1. "Letter on the Law of Chastity" - This is now included in Phyllis Peterson's book, "Healing the Wounded Soul," and no longer available in single copy format. "Healing the Wounded Soul" is presently available from Border's Books, Barnes and Noble, and other brick and mortar book stores.
This 29-page booklet looks at chastity from many viewpoints ... psychologically, biologically, and theologically, covering such topics as true intimacy, romantic behavior, and what it means to have one’s identity oriented toward the Covenant of God. It has received high praise from youth who have called it both a refreshing and liberating approach.
2. "The Role of the Mirroring Principle and the Word of God in Recovery from Child Abuse" $4.00
Shame is a big issue for those who have been sexually abused. Part of our recovery from incest is dependent upon the realization that we “mirrored” inappropriate behavior before we had developed the power of choice. In other words, if we were pure “mirrors” at a helpless, uneducated state, we had no “choice” in the abuse. Someone took advantage of our pure mirror state. Thus, as this booklet illustrates, the shame is to be owned by the abuser.
3. "Randy and Butch Learn to Discharge Anger" $5.00
What would you do if you were a mother and one of your sons was hitting his younger brother? Injustice is wrong whether it is societal or within
the family. This story is about the strength of a mother who wanted to encourage family consultation under very difficult circumstances. She wanted to teach her son how to manage the anger and conflict he was feeling about moving. She became an arbitrator of peace. She and his father had adopted him and loved him deeply, yet he was resisting her love and her gentle way of teaching him. Through his love and compassion for an abused dog living next door to him, he learns that his own abuse of his brother is not the way to handle his sad and lonely feelings. He learns to express his confusion verbally, without shame and consequently learns to regulate emotions that had been confusing him. Through this young boy’s story, we learn that service to others can also help us manage anger. Service to others creates a good feeling in our heart and soul, generates compassion for others, encourages us to act selflessly, and helps us to think positively. The beauty of this story is that it illustrates the fact that sometimes there are real, true hurts that cause us to become angry. These hurts need to be acknowledged and sorted through or processed so that we will be enabled to regulate our anger. This book illustrates family consultation and how to make an “I Statement” in order to share feelings; and further illustrates how to express anger in appropriate ways. The mother emerges as a hero in this story as she sees below the surface anger to the suffering of her child and encourages him to voice his true pain.
4. "The Chalice of Power" $8.00
Based on “Assisting the Traumatized Soul,” this is the story of the birthday party of a 15 year old girl. Her parents bestow the powers of the “authority of self” upon her. But there are some surprises involved in this coming of age ceremony that is embedded in this unique story. It’s a story that helps us understand the difference between power and powerlessness. It also shows what happens when we have too much power or too little power. For example, dictators and bullies have too much power and someone who is being abused has too little power.
5. Video: "Skylark, the Bird Who Learned to Fly" $20.00 - 26 minutes - Illustrated with 97 watercolors.
DVD: "Skylark, the Bird Who Learned to Fly" $20.00 - 26 minutes - Illustrated with 97 watercolors.
Book: "Skylark, the Bird Who Learned to Fly" $4.00 - Illustrated with line drawings.
This video about a bird family illustrates indirectly what happens when a child is verbally and physically abused, and how, ultimately, as we grow up, we need to become responsible for our own healing, knowing our past, but going beyond blame to learning how to “fly”.
6. Video: "Louis Timothy, the Giant Invisible Turtle" $25.00 - 50 minutes - Illustrated with 250 watercolors.
DVD: "Louis Timothy, the Giant Invisible Turtle" $25.00 - 50 minutes - Illustrated with 250 watercolors.
Book: "Louis Timothy, the Giant Invisible Turtle" $7.00 - Illustrated with line drawings.
This is a delightful mini-musical (8 songs) that teaches appropriate ways of expressing anger. Louis Timothy has become a giant turtle because he’s stuffing all his angry feelings inside, so he’s about ready to explode! He’s also afraid to tell others what he needs and thinks, so he’s become invisible. Find out how he resolves his dilemma.
7. “The Cave of Whispers” is a story based on “Assisting the Traumatized Soul" and included in the book of nine fables entitled,
"The Heroic Female Spirit - A Collection of Tales" $14.00
It tells of a girl who is forced by some dark and troublesome whispers to live in a cave. She is passive. She has no will power. Her true identity is attacked by these evil whispers and she is prevented from growing and developing. What are these whispers? And what is the remedy for them? How can she gain an outreaching heroic spirit when she has been forced to live within the confines of her cave? There are many negative messages
that our culture gives the young girl in order to perpetuate the stereotypical roles that she is to take on as an adult. This language immobilizes her when she most needs to develop her identity as a handmaiden of God in order to attain her highest possibilities. This story enhances the power of discernment regarding how girls are rendered powerless and prevented from becoming heroes. “The Cave of Whispers” illustrates how one young woman broke the cycle of the evil whispers and stepped out into the light of truth.
8. “The Girl Who Could Open Doors With Her Heart” - included in the book of nine fables entitled, "The Heroic Female Spirit - A
Collection of Tales" $14.00
Have you ever wished you didn’t have a negative attitude? Have you ever noticed that those who were very positive seemed to draw happiness to
themselves? This is the story of a little girl who helps the King save his kingdom because of her positive wisdom. The King was having negative thoughts, negative images in his heart; and Famine, Disease and Poverty were pursuing him. His kingdom was about to fall unless he took the positive advice the young girl was offering. When he started creating positive affirmations and developing the quality of generosity, his kingdom underwent a positive change for all of its citizens. She helped him open the door to his treasury and as a result, it transformed his kingdom and everyone in it.
