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Brilliant Star

A BAHÁ’Í COMPANION FOR YOUNG EXPLORERS BRILLIANTSTARMAGAZINE.ORG VOL. 53 NO. 3

The Joy of Being True to Yourself

How Nature Can Soothe Your Spirit

POWER OF YOUR SOUL

[Page ii]Brilliant Star BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER 1233 Central Street, Evanston, Illinois 60201 U.S. 847.733.3409 brilliant@usbnc.org Subscriptions: 1.800.999.9019 brilliantstarmagazine.org Copyright 2024 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

Amethel Parel-Sewell EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR C. Aaron Kreader DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR Amy Renshaw SENIOR EDITOR Heidi Parsons ASSOCIATE EDITOR Darcy Greenwood ASSISTANT EDITOR Foad Ghorbani PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Lisa Blecker ARTIST & WRITER Donna Price WRITER Dr. Stephen Scotti STEAMS EDUCATION ADVISOR*

MANY THANKS TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS: Dr. Farzin Amzajerdian Dr. Hannah Cloke Dr. Natascha Crandall Sachika Dunmire Emma Eady Susan Engle Azizeh Milani Fifita Daniel Illari Sanna E. Japones Sarah Lambert-Gates Erica Leith River McKinney Evander Parham Allen Miedema King Christina Koch Eloise Patton Anis Rezin Daniel Sabet-Sharghi Sami Stefan Olivia Tabibzadegan ⚫ Phil Tambe

FAVORITE FEATURES

Bahá’u’lláh’s Life: Mission of Peace He revealed teachings for a unified world.

Maya's Mysteries Memory games to challenge your brain

Nur's Nook Make a mandala for a meditative mood.

We Are One Explore and care for the place we all call home.

Lightning and Luna: Episode #98 Have Erasers trapped the super siblings?

Radiant Stars Get to know kids who shine, like you.

Stargazer: Dr. Farzin Amzajerdian His inventions help with space exploration.

Riley's Rainforest What does it mean to be your true self?

Shining Lamp: Chester Kahn An artist and champion of Navajo culture

Cosmo's Corner A crossword and more from our favorite chameleon

A-MAZE-ing ADVENTURE Explore a peaceful garden path.

ART AND PHOTO CREDITS

Illustrations by C. Aaron Kreader, unless noted By Foad Ghorbani: Art on p. 5 By Lisa Blecker: Photos on pp. 8-9 Historical photos courtesy National Bahá’í Archives, unless noted

STORY AND ACTIVITY CREDITS

By Amy Renshaw: 2, 3, 4, 11, 12, 14, 20, 28 By Heidi Parsons: 1, 7, 10, 16, 22, 28 By Darcy Greenwood: 1, 6, 13, 24, 27, 29 By Foad Ghorbani: 10, 29 By Lisa Blecker: 8, 19 By Donna Price: 11, 14, 19, 25

SUBSCRIPTION RATES AND RENEWALS

To subscribe, visit brilliantstarmagazine.org or contact Bahá’í Subscriber Service: Toll-free: 1.800.999.9019/ Email: subscription@usbnc.org Standard U.S. rates: $18 (6 issues); $32 (12 issues) International airmail: $38 (6 issues): $68 (12 issues) Canada and Mexico: $28 (6 issues); $48 (12 issues)

RIGHTS, PERMISSIONS, AND CLASS USE

All content in Brilliant Star is copyrighted by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the U.S. or by individual contributors. For permission to copy or translate. use form at brilliantstarmagazine.org/permission-request or write Brilliant Star, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201 Teachers may photocopy pages in limited quantities for classroom use. "Brilliant Star" and volume/number or issue date must be present on all copies, and proper credit given to the copyright owner.

Brilliant Star empowers kids to explore their roles as world citizens. Inspired by the principles of peace and unity in the Bahá’í Faith, we encourage readers to use their virtues to make the world a better place.

