Songs of the Spirit: A Musical Workshop with the Bahá’í Writings

This multi-day, interactive workshop explores the powerful role of music and creativity in spiritual life and community development. Participants will reflect on quotes from the Bahá’í writings about the arts and the purpose of artistic expression, explore the building blocks of music, discover their own unique voice, and work collaboratively to compose original songs based on passages from the sacred scriptures. All levels of musical experience are welcome, but musical expertise is not required – just a willingness to explore, create, and connect.

We warmly invite you to bring your voice, instrument, or simply an open heart and join this musical journey, your presence will help shape the songs we create together.

The goals of this creative weekend include:

• Deepening understanding of the role of the arts in service and community building;
• Building confidence in one’s creative potential;
• Offering tools to begin composing and sharing simple songs drawn from the Bahá’í Writings;
• Fostering collaboration, vulnerability, and joy in the creative process; and
• Creating devotional music that can be used in community spaces.

About the Facilitator:

Ali Youssefi has traveled globally and, as such, has been exposed to numerous musical expressions, many of which find a place in his compositions. Ali studied classical guitar in Chile before moving to Argentina to pursue a degree in Music Therapy. He currently lives in Mexico. He is a versatile and original composer and performer, blending genres, instruments, and cultures into a unique sound. His biggest delight comes when uniting people through music. See: https://aliyoussefi.comAs a Bahá'í, Ali has, from a young age, drawn inspiration from the sacred and mystical writings of his faith that reflect on the purpose of our creation, the underlying unity of all religions, the oneness of humanity, and the effort needed to transform the reality we live in. The workshop at Desert Rose builds off similar, engaging programs he has given in Scandinavia.

- 4:00-6:00 PM - Registration

- 6:00-7:00 PM - Dinner

- 7:00-8:00 PM - Orientation and Introduction

Friday

- 8:00 - 9:00 AM - Breakfast

- 9:00 - 12:30 PM - Sessions

- 12:30 - 2:00 PM - Lunch

- 2:00 - 6:00 PM - Sessions

- 6:00 - 7:00 PM - Dinner

- 7:00 - 8:00 PM - Music/Arts

- 8:00 - 9:00 AM - Breakfast

- 9:00 - 12:30 PM - Sessions

- 12:30 - 2:00 PM - Lunch

- 2:00 - 6:00 PM - Sessions

- 6:00 - 7:00 PM - Dinner

- 7:00 - 8:00 PM - Music/Arts

- 8:00 - 9:00 AM - Breakfast

- 9:00 - 12:30 AM - Sessions

- 12:30 - 2:00 PM - Lunch

- 2:00 - 4:00 PM - Final session & farewell

Our winter and spring retreats at Desert Rose focus on the in-depth study of core spiritual literature and historical texts. Set in the serene desert environment of Arizona, we enjoy a perfect winter retreat environment. These programs provide ain ideal opportunity for reflection, learning, and community engagement.

Attendees are required to register in advance, with fees covering all sessions, meals, and materials. Specific prerequisites for participation and a list of materials to be studied will be provided upon registration.

Registration includes 6 meals, materials and accommodations in our dormitory. If you would prefer to rent a private apartment, these can be booked separately using the link . Apartments fill up quickly and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so book quickly.

If apartments are full and you prefer not to stay in the dormitory, here is a .

Alternatively, we have boondocking-style RV parking for guests and volunteers at no additional cost. These have no power or hookups, just a water and dump station.

Transportation:

DRBI does not yet own a shuttle van but numerous shuttle and Uber options exist from the Phoenix airport only 45 minutes away.

Donations:

Support for our programs is greatly appreciated, and additional donations can be made to help us continue offering these enriching experiences.

Also check out other Workshops in Eloy, Arts events in Eloy.