9. “The Legend of the Guardians of the Forest” - included in the book of nine fables entitled, "The Heroic Female Spirit - A Collection of Tales" $14.00
Conveys the importance of conserving one of the natural resources of our planet: the forests. It actually defines the first law of ecology: “We can never do merely one thing in nature. Any intrusion into nature has numerous effects, many of which are unpredictable.” The people of the village plan to chop down the ancient forest. The task of the young girl is to teach them that the forest is a community, not a commodity to be used and discarded for the purpose of gaining wealth. To accomplish this she makes a noble sacrifice that not only astounds them, but also causes them to rethink their plans. Through her sacrifice, she attains her highest possibilities and teaches the townspeople how important it is to nurture the earth.
10. “The Girl Who Climbed a Ladder to the Stars” - included in the book of nine fables entitled, "The Heroic Female Spirit - A Collection of Tales" $14.00
There is a legend about the ladder in a village far away. The legend states that when a girl child climbs a ladder to the stars, there will be war no more. The men and the boys keep the legend a secret and everything is fine until one girl becomes discontent with her role in the village. She goes against the rules in her village because she wants to climb the ladder. She has been told that women and girls are to do the cooking, the sewing, the cleaning, and take care of the children only. The women and girls do not know that there is a secret connected to the ladder, a secret that could help to bring about peace. The young girl strives to develop her individual identity, yet is criticized by everyone in the village. When she loses confidence in herself, Mother Earth encourages her to climb the ladder to the stars. Find out what happens!
11. “The Young Prince and the Naughty Dragon” $4.00
For centuries Knights have been slaying dragons, but in this story, a young boy wants to keep a dragon for a pet. His mother is reluctant to allow this because she knows from past experience that dragons are very, very naughty….and she doesn’t approve of harming living creatures. The boy promises that he will not hit the dragon to make him behave…and so the story evolves as the disobedient dragon tests the patience of the young boy.
12. Essay on “Detachment: A Woman's Perspective" $3.00
This is a tool to help women dialogue about that nebulous term "detachment." It points out that
we both fear and desire detachment, and why. It also relates the concept of detachment to the exact issues women face in the culture in which we live.
13. "Children and TV Violence" $4.00
The Ridvan 2000 Message from the Universal House of Justice states that children “should not be left to drift in a world so laden with moral dangers.” Unguided watching of television is one way we allow them to drift. Further, many hours of television viewing competes with the spiritual education we present to our children. This booklet teaches why unguided television watching undermines our attempts to help our children choose noble behavior. It is based on over 1000 studies that have been conducted in a 30 year period, studies that prove violence and immorality in our culture is affected by violence and immorality on TV. It uses concepts from "Assisting the Traumatized Soul" to illustrate how we actually give up our "power" to TV.
14. “Authority of Self Power Cards” $10.00
These cards are designed to stimulate group discussion on equality of men and women, elimination of racism, recovery from abuse and how these topics relate to the powers that make up Authority of Self.
15. "Fences of Love" - This is now included in Phyllis Peterson's book, "Healing the Wounded Soul," and no longer available in single copy format. "Healing the Wounded Soul" is presently available from Border's Books, Barnes and Noble, and other brick and mortar book stores.
This booklet encourages parents to teach protective behaviors to children so that they will not be as vulnerable to being sexually abused as they would be without knowledge of personal sexual boundaries. It stresses that we cannot teach intimacy and unity in our Bahá’i Community without teaching good boundaries, too.
16. “The Keeper of the Shoes” - included in the book of nine fables entitled, "The Heroic Female Spirit - A Collection of Tales" $14.00
Girls are pushed and pulled through the process of growing up in families and in our culture that expects them to be quiet, obedient, demure, pretty, little princesses, when in reality, they KNOW they are boisterous, bold, loud, and adventuresome. In the next story a young girl creates relationships with each guest at her parent’s party, simply by walking in their shoes and seeing what life is like for them. In doing so, she realizes that it is difficult to be anybody. That all people have self-doubts. Even though you may be envious of the “personality” or qualities that others have, it’s best to just be yourself, to like yourself, to be honest about who you are, confident that others will accept you.
17. “The Flying Servant” $3.00
This story is about how to use prayer and trust in God to change the negative situations you may find yourself in. One of the purposes of this story is to teach you how to remain positive when you are trying to regulate your emotions. Our emotions can go up and down. We can become angry about things that happen to us. We can become depressed when we don’t feel we have enough control over what happens to us. We can also feel as though we are powerful and invincible. The young woman in this story felt all of this but still remained detached when the King was unjust. She relied on prayer and a strong belief that the Great One would take care of her and create justice for her.
18. “The Wall of Sorrow” - included in the book of nine fables entitled, "The Heroic Female Spirit - A Collection of Tales" $14.00
A tale about jealousy, anger and violence in a village and illustrates what happens when we use the qualities of “kindness” and “relationships” to help bring about unity and peace. Embedded in this story is another root cause of war, materialism. The innocent children of the village are confused because so many of their loved ones are killed during the war, all because the men want more land and the women want more possessions. They wanted to remain the strongest and wealthiest village in the land. This is reflected in the world we live in today.
19. “The Quest On the Holy Mountain” - included in the book of nine fables entitled, "The Heroic Female Spirit - A Collection of Tales" $14.00
This is a story in which the heroic girl has a wonderful relationship with her father, the King, and she strives toward relationship and unity with the eight men who are climbing the holy mountain with her. The men, while professing a belief in their own religion, cannot see that there is a divine unity between all of the religions which are sent progressively in order to help civilization to advance. Many children are homeless, the world is being destroyed and all is lost unless she can convince them to set aside their “separateness” and climb the Holy Mountain in unity in order to create a New World. The story also is an example of individual initiative.