The Bahá’í Faith is the second most widespread religion in the world, with over five million Bahá’ís. It was founded by the Prophet Bahá’u’lláh ("Glory of God" in Arabic) in 1863. Bahá’u’lláh taught that all people are part of one human family, and all religions come from one God. Bahá’u’lláh’s eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, interpreted His teachings and led the Bahá’í community after Bahá’u’lláh’s passing. Today, Bahá’ís work to bring love and justice to the world, and end prejudice and discrimination of all kinds.

ISSN 0884-3635

• Learn more about

STEAMS [Page 1]Josie's Quiz: Do You Feed Your Soul? Discover clues to what fills you up.

Be a Unicorn Celebrate your unique qualities.

Lovers of the Light Friendly moths help us soar toward truth.

Care and Repair Help your gear persevere.

Lightning & Luna's Meditation Tips Develop your powers of peace!

Ride the Waves of Unity Balance on a board of virtues.

Consultation Is Key Listen and learn to unlock mysteries.

Space Ace An astronaut answers your cosmic questions.

Mudflat Marvels They thrive with stealthy skills.

Stuart & Gabriella: Follow Your Compass Meet animals with navigation know-how.

DEAR FRIENDS,

What if you have inner magic that strengthens your spirit, spreads joy to others, and helps you discover life's mysteries? You do! Your soul connects you to God and develops virtues like love, courage, and creativity. It's your true inner self that makes you a unique and noble being. Nurturing your soul helps you live a happy, meaningful life.

In this issue, explore the amazing and mysterious powers of your soul. Discover ways to express your authentic self and dare to be different. Make a meditative mandala with Nur to quiet your mind. Take a quiz to test your soul-searching skills. Get meditation tips from Lightning and Luna. Learn from NASA astronaut Christina Koch. And meet Dr. Farzin Amzajerdian, a NASA engineer whose work with laser remote sensing technology can help spacecraft land safely on the Moon-and beyond.

You can feed your soul by doing things like praying, being mindful, and reading writings from world religions. Helping others can power you up too. As you transform your spirit, you also uplift your family, community, and the world!

LOVE, BRILLIANT STAR [Page 2]

Josie the Detective: Do You Feed Your Sout?

"The teachings of Bahá’u’lláh... are like a table provided with every kind of fresh and delicious food." —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Hi, I'm Josie. I love exploring mysteries, religion, and justice. I like baking too! My friends Frieda, Eric, Aziz, and I are having a bake sale to raise money for the food bank. Did you know baking is chemistry? We put dough in the oven, and presto! Like magic, heat changes its color, taste, and scent. And when we eat it, food turns into energy.

Our souls-our true inner selves-need food too. They're the biggest mystery ever. I feed my soul when I pray, meditate, hang out in nature, and help people. I feel happy and closer to God. Just like when I eat a healthy treat, I get refreshed and energized!

It's a win for everybody-our bake sale will give people food, provide money for the food bank, and feed our souls with service. What are your favorite recipes to fill your soul?

Our group made this quiz about food for our souls. Circle your answers and add up your score.

1. I think about my important goals and build virtues to reach them. Often 3 Sometimes=2. Rarely=1

2. I express gratitude for life's blessings every day. Often 3 Sometimes=2. Rarely=1

3. I put my beliefs into action by being helpful and kind to others. Often 3 Sometimes=2. Rarely=1

4. I take time to pray and meditate daily. Often 3 Sometimes=2. Rarely=1

5. I try to be mindful and pay attention to what's going on in the present moment. Often 3 Sometimes=2. Rarely=1

6. I talk with family and friends about spiritual beliefs and other things that are meaningful to me. Often 3 Sometimes=2. Rarely-1

7. I learn about the history and teachings of my faith. Often 3 Sometimes=2. Rarely=1

8. I like to find out about other religions. Often 3 Sometimes=2. Rarely=1

9. I read and reflect on sacred writings and try to learn from them. Often 3 Sometimes=2. Rarely=1

10. I express my gifts and talents through hobbies, arts, and activities. Often 3 Sometimes=2. Rarely=1

11. I spend time in nature and focus on the beauty around me. Often 3 Sometimes=2. Rarely=1

12. I stay positive and look for the good in life and in people. Often 3 Sometimes=2. Rarely=1

My Score

36-28 POINTS Way to go! You're an expert chef for your soul! Keep exploring and trying new flavors.

