and the music is from different traditions all over the world …"

		One might then explain the kind of readings the people will hear, and the types of music. You should also explain how long the programme will last and offer guests the opportunity to stay for refreshments afterwards. Always check that people have switched off their mobile phones!

		As participants go into the room rose water is sprinkled onto their hands. · The room is darkened and lit only by 20-30 candles and the fragrance of roses wafts over them.

		Opening quotations are read. The prayer Blessed is the Spot has also been found appropriate at these sessions.

		Music, followed by the first set of readings on peace, or happiness, or whatever the first theme is, followed by a second piece of music, followed by second set of readings, etc. until the end. There are generally about four themes and it is good to try to set out a little "journey": e.g. Section 1: Coping with Stress; Section 2: Healing; Section 3: Hope and Love; Section 4: Life of the Soul or True Life.

		When all is finished refreshments are served whilst music quietly plays, friendships and contact is then made.

		Guests are then invited to sign a Visitor's Book, take words of wisdom (a prayer, Blessed is the Spot) and take the programme of forthcoming events.

		People who leave their names and addresses are invited to all the events organised by Bahá'ís, e.g. future Tranquillity Zones, Tranquillity Feasts, firesides and other meetings.

		Experience has shown that a formal "talk" after the Tranquillity Zone didn't work, but people often stay to talk.

Ideas for programmes

Quotations and prayers from the Bahá'í holy writings arranged around 4 themes (for example: peace, happiness, health and healing, friendship, spirituality, life of the soul, contentment, work). Writings from other Scriptures or sources. Experience has shown that about five different quotes per theme are best, to be read slowly clearly and maybe repeated. The programme lasts about 40 minutes and refreshments are served.

Choose different pieces of music - e.g. Bahá'í choral music, classical music, meditative Celtic music, Buddhist chant, natural sounds, etc.- whatever you feel is conducive to meditation and spirituality.

Follow up

This is easiest if the Tranquillity Zone is arranged regularly in the same place. Ensure that those attending have information about other activities that they might want to attend. But never, ever, pressure them.