20. “The Teapot with a Thousand Faces” $3.00
This is a fantasy story about a woman who encounters a very unusual teapot in her favorite tea shop. It is covered with 1000 animated faces that engage her in her favorite pastime: GOSSIP! What happens is unexpected, preposterous, as well as illustrates how, once gossip starts, it spreads very quickly and cannot be stopped!
21. “A Gift So Singular” $7.00
A collection of poetry that came out of a period of Phyllis Peterson's life when she was exploring my identity and the gifts that she wanted to develop in service to the Cause of God. There is wonder and enchantment with the new possibilities that were presented to her as she journeyed along a pathway that led to greater awareness of her true self and greater compassion for others.
22. “A Borrowed Beauty” $10.00
Evolved from three years of study of Jalaludin Rumi while deepening in the Writings of Bahá’u’llah.
The combination of the two created a bliss that is long remembered. Phyllis Peterson was so totally absorbed in it that one day she forgot to attend the wedding shower of her daughter-in-law-to-be. Phyllis' son called her to find out why she hadn’t arrived yet. With great embarrassment she put aside her pen and paper, dressed and left for the celebration. Thankfully, Phyllis' daughter-in-law forgave her and they still laugh about it. Phyllis is so
grateful for the experiences she had while writing this collection of poetry and she is honored to present them here.
23. "The Boundary Sculpting Game" $10.00
The Boundary Sculpting Game is a wonderful opportunity to learn how lack of awareness of your needs and feelings strongly affects your ability to set boundaries with others in all kinds of situations including sexism, racism, religious intolerance, and gender discrimination. Some have learned to completely withdraw from confrontation out of a sense of futility. The Boundary Sculpting Cards create conscious awareness of body sensations that occur and defense mechanisms that emerge when needs and rights are violated. The game illustrates in a dynamic, thought-provoking way the negative, internal messages that prevent us from acting on our internal alarm which could help us set firm boundaries. It is a helpful tool to externalize and visualize the all-too-often-invisible processes of the soul and mind.
24. Poem about the "Oppressed" 8X10 - suitable for framing, $1.00 each.
25. Gift Cards with Envelopes $2.00 each.
Several of the House of Worship, Baha’i World Center; Shoghi Effendi’s eagle at his gravesite in London; Photo of sculpture of African Man Holding Child up to the Sky, taken in front of Martin Luther King Junior Center in Atlanta - this card is a “Birth Congratulations” card with verse…or all-purpose without verse; Japanese Gardens and Lanterns; Flowers; Angels.
26. Video: "Skylark, From Violence to Feelings" $20.00 - 45 minutes - Illustrated with 144 watercolors.
DVD: "Skylark, From Violence to Feelings" $20.00 - 45 minutes - Illustrated with 144 watercolors.
Book: "Skylark, From Violence to Feelings" $5.00 - Illustrated with line drawings.
Skylark is having difficulty raising his own children now because he has never shared feelings about what happened to him as a child. As he learns to share his feelings, he becomes more forgiving of his parents, and resolves the fear he has of listening to the feelings his own children need to share.
27. "Creating Intimacy: In the Community and With the Seeker" $15.00 - 101 pages
This is a valuable handbook for understanding the “reality” of others who are different from us. It illustrates how intimacy is impossible when we criticize others; and what steps we can take to truly acknowledge others instead of criticizing them.
28. “Certificate of Innocence” $1.00 each or 10 for $5.00.
This certificate has been developed for men and women who have wrongly carried the shame and blame of incest from childhood. It has been used in group therapy by many counselors and therapists and is used by the Los Angeles School District by their in-house Child Abuse Prevention Office.
29. “The Acknowledgment Card” - This is now included in Phyllis Peterson's book, "Healing the Wounded Soul," and no longer available in single copy format. "Healing the Wounded Soul" is presently available from Border's Books, Barnes and Noble, and other brick and mortar book stores.
Acknowledgment of wrongdoing is a great healer. This card teaches parents how to acknowledge the abuse they have perpetrated toward their adult children. It also points the adult child in the direction of self-care so they become aware of options that are necessary to healing. It opens the door to reunion because the parent takes a step toward owning their responsibility.
30. “Self-Criticism and Mental Health” $3.00 - Reprint of internet article.
There is nothing more destructive than internalized criticism. It is with us seemingly for 24 hours a day. This booklet gives concrete examples of how to get rid of this merciless monologue that tries to keep us from achieving success, happiness and detachment.
31. Poster about “Gossip” $2.00
This poster depicts how women were viewed as gossips and as evil at the turn of the last century. It would be a great tool for a discussion on sexism.
32. Variety of Women’s Posters, also excellent for a woman’s discussion group. $2.00 each.
Included are posters on identity development, declaration of authority of self, and self-esteem.
33. “Assisting the Traumatized Soul: Healing the Wounded Talisman” $20.00
This book, published by the Bahá’i Publishing Trust, chronicles Phyllis Peterson's healing from the effects of sexual abuse which occurred from the ages of 2 through 8 years old. Further, it identifies and defines 24 powers of humankind that are taken away from the individual during the process of oppression, whether physical, mental, emotional or sexual…and shows how knowledge of them is essential to the healing process. It also reveals how the powers are dependent upon one another, synergistic, and must be integrated. While the book was originally created for a Bahá’i audience, it has much to offer to a wider public.