27-20 POINTS Good job. You're testing some tasty soul recipes. Try a tip from the quiz to add more heat.

19-12 POINTS You could work on feeding your soul. Try some tips from the quiz and dig in! [Page 3]

Be a Unicorn

"The world is not only starving for lofty principles and ideals, it is, above all, starving for a shining example..." —Bahá’í Writings

The unicorn, with its amazing spiral horn, has enchanted people since ancient times. In stories around the globe, it represents strength, purity, and nobility. Did you know scholars once thought unicorns were real? They were in ancient Roman science books. A Greek doctor in 400 BCE claimed they had healing power. The explorer Marco Polo said he saw them in 1300 CE (some say he was probably looking at rhinos).

When someone is honest or kind, they can be like a unicorn. Those qualities are rare and can have a powerful impact. What if you're the only one in class who doesn't want to gossip? Or you're among the few who tells the truth or sits with the new kid? You're being true to yourself and making the world better. If you ever feel uncomfortable standing up for your beliefs, think of yourself as a unicorn. You'll be in pretty magical company!

In this enchanted kingdom, find nine items named for virtues that help us express unity and service.

SINCERE SCROLL CAPE OF COURAGE FRUIT OF FAIRNESS HORN OF HOPE CROWN OF COMPASSION WISE WAND FORGIVENESS FLASK ORB OF HONESTY LOVING LANTERN

I LOVE LIVING WITH THE UNICORNS, DON'T YOU?

YEAH, THEY MAKE GOOD NEIGHHH-BORS! [Page 4]

A Brief Timeline: The Life of Bahá’u’lláh

The highlighted area marks the time in which this story takes place.

1817 November 12: Birth of Bahá’u’lláh in Tihrán, Iran

1844: Recognizes the Báb as a new Messenger of God

1852: Imprisonment in the "Black Pit" of Tihrán

1853-1863: Exile in Baghdad, Iraq. From 1854-1856, He goes into the mountains to pray in solitude.

1863 April: Declares Divine Mission as Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith

1863-1868: Exile in Constantinople (Istanbul), then Adrianople (Edirne), Türkiye. Begins writing letters to kings and rulers in 1867, urging world unity

1868: Last exile, to prison-city of ‘Akká, Israel

1877: Finally free to live in countryside homes of Mazra’ih and then Bahjí, outside ‘Akká

1892 May 29: Bahá’u’lláh passes away at Bahjí.

Radiance and Joy

From the start of His Mission as a Messenger of God in 1853, Bahá’u’lláh faced imprisonment and exile from His home in Persia (now Iran). Officials wanted to stop the influence of the Bahá’í Faith. But even in prison, Bahá’u’lláh revealed holy writings, urging humanity to build justice and peace.

In ‘Akká (now in Israel), Bahá’u’lláh wrote the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, His Most Holy Book. It includes the laws of the Bahá’í Faith. He called these laws "the breath of life unto all created things" and urged Bahá’ís to "obey them with joy and gladness..."

Bahá’u’lláh revealed laws about topics such as worship, marriage, wealth, education, and government. He also explained how to develop our souls: "Recite ye the verses of God every morn and eventide." But He said we shouldn't read too much. "Lay not upon your souls that which will weary them and weigh them down, but rather what will lighten and uplift them..." It's better to read one verse with "joy and radiance" than to read a lot in a half-hearted way.

Bahá’u’lláh usually revealed His teachings aloud while His secretary wrote quickly. Others transcribed His words, handwriting copies for Bahá’ís. One devoted transcriber was Jináb-i-Zayn.* He compiled Bahá’u’lláh's answers to over 100 questions from Bahá’ís about laws in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas.