34. CD: "Love Songs to the Prophet" $15.00
Even as a child Phyllis Peterson had a tremendous love for the African/American Spirituals, such as "Where You There," "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child," and "There is a Balm in Gillead." On this CD, she has adapted 8 African/American Spirituals to have a Bahá’i theme in order to demonstrate how sweetly they convey the spirit and teachings of the Revelation of Bahá’u’llah, the newest Manifestation from God, who reveals God’s plan for humanity today. A selection of prayers and writings for which Phyllis has composed music follows. A special thank you to the Bahá’i Publishing Trust for granting permission to utilize these writings.
35. "Men Owning the Equality of Women" Poster $10.00
Art work by Ken Karnatz. Verse by Phyllis K. Peterson. 11 X 17 inches.
'Abdu'l-Baha, the Son of Baha'u'llah, has said that men and women are like the two wings of a bird. This poster illustrates poetically and artistically how men can encourage women to strengthen their wings, enabling the bird of humanity to fly in beauty and harmony.
36. Cassette: "A Borrowed Beauty" $10.00 - 40 minutes. A Poetry Fireside.
37. "The Girl and the Boy Who Were Joined at the Heart" - included in the book of nine fables entitled, "The Heroic Female Spirit - A
Collection of Tales" $14.00
This story illustrates how sexism is perpetuated through familial and cultural practices. It portrays the harmful, rigid roles that are enforced for both boys and girls, but it has a wonderful conclusion with a slightly comic theme.
38. "The Bereavement" Watercolor $5.00 10 x 13 inches
Have you ever wished you could comfort someone who has lost a loved one? Words so often fail us. That is why Phyllis Peterson created this artwork, a picture of the soul passing from this world. It is filled with symbolism.
39. "The Shadow Restaurant" $3.00
How often we overlook opportunities to make friends and show an interest in other people. This story shows how one girl made a difference in brightening up her corner of the world simply by asking the name of the waitress who was serving her at a restaurant. It also shows that people in apparently subservient roles are equal to those whom they are serving.
40. Book: “Don’t Be a Bully! Be a Buddy!” $10.00
Children’s author and poet, Flora Cousins, has taken an issue that is so important to all of us and transformed it into a book that can reach into the heart of a child! This book is filled with graphic images that can teach young readers principles of right and wrong…even if they can’t read. This compelling work evokes feelings of sadness in the reader when he or she witnesses bullying behavior. By the end of the book no one wants to be a bully! And they have dozens of ideas of how to be a really good buddy to all their friends. The language Ms. Cousins uses is precisely that which a child can identify with, because she has spent many years teaching pre-schoolers. Even the yype of font that is used is expressive of the way a child looks at the world. This is a vital resource for families, schools, libraries, churches, domestic violence shelters and all types of youth programs. Ages pre-school and up.
41. CD: “Don’t be a Bully! Be a Buddy!” $10.00
This CD, based on Flora Cousins’ book, has four snappy tunes that are easy to remember and fun to sing. They teach about caring and kindness, being a buddy and being fair. The songs are written and sung by Phyllis Peterson (with her daughter, Nancy Good, playing the guitar), then the verse and chorus are hummed so the children can sing along. A song sheet is included inside the jewel case. Four singable songs. Ages pre-school and up.
42. Video: "An Afternoon of Storytelling: Live with Phyllis Peterson" $20.00
DVD: "An Afternoon of Storytelling: Live with Phyllis Peterson" $20.00
Author/Performer/Teacher, Phyllis Peterson has been traveling the U.S. England and Asia presenting storytelling programs for children and adults on such themes as peace, justice, equality and managing anger, as well as just plain humorous stories about growing up. Those of us raised in Western cultures have watched and heard stories as males boldly battle dragons, wild beasts, even malevolent machines. Men and boys have always been the gallant heroes of myth and legend while women and girls are portrayed as helpless and docile subordinates. BUT women have proven themselves to be heroes down the centuries, too. Phyllis’ stories illustrate ways of expanding roles of both male and female. In some of her narratives, girls make noble and courageous sacrifices to save the environment, create peace and conquer the world through simple acts of faith. Best of all, they help boys attain greater heights because they stretch to achieve the greatness that might be theirs.
43. Video: "Protective Behaviors: Safety and Courage for Children" $25.00
DVD: "Protective Behaviors: Safety and Courage for Children" $25.00
This is a one-hour preventive workshop that teaches children how to be aware of boundaries for private areas of their bodies. The program incorporates all of the senses and the power of speech to help children fully retain what is learned. They will learn how to ask for help, who to ask, how to conquer their fears and how to say NO, STOP, and HELP! There is a simple song everyone will learn, plus arts and crafts such as the “Fear-A-Lizer” with which they learn to pulverize their fears with skills and tools. They can make a magic power shield that teaches them where internal and external confidence comes from. There are two coloring sheets and an outline that come with this Protective Behaviors program so that children, parents, teachers, therapists, counselors, and trainers can work together. Kindergarten through 6th grade students can all benefit from this DVD or Video. So can Babysitters and Grandparents.
44. "The Chastity Workshop for Youth and Adults" $20.00
This is a four-hour workshop which includes: Instructions/Outline, Basic Rules for Discussion, Ice Breakers for different levels of intimacy, discussion questions and writings for moral dangers in world culture, a Letter on the Law of Chastity, The Cave of Whispers (story), Vignettes for Discussion: Who Am I? Who Am I Becoming? Why is everyone so afraid to talk about sexuality? (The Boundary Sculpting Game is a necessary part of the workshop and must be ordered separately at $10.00.)
This 29-page booklet looks at chastity from many viewpoints ... psychologically, biologically, and theologically, covering such topics as true intimacy, romantic behavior, and what it means to have one’s identity oriented toward the Covenant of God. It has received high praise from youth who have called it both a refreshing and liberating approach.
2. "The Role of the Mirroring Principle and the Word of God in Recovery from Child Abuse" $4.00
Shame is a big issue for those who have been sexually abused. Part of our recovery from incest is dependent upon the realization that we “mirrored” inappropriate behavior before we had developed the power of choice. In other words, if we were pure “mirrors” at a helpless, uneducated state, we had no “choice” in the abuse. Someone took advantage of our pure mirror state. Thus, as this booklet illustrates, the shame is to be owned by the abuser.
3. "Randy and Butch Learn to Discharge Anger" $5.00
What would you do if you were a mother and one of your sons was hitting his younger brother? Injustice is wrong whether it is societal or within
the family. This story is about the strength of a mother who wanted to encourage family consultation under very difficult circumstances. She wanted to teach her son how to manage the anger and conflict he was feeling about moving. She became an arbitrator of peace. She and his father had adopted him and loved him deeply, yet he was resisting her love and her gentle way of teaching him. Through his love and compassion for an abused dog living next door to him, he learns that his own abuse of his brother is not the way to handle his sad and lonely feelings. He learns to express his confusion verbally, without shame and consequently learns to regulate emotions that had been confusing him. Through this young boy’s story, we learn that service to others can also help us manage anger. Service to others creates a good feeling in our heart and soul, generates compassion for others, encourages us to act selflessly, and helps us to think positively. The beauty of this story is that it illustrates the fact that sometimes there are real, true hurts that cause us to become angry. These hurts need to be acknowledged and sorted through or processed so that we will be enabled to regulate our anger. This book illustrates family consultation and how to make an “I Statement” in order to share feelings; and further illustrates how to express anger in appropriate ways. The mother emerges as a hero in this story as she sees below the surface anger to the suffering of her child and encourages him to voice his true pain.
4. "The Chalice of Power" $8.00
Based on “Assisting the Traumatized Soul,” this is the story of the birthday party of a 15 year old girl. Her parents bestow the powers of the “authority of self” upon her. But there are some surprises involved in this coming of age ceremony that is embedded in this unique story. It’s a story that helps us understand the difference between power and powerlessness. It also shows what happens when we have too much power or too little power. For example, dictators and bullies have too much power and someone who is being abused has too little power.
5. Video: "Skylark, the Bird Who Learned to Fly" $20.00 - 26 minutes - Illustrated with 97 watercolors.
DVD: "Skylark, the Bird Who Learned to Fly" $20.00 - 26 minutes - Illustrated with 97 watercolors.
Book: "Skylark, the Bird Who Learned to Fly" $4.00 - Illustrated with line drawings.
This video about a bird family illustrates indirectly what happens when a child is verbally and physically abused, and how, ultimately, as we grow up, we need to become responsible for our own healing, knowing our past, but going beyond blame to learning how to “fly”.
6. Video: "Louis Timothy, the Giant Invisible Turtle" $25.00 - 50 minutes - Illustrated with 250 watercolors.
DVD: "Louis Timothy, the Giant Invisible Turtle" $25.00 - 50 minutes - Illustrated with 250 watercolors.
Book: "Louis Timothy, the Giant Invisible Turtle" $7.00 - Illustrated with line drawings.
This is a delightful mini-musical (8 songs) that teaches appropriate ways of expressing anger. Louis Timothy has become a giant turtle because he’s stuffing all his angry feelings inside, so he’s about ready to explode! He’s also afraid to tell others what he needs and thinks, so he’s become invisible. Find out how he resolves his dilemma.
7. “The Cave of Whispers” is a story based on “Assisting the Traumatized Soul" and included in the book of nine fables entitled,
"The Heroic Female Spirit - A Collection of Tales" $14.00
It tells of a girl who is forced by some dark and troublesome whispers to live in a cave. She is passive. She has no will power. Her true identity is attacked by these evil whispers and she is prevented from growing and developing. What are these whispers? And what is the remedy for them? How can she gain an outreaching heroic spirit when she has been forced to live within the confines of her cave? There are many negative messages
that our culture gives the young girl in order to perpetuate the stereotypical roles that she is to take on as an adult. This language immobilizes her when she most needs to develop her identity as a handmaiden of God in order to attain her highest possibilities. This story enhances the power of discernment regarding how girls are rendered powerless and prevented from becoming heroes. “The Cave of Whispers” illustrates how one young woman broke the cycle of the evil whispers and stepped out into the light of truth.
8. “The Girl Who Could Open Doors With Her Heart” - included in the book of nine fables entitled, "The Heroic Female Spirit - A
Collection of Tales" $14.00
Have you ever wished you didn’t have a negative attitude? Have you ever noticed that those who were very positive seemed to draw happiness to
themselves? This is the story of a little girl who helps the King save his kingdom because of her positive wisdom. The King was having negative thoughts, negative images in his heart; and Famine, Disease and Poverty were pursuing him. His kingdom was about to fall unless he took the positive advice the young girl was offering. When he started creating positive affirmations and developing the quality of generosity, his kingdom underwent a positive change for all of its citizens. She helped him open the door to his treasury and as a result, it transformed his kingdom and everyone in it.