Jináb-i-Zayn had suffered intense persecution for being a Bahá’í. He was driven from his home in Baghdad (now in Iraq). He and a friend got lost, with no food and water for five days. They couldn't ask for help because people threatened their lives. Both men were near death when they reached Mosul, 400 miles (644 km) away. After they recovered, the Bahá’ís turned to Jináb-i-Zayn for guidance, calling him "Father of the Exiles."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá said of Jináb-i-Zayn, "This distinguished man was one of the greatest of all the Báb’s companions and all the loved ones of Bahá’u’lláh."

Around 1886, Jináb-i-Zayn moved to ‘Akká to be near Bahá’u’lláh. He lived in an inn called the Khán-i-‘Avámid. It was damp and full of fleas. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’u’lláh's eldest son, lived there too. There wasn't enough money for repairs. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said Jináb-i-Zayn copied sacred verses with "faultless care." He encouraged Bahá’ís and "warmed the travelers' hearts." He transcribed volumes of the writings as a gift for Bahá’u’lláh.

Bahá’u’lláh revealed the Bahá’í Faith to "build anew the whole world." When we absorb His writings, they can transform our souls. We can help create a fair and united world where "all the peoples of the earth may attain unto abiding joy...”

• Zaynu’l-Muqarrabín was given this name by Bahá’u’lláh. It means "the ornament of them that are nigh unto God." The title "Jináb" conveys respect.

[Page 5]"Live ye one with another, O people, in radiance and joy. By My life! All that are on earth shall pass away, while good deeds alone shall endure..." —Bahá’u’lláh

Word Search

Find 20 words related to this story. Look up, down, backward, forward, and diagonally.

ENCOURAGED GIFT GLADNESS HOLY HUMANITY JOY JUSTICE LIFE LIGHTEN PEACE

RPEUGDUE CNA IDAR C BEYOND JYTY HEIG SDNAE JTY IT FIGLO ZOKT CFNS I E Y N A A W F WUKI E UNITED RAJ Y DML T Z A OGRNI UHU WM PHSM SIDE IYO JS OUGFURMTSFULCWo RIEH JO A SPLY Z NRW LDWVEFBEGEMTEI W EFHLU DDA ZLS GUGC VAFTE GGHV S N C Q HTD WI IG JY Q C B A V J VIK BLNW MRPVYRT BNN Z MUGI JCIXWTTGHGZVMST

QUESTIONS RADIANCE READING REFLECTING SOULS TRANSFORM UNITED UPLIFT WORLD WRITINGS [Page 6]

Maya’s MYSTERIES

“From the . . . Scriptures they should memorize phrases and passages . . . as these holy verses are the most potent elixir . . .” —Bahá’u’lláh

MEMORIZING IS A SKILL YOU CAN GROW!

BOOST YOUR BRAINPOWER

Do you ever feel like your brain is overloaded? That’s how I felt memorizing words for my Spanish test! But my friend Jacob came over to study, and he said our memory storage is almost unlimited. Did you know our brains can store over 2 million gigabytes of information? That’s like streaming TV shows nonstop for 300 years! Plus, our brains change and grow as we learn. So cool!

We use short-term memory to store a little info for about 30 seconds, like remembering what to get from my room to do my homework. Long-term memories can last a lifetime—like when I fell off my bike and broke my leg. It took perseverance to stay positive while it healed!

Getting enough sleep, exercising, and eating healthy food can strengthen your memory. Games help too. Try out the fun games we played and boost your brainpower. They helped me do muy bien on my Spanish test!

MEMORY MIND GAMES

QUICK CHANGE

Choose one person to leave the room and change their appearance in five ways (such as their hair, clothes, shoes, etc.). When that person returns, everyone guesses what’s different about them. Play until each person has had a turn to adjust their appearance.

TRAVELING TRAY

Players study a tray of 20 small items, then choose someone to be the Keeper and take the tray out of the room. Set the timer for two minutes. Everyone writes down as many items as they can remember from the tray. When the Keeper brings the tray back, whoever wrote the most correct items wins.

ALPHABET STORY

One person begins a story with a short sentence where the first word starts with A. The next person repeats this sentence and carries on the story, adding a sentence starting with a B word. Continue through the alphabet. How far can you go?

EXPLORE YOUR MENTAL POWERS

Scan the QR codes for fun ways to explore our amazing brains with Maya!

QUIZ: ARE YOU HOPEFUL? (I CAN DO THIS!)

MAYA’S TRANQUIL TIPS

Spanish: muy bien = Very well

6 Brilliant Star ★ V53 N3 [Page 7]

Lovers of the light

"Like a moth, one must be a lover of the light, in whatever lamp it may shine..." —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

When you're outside on a summer night, look at your porch or camp light. You might see moths flying around it. Some experts say they're actually looking for the Moon, because they use moonlight for navigation. Artificial lights confuse them.*

Like a moth using moonlight to guide its flight, we seek the light of spiritual truth in our journey to learn about life and our Creator. It can be hard to understand all the religions and beliefs in the world. Some people say their faith is the only true path to God.

Bahá’ís believe Messengers of all major religions offer paths to God, guiding people throughout history. While there are differences among religions, there are also similarities, such as teachings about prayer, fasting, and treating others kindly. When we explore all faiths with an open mind and heart, we can see the light of truth in every lamp.

Unscramble the letters in the moths' wings to discover words that help us seek truth.

• This is also true for baby puffins. See brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/Puffins.pdf

[Page 8]

Art for Oneness: Make a Paper Mandala

"Do all in your power to be as one, to live in peace, each with the others..." —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Today at school, I had a super hard time focusing. Some bugs in class were so loud, buzzing all around! I felt angry and anxious. Then in art class, Mr. Hornet showed us an ancient art form called a mandala. The circular designs helped me feel calmer. We discovered that mandalas are used for meditation in Hinduism, Buddhism, and other religions and cultures. Looking at them can bring mindfulness or a feeling of peace. "Mandala" means "circle" in the Sanskrit language. It's cool how mandalas are often created in circles. They can symbolize different things coming together as one. Lots of materials can be used for mandalas, like carved stone, colored sand, or paint on cloth. Mr. Hornet helped us make our own. Our whole class was into it! We put them up around the art room to remind us to play, fly, and learn in harmony!

THIS CRAFT HELPS ME FEEL PEACEFUL AND CALM.

You'll Need

• white glue
• 5/8" (15 cm) square origami or thin paper
• 5 1/2" (14 cm) circle of firm plastic from food container
• printer paper
• colorful tissue paper
• pencil
• ruler
• scissors
• permanent markers
• stickers or sequins
• jumbo paper clip
• clear tape

Instructions

1 (A) To keep lines you'll draw later on back, start with front side facing up. Fold origami paper in half so corners meet. (B) Turn paper so longest edge is at left. Fold paper upward in half so corners meet. Unfold.

Try our IMAGINATION STATION 2 drawing app on your tablet or desktop to create your own ideas or designs or to draw mandalas! brilliantstarmagazine.org/games/imagination-station2

2 (A) Turn paper so longest edge faces you. Fold bottom right corner up to meet center crease. Unfold. (B) Bring left edge of paper triangle down to meet previous step's crease. Pinch flat only top 1/2" (1.3 cm) to form crease. Unfold. [Page 9]

Nur’s Nook

3 (A) Fold right point of triangle up, so fold’s bottom starts at base of central crease. Press flat. Tip should extend past top of Step 2B’s crease. (B) Fold left point of paper so its bottom edge meets right flap’s bottom edge. A

7 (A) Cut off shaded parts of design. (B) Carefully open mandala and press flat. Place printer paper over it. Firmly rub side of pencil across it several times to smooth creases. B

4 Fold far right corner of top flap to the left, so its lower edge meets paper’s left edge.

8 Cut tissue paper into 1" (2.5 cm) pieces. Glue to plastic. Let dry. Glue back of mandala to unpapered side of plastic. Trim plastic edges, if needed. Use markers, stickers, or sequins to decorate mandala with virtues and designs about unity.