9. “The Legend of the Guardians of the Forest” - included in the book of nine fables entitled, "The Heroic Female Spirit - A Collection of Tales" $14.00
Conveys the importance of conserving one of the natural resources of our planet: the forests. It actually defines the first law of ecology: “We can never do merely one thing in nature. Any intrusion into nature has numerous effects, many of which are unpredictable.” The people of the village plan to chop down the ancient forest. The task of the young girl is to teach them that the forest is a community, not a commodity to be used and discarded for the purpose of gaining wealth. To accomplish this she makes a noble sacrifice that not only astounds them, but also causes them to rethink their plans. Through her sacrifice, she attains her highest possibilities and teaches the townspeople how important it is to nurture the earth.
10. “The Girl Who Climbed a Ladder to the Stars” - included in the book of nine fables entitled, "The Heroic Female Spirit - A Collection of Tales" $14.00
There is a legend about the ladder in a village far away. The legend states that when a girl child climbs a ladder to the stars, there will be war no more. The men and the boys keep the legend a secret and everything is fine until one girl becomes discontent with her role in the village. She goes against the rules in her village because she wants to climb the ladder. She has been told that women and girls are to do the cooking, the sewing, the cleaning, and take care of the children only. The women and girls do not know that there is a secret connected to the ladder, a secret that could help to bring about peace. The young girl strives to develop her individual identity, yet is criticized by everyone in the village. When she loses confidence in herself, Mother Earth encourages her to climb the ladder to the stars. Find out what happens!
11. “The Young Prince and the Naughty Dragon” $4.00
For centuries Knights have been slaying dragons, but in this story, a young boy wants to keep a dragon for a pet. His mother is reluctant to allow this because she knows from past experience that dragons are very, very naughty….and she doesn’t approve of harming living creatures. The boy promises that he will not hit the dragon to make him behave…and so the story evolves as the disobedient dragon tests the patience of the young boy.
12. Essay on “Detachment: A Woman's Perspective" $3.00
This is a tool to help women dialogue about that nebulous term "detachment." It points out that
we both fear and desire detachment, and why. It also relates the concept of detachment to the exact issues women face in the culture in which we live.
13. "Children and TV Violence" $4.00
The Ridvan 2000 Message from the Universal House of Justice states that children “should not be left to drift in a world so laden with moral dangers.” Unguided watching of television is one way we allow them to drift. Further, many hours of television viewing competes with the spiritual education we present to our children. This booklet teaches why unguided television watching undermines our attempts to help our children choose noble behavior. It is based on over 1000 studies that have been conducted in a 30 year period, studies that prove violence and immorality in our culture is affected by violence and immorality on TV. It uses concepts from "Assisting the Traumatized Soul" to illustrate how we actually give up our "power" to TV.
14. “Authority of Self Power Cards” $10.00
These cards are designed to stimulate group discussion on equality of men and women, elimination of racism, recovery from abuse and how these topics relate to the powers that make up Authority of Self.
15. "Fences of Love" - This is now included in Phyllis Peterson's book, "Healing the Wounded Soul," and no longer available in single copy format. "Healing the Wounded Soul" is presently available from Border's Books, Barnes and Noble, and other brick and mortar book stores.
This booklet encourages parents to teach protective behaviors to children so that they will not be as vulnerable to being sexually abused as they would be without knowledge of personal sexual boundaries. It stresses that we cannot teach intimacy and unity in our Bahá’i Community without teaching good boundaries, too.
16. “The Keeper of the Shoes” - included in the book of nine fables entitled, "The Heroic Female Spirit - A Collection of Tales" $14.00
Girls are pushed and pulled through the process of growing up in families and in our culture that expects them to be quiet, obedient, demure, pretty, little princesses, when in reality, they KNOW they are boisterous, bold, loud, and adventuresome. In the next story a young girl creates relationships with each guest at her parent’s party, simply by walking in their shoes and seeing what life is like for them. In doing so, she realizes that it is difficult to be anybody. That all people have self-doubts. Even though you may be envious of the “personality” or qualities that others have, it’s best to just be yourself, to like yourself, to be honest about who you are, confident that others will accept you.
17. “The Flying Servant” $3.00
This story is about how to use prayer and trust in God to change the negative situations you may find yourself in. One of the purposes of this story is to teach you how to remain positive when you are trying to regulate your emotions. Our emotions can go up and down. We can become angry about things that happen to us. We can become depressed when we don’t feel we have enough control over what happens to us. We can also feel as though we are powerful and invincible. The young woman in this story felt all of this but still remained detached when the King was unjust. She relied on prayer and a strong belief that the Great One would take care of her and create justice for her.
18. “The Wall of Sorrow” - included in the book of nine fables entitled, "The Heroic Female Spirit - A Collection of Tales" $14.00
A tale about jealousy, anger and violence in a village and illustrates what happens when we use the qualities of “kindness” and “relationships” to help bring about unity and peace. Embedded in this story is another root cause of war, materialism. The innocent children of the village are confused because so many of their loved ones are killed during the war, all because the men want more land and the women want more possessions. They wanted to remain the strongest and wealthiest village in the land. This is reflected in the world we live in today.
19. “The Quest On the Holy Mountain” - included in the book of nine fables entitled, "The Heroic Female Spirit - A Collection of Tales" $14.00
This is a story in which the heroic girl has a wonderful relationship with her father, the King, and she strives toward relationship and unity with the eight men who are climbing the holy mountain with her. The men, while professing a belief in their own religion, cannot see that there is a divine unity between all of the religions which are sent progressively in order to help civilization to advance. Many children are homeless, the world is being destroyed and all is lost unless she can convince them to set aside their “separateness” and climb the Holy Mountain in unity in order to create a New World. The story also is an example of individual initiative.