5 Flip paper over. Fold left side so left edge meets paper’s right edge.

6 (A) From top flap’s right corner, draw 3 arcs 1/4" (.6 cm) apart. Top arc should end even with left corner of flap that’s underneath two upper flaps. Shade areas above second arc. (B) Below lower arc, draw paths of two lines spaced 1/4" (.6 cm) apart. Lines should touch lower arc and paper’s left or right edge. Spaces between paths should be about 1/4" (.6 cm) apart. Shade between paths. A B

9 (A) Bend up inside curve of paper clip. Tape to back of mandala for a stand. Spread out base of clip so mandala stands up. (B) Now it’s ready to display! B [Page 10]

CARE & REPAIR

"Rejoice not in the things ye possess; tonight they are yours, tomorrow others will possess them."—Bahá’u’lláh

w, man! You’ve only had your bike for a few months, but when you crashed, the frame got scraped up and the wheel got bent. Is it time to get a new one? Before buying a new bike, ask yourself some questions: Do I need a brand-new bike, or can this one be fixed? If I get a new one, will this one end up in a landfill?

If you don’t know how to fix your bike, ask for help. Or look for a repair café, where people get together and help each other learn. When you fix stuff, you may develop new skills and meet new friends. You’ll practice virtues such as patience, moderation, and creativity. Then you’ll really be on a roll!

Fill in the blanks to complete tips for being creative and resourceful!

FOR JOY THAT REALLY LASTS, PLAN FUN TIMES WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

REPAIRING YOUR GEAR IS A WAY TO BE THANKFUL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE.

WHEN YOU PLAY OUTDOORS, TAKE TIME TO ENJOY THE WONDERS OF NATURE.

WHEN PLANS FALL APART, TRY TO FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE.

DONATE ITEMS YOU’RE NOT USING THEY COULD BE JUST WHAT SOMEONE ELSE NEEDS!

FIXING STUFF INSTEAD OF TOSSING IT IS ONE WAY TO HELP CARE FOR EARTH.

LEARNING TO FIX THINGS GIVES YOUR CONFIDENCE A BOOST!

GET CREATIVE WITH PAINT AND OTHER SUPPLIES TO GIVE OLD THINGS A NEW LOOK!

BE MINDFUL OF THE TIME, MONEY, AND ENERGY IT TAKES TO FIND AND BUY NEW STUFF.

B_LI_VING — BALL OP_IMIS_IC — OAR SI_CE_RE — SKATEBOARD G_ATE_UL — GLOVE BALA_CE — BIKE PA_IEN_ — PADDLE TR_ST_NG — TENT RES_ONSI_LE — ROLLER SKATES [Page 11]

WE ARE ONE: EXPLORE AND PROTECT THE EARTH AND ITS CREATURES

"All the members of this endless universe are linked one to another." —Bahá’í Writings

OUR CONNECTIONS

Did you know floods are the most common natural hazard? They account for about 43% of disasters worldwide—more than storms, earthquakes, and wildfires combined! Wetlands, such as ponds, mudflats, and swamps, can help prevent flood damage—especially in cities. Like a sponge, healthy wetlands soak up water and store it, then release it slowly. We can help protect wetlands when we visit them by staying on trails and cleaning up litter.

EARTH-SAVING TIP

Fantastic Filters Wetlands filter pollution out of water. Eliminating litter supports this process. Put trash in the garbage or recycling bins and check for local wetland cleanup days.

PROTECTING OUR PLANET

Dr. Hannah Cloke, a geographer in the U.K., develops warning systems about floods and other hazards. She's dedicated to sharing her work widely, even using poetry. She says, "As scientists we have a responsibility to try everything... to communicate what we know, the way that we see the world."

WOW, REALLY?

Wetlands are home to over a million threatened species of plants and animals, including birds, frogs, and eels!

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

In this ancient port city built from 118 islands, people travel by boat and on foot. A grand canal runs through it, with hundreds of side canals and bridges. It's known for its stunning art and architecture. Unscramble the letters to find its name: NICEEV, TILYA

AMAZING ANIMALS

The third largest cat, after lions and tigers, is the largest in the Americas. It can grow to 7 feet (2.1 m) long and weigh 350 pounds (159 kg). It's a powerful predator that can climb and swim. Fill in the blanks to find its name: AG AR [Page 12]

LIGHTNING & LUNA’S MEDITATION TIPS

THERE ARE LOTS OF WAYS TO CALM DOWN.

ur bodies are amazing! When you sense danger, your body starts the "fight, flight, or freeze" response. Your your body sending oxygen and nutrients to your muscles so you can move quickly.

You may feel irritable and tense, like you want to "fight." You might "freeze" and feel numb or spacey. The "flight" feeling makes you want to run away-not fly through the air! You might be restless or fidgety.

We can have other reactions too. Some of our friends have headaches, dizziness, or trouble breathing. I sweat a lot, and my shoulders get tense. Luna gets a stomachache.

Some stress can be good. Sometimes the pressure of fighting the Erasers or doing a Justice Jam dance helps us focus and work hard. But if you feel "fight, flight, or freeze" all the time, it's tough on your body and mind. Try our tips for getting calm when stress attacks. Peacefulness may become your superpower!

CLOUD GAZING

On a day with clouds in the sky, go outside and lie or sit on a blanket. Look up (but not directly at the sun). Take a deep breath and try to let go of stress. Breathe slowly as you view the wide sky above you. Notice its color and brightness. Look at the clouds. Check out their shapes, sizes, and colors. Can you see them move? They drift across the sky, just like thoughts glide in and out of our minds. Do the cloud shapes remind you of things? After five minutes or more, close your eyes and imagine yourself filled with peace.

MINDFUL WALKING

Find a quiet path about 20 feet long (6.1 m). For five minutes, walk back and forth on your path, super slowly. Try to notice all the sensations of walking. Pay attention to how it feels to lift each foot and place it down. How do your legs and arms feel as you move? At the end of the path, slowly turn, paying attention to each movement. If your mind wanders, that's okay. Notice it, and gently bring it back.

ENERGY BALL

Sit on the floor, close your eyes, and rub your hands together super fast. Continue rubbing, faster and faster. When your hands are warm, stop! Keep your palms together. Imagine a tiny ball of light is between your hands. Take a full breath in, and slowly separate your hands. Imagine your ball growing, filling you with energy. Then breathe out, and gently bring your hands together, making the ball smaller. For two minutes, keep expanding the ball as you inhale and squeezing it as you exhale. [Page 13]

Ride the Waves of Unity

Surf's up! When life is going great, you might feel like a surfer catching an epic wave. You're in harmony with the tides and people around you. Everything flows smoothly. You feel on top of the world!

But when challenges arise, like arguing with a friend or getting flooded with homework, it can feel like hitting rough water. How do you stay afloat?

It doesn't help to get salty and upset. You can keep calm and balanced by practicing virtues like respect, patience, and mindfulness. Clear communication is key too. Share your thoughts and feelings with honesty. Try to stay open-minded and listen to everyone's point of view. Disagreements aren't always bad. They can even strengthen your relationships when you work things out.

When we see the best in each other, we can all ride the waves of peace and unity!

Find nine hidden letters, then use them to complete the quote.

"ou Letters found: sou s a e as a tou ea individua is a distin t 0 ean is one, a a e united in od." aves on the sea o t es i it; ave, t e

—‘Abdu’l-Bahá [Page 14]

LIGHTNING & LUNA

INTO THE MOUNTAIN

AT A TOP SECRET SEED VAULT IN IDAHO . . .

MIN, YOU WANTED ME TO MAKE THE CUBES MORE POWERFUL SO YOU CAN BLAST PEOPLE?

I WORKED WITH THE ERASERS TO ATTACK POWER PLANTS SO I CAN CONTROL BIG CITIES.

SOON, I’LL RULE THE ERASERS TOO!

DR. VOLE WON’T HELP YOU, AVARICE!

AND YOUR ONE PUNY CUBE IS NO MATCH FOR ALL OF MINE!