20. “The Teapot with a Thousand Faces” $3.00
This is a fantasy story about a woman who encounters a very unusual teapot in her favorite tea shop. It is covered with 1000 animated faces that engage her in her favorite pastime: GOSSIP! What happens is unexpected, preposterous, as well as illustrates how, once gossip starts, it spreads very quickly and cannot be stopped!
21. “A Gift So Singular” $7.00
A collection of poetry that came out of a period of Phyllis Peterson's life when she was exploring my identity and the gifts that she wanted to develop in service to the Cause of God. There is wonder and enchantment with the new possibilities that were presented to her as she journeyed along a pathway that led to greater awareness of her true self and greater compassion for others.
22. “A Borrowed Beauty” $10.00
Evolved from three years of study of Jalaludin Rumi while deepening in the Writings of Bahá’u’llah.
The combination of the two created a bliss that is long remembered. Phyllis Peterson was so totally absorbed in it that one day she forgot to attend the wedding shower of her daughter-in-law-to-be. Phyllis' son called her to find out why she hadn’t arrived yet. With great embarrassment she put aside her pen and paper, dressed and left for the celebration. Thankfully, Phyllis' daughter-in-law forgave her and they still laugh about it. Phyllis is so
grateful for the experiences she had while writing this collection of poetry and she is honored to present them here.
23. "The Boundary Sculpting Game" $10.00
The Boundary Sculpting Game is a wonderful opportunity to learn how lack of awareness of your needs and feelings strongly affects your ability to set boundaries with others in all kinds of situations including sexism, racism, religious intolerance, and gender discrimination. Some have learned to completely withdraw from confrontation out of a sense of futility. The Boundary Sculpting Cards create conscious awareness of body sensations that occur and defense mechanisms that emerge when needs and rights are violated. The game illustrates in a dynamic, thought-provoking way the negative, internal messages that prevent us from acting on our internal alarm which could help us set firm boundaries. It is a helpful tool to externalize and visualize the all-too-often-invisible processes of the soul and mind.
24. Poem about the "Oppressed" 8X10 - suitable for framing, $1.00 each.
25. Gift Cards with Envelopes $2.00 each.
Several of the House of Worship, Baha’i World Center; Shoghi Effendi’s eagle at his gravesite in London; Photo of sculpture of African Man Holding Child up to the Sky, taken in front of Martin Luther King Junior Center in Atlanta - this card is a “Birth Congratulations” card with verse…or all-purpose without verse; Japanese Gardens and Lanterns; Flowers; Angels.
26. Video: "Skylark, From Violence to Feelings" $20.00 - 45 minutes - Illustrated with 144 watercolors.
DVD: "Skylark, From Violence to Feelings" $20.00 - 45 minutes - Illustrated with 144 watercolors.
Book: "Skylark, From Violence to Feelings" $5.00 - Illustrated with line drawings.
Skylark is having difficulty raising his own children now because he has never shared feelings about what happened to him as a child. As he learns to share his feelings, he becomes more forgiving of his parents, and resolves the fear he has of listening to the feelings his own children need to share.
27. "Creating Intimacy: In the Community and With the Seeker" $15.00 - 101 pages
This is a valuable handbook for understanding the “reality” of others who are different from us. It illustrates how intimacy is impossible when we criticize others; and what steps we can take to truly acknowledge others instead of criticizing them.
28. “Certificate of Innocence” $1.00 each or 10 for $5.00.
This certificate has been developed for men and women who have wrongly carried the shame and blame of incest from childhood. It has been used in group therapy by many counselors and therapists and is used by the Los Angeles School District by their in-house Child Abuse Prevention Office.
29. “The Acknowledgment Card” - This is now included in Phyllis Peterson's book, "Healing the Wounded Soul," and no longer available in single copy format. "Healing the Wounded Soul" is presently available from Border's Books, Barnes and Noble, and other brick and mortar book stores.
Acknowledgment of wrongdoing is a great healer. This card teaches parents how to acknowledge the abuse they have perpetrated toward their adult children. It also points the adult child in the direction of self-care so they become aware of options that are necessary to healing. It opens the door to reunion because the parent takes a step toward owning their responsibility.
30. “Self-Criticism and Mental Health” $3.00 - Reprint of internet article.
There is nothing more destructive than internalized criticism. It is with us seemingly for 24 hours a day. This booklet gives concrete examples of how to get rid of this merciless monologue that tries to keep us from achieving success, happiness and detachment.
31. Poster about “Gossip” $2.00
This poster depicts how women were viewed as gossips and as evil at the turn of the last century. It would be a great tool for a discussion on sexism.
32. Variety of Women’s Posters, also excellent for a woman’s discussion group. $2.00 each.
Included are posters on identity development, declaration of authority of self, and self-esteem.
33. “Assisting the Traumatized Soul: Healing the Wounded Talisman” $20.00
This book, published by the Bahá’i Publishing Trust, chronicles Phyllis Peterson's healing from the effects of sexual abuse which occurred from the ages of 2 through 8 years old. Further, it identifies and defines 24 powers of humankind that are taken away from the individual during the process of oppression, whether physical, mental, emotional or sexual…and shows how knowledge of them is essential to the healing process. It also reveals how the powers are dependent upon one another, synergistic, and must be integrated. While the book was originally created for a Bahá’i audience, it has much to offer to a wider public.
34. CD: "Love Songs to the Prophet" $15.00
Even as a child Phyllis Peterson had a tremendous love for the African/American Spirituals, such as "Where You There," "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child," and "There is a Balm in Gillead." On this CD, she has adapted 8 African/American Spirituals to have a Bahá’i theme in order to demonstrate how sweetly they convey the spirit and teachings of the Revelation of Bahá’u’llah, the newest Manifestation from God, who reveals God’s plan for humanity today. A selection of prayers and writings for which Phyllis has composed music follows. A special thank you to the Bahá’i Publishing Trust for granting permission to utilize these writings.
35. "Men Owning the Equality of Women" Poster $10.00
Art work by Ken Karnatz. Verse by Phyllis K. Peterson. 11 X 17 inches.
'Abdu'l-Baha, the Son of Baha'u'llah, has said that men and women are like the two wings of a bird. This poster illustrates poetically and artistically how men can encourage women to strengthen their wings, enabling the bird of humanity to fly in beauty and harmony.
36. Cassette: "A Borrowed Beauty" $10.00 - 40 minutes. A Poetry Fireside.
37. "The Girl and the Boy Who Were Joined at the Heart" - included in the book of nine fables entitled, "The Heroic Female Spirit - A
Collection of Tales" $14.00
This story illustrates how sexism is perpetuated through familial and cultural practices. It portrays the harmful, rigid roles that are enforced for both boys and girls, but it has a wonderful conclusion with a slightly comic theme.
38. "The Bereavement" Watercolor $5.00 10 x 13 inches
Have you ever wished you could comfort someone who has lost a loved one? Words so often fail us. That is why Phyllis Peterson created this artwork, a picture of the soul passing from this world. It is filled with symbolism.
39. "The Shadow Restaurant" $3.00
How often we overlook opportunities to make friends and show an interest in other people. This story shows how one girl made a difference in brightening up her corner of the world simply by asking the name of the waitress who was serving her at a restaurant. It also shows that people in apparently subservient roles are equal to those whom they are serving.
40. Book: “Don’t Be a Bully! Be a Buddy!” $10.00
Children’s author and poet, Flora Cousins, has taken an issue that is so important to all of us and transformed it into a book that can reach into the heart of a child! This book is filled with graphic images that can teach young readers principles of right and wrong…even if they can’t read. This compelling work evokes feelings of sadness in the reader when he or she witnesses bullying behavior. By the end of the book no one wants to be a bully! And they have dozens of ideas of how to be a really good buddy to all their friends. The language Ms. Cousins uses is precisely that which a child can identify with, because she has spent many years teaching pre-schoolers. Even the yype of font that is used is expressive of the way a child looks at the world. This is a vital resource for families, schools, libraries, churches, domestic violence shelters and all types of youth programs. Ages pre-school and up.
41. CD: “Don’t be a Bully! Be a Buddy!” $10.00
This CD, based on Flora Cousins’ book, has four snappy tunes that are easy to remember and fun to sing. They teach about caring and kindness, being a buddy and being fair. The songs are written and sung by Phyllis Peterson (with her daughter, Nancy Good, playing the guitar), then the verse and chorus are hummed so the children can sing along. A song sheet is included inside the jewel case. Four singable songs. Ages pre-school and up.
42. Video: "An Afternoon of Storytelling: Live with Phyllis Peterson" $20.00
DVD: "An Afternoon of Storytelling: Live with Phyllis Peterson" $20.00
Author/Performer/Teacher, Phyllis Peterson has been traveling the U.S. England and Asia presenting storytelling programs for children and adults on such themes as peace, justice, equality and managing anger, as well as just plain humorous stories about growing up. Those of us raised in Western cultures have watched and heard stories as males boldly battle dragons, wild beasts, even malevolent machines. Men and boys have always been the gallant heroes of myth and legend while women and girls are portrayed as helpless and docile subordinates. BUT women have proven themselves to be heroes down the centuries, too. Phyllis’ stories illustrate ways of expanding roles of both male and female. In some of her narratives, girls make noble and courageous sacrifices to save the environment, create peace and conquer the world through simple acts of faith. Best of all, they help boys attain greater heights because they stretch to achieve the greatness that might be theirs.
43. Video: "Protective Behaviors: Safety and Courage for Children" $25.00
DVD: "Protective Behaviors: Safety and Courage for Children" $25.00
This is a one-hour preventive workshop that teaches children how to be aware of boundaries for private areas of their bodies. The program incorporates all of the senses and the power of speech to help children fully retain what is learned. They will learn how to ask for help, who to ask, how to conquer their fears and how to say NO, STOP, and HELP! There is a simple song everyone will learn, plus arts and crafts such as the “Fear-A-Lizer” with which they learn to pulverize their fears with skills and tools. They can make a magic power shield that teaches them where internal and external confidence comes from. There are two coloring sheets and an outline that come with this Protective Behaviors program so that children, parents, teachers, therapists, counselors, and trainers can work together. Kindergarten through 6th grade students can all benefit from this DVD or Video. So can Babysitters and Grandparents.
44. "The Chastity Workshop for Youth and Adults" $20.00
This is a four-hour workshop which includes: Instructions/Outline, Basic Rules for Discussion, Ice Breakers for different levels of intimacy, discussion questions and writings for moral dangers in world culture, a Letter on the Law of Chastity, The Cave of Whispers (story), Vignettes for Discussion: Who Am I? Who Am I Becoming? Why is everyone so afraid to talk about sexuality? (The Boundary Sculpting Game is a necessary part of the workshop and must be ordered separately at $10.00.)
All materials written and developed by Phyllis K. Peterson, Skylark Publishing Company, except where specifically noted.
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