YOU’LL NEVER RULE THE ERASERS!

THEY’LL ROT IN THAT VAULT! HAHAHA!

NO! MY SEED VAULT! I CREATED THE CUBES TO PLANT CROPS AND SAVE PEOPLE!

THEY SEALED US IN!

WHERE IS HE GOING?

MAYBE HE KNOWS ANOTHER WAY OUT.

WE CAN’T LET HIM OUT OF OUR SIGHT!

WHAT IF HE AMBUSHES US WITH MORE CUBES USING THAT TABLET?

WAIT HERE!

I’LL GO INVISIBLE AND SEND YOU VIDEO.

HOW DID HE GET ALL THOSE CUBES? [Page 15]HE’S GOT MORE CUBES. WE HAVE TO STOP HIM!

WAIT! WHAT DO YOU THINK THIS IS?

THE SUN IS PHOTOPRINTING A COMPUTER CHIP! I’VE READ ABOUT THIS. IT’S . . .

. . . ANCIENT UPLIFTER TECH!

UPLIFTER TECH? HERE?

WOW! UPLIFTER SYMBOLS! WE’VE SEEN THESE BEFORE.*

BACKUP HERE! WHERE ARE YOU TWO?

WHAT IS THIS PLACE?

WE’LL GET TO THAT LATER! WE HAVE TO STOP MIN!

DESTROY THOSE DRONES!

THE UPLIFTERS CAN’T BEAT MY CUBEDRONES!

AND ONCE YOU’RE GONE, I’LL RULE THE ERASERS—AND THE WORLD!

• See Episodes 57-67 at brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/lightning-luna-havoc

[Page 16]

RADIANT STARS

Getting to know kids who shine

Connect with kids around the world! How are they like you? How are they different? Each of us has a unique story to tell. What’s yours?

Daniel I.

Age: 14 I live in: Pennsylvania, U.S. I want to be: Working with my hands or a park ranger This career interests me because: I feel really happy when [I’m] . . . learning how things are made and built. Hobbies or sports: Mountain biking, building go-carts, blacksmithing Favorite Bahá’í activities: Children’s classes, my family’s dinner and devotions night, and Camp Tabarsi in Pennsylvania A hero or role model: [Wildlife biologist] Clay Hayes, my uncle Ed, my parents

A question I’d ask God: What exactly happens when you die? I’m grateful for: 1) Living in Pennsylvania, which is great for outdoor activities; 2) the ability to build things; and 3) my friends What fills me with awe: The infinity of the universe and how vast it is In 20 years, I’d like to see: People taking care of the environment more, and more respect for nature

Sanna J.

Age: 10 I live in: Illinois, U.S. I want to be: Artist or doctor This career interests me because: I love painting and helping people. Virtues I admire most: Radiance and kindness Hobbies or sports: Piano and running I’m grateful for: Play[ing] the piano well, my family, and my singing voice

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Doing crafts and talking with my friends Places I’d love to visit: The Philippines and Hawaii A favorite food: Barbecued chicken and halim (a Persian type of porridge) A hero or role model: My Auntie Christi What helps me feel spiritual: When I pray and when I go to devotionals* A question I’d ask God: How did you create us? What fills me with awe: The beautiful stars, the eclipse, and the sunset In 20 years, I’d like to see: People not throwing garbage [on the ground] and not becoming couch potatoes

Anis R.

Age: 12 I live in: Ohio, U.S. I want to be: Singer/songwriter This career interests me because: Music is a way . . . to express myself, and I enjoy songs. Virtue I admire most: Empathy Hobbies or sports: Basketball, swimming, singing, and video games Favorite Bahá’í activity: Junior youth camps

Place I’d love to visit: Paris, France Favorite animal or pet: Dogs A hero or role model: [Anti-slavery activist] Harriet Tubman What helps me feel spiritual: Praying A question I’d ask God: What do I need to do? I’m grateful for: My family, my friends, the gift of life What fills me with awe: The ocean In 20 years, I’d like to see: The world creating an ever-advancing civilization for the generations to come (world peace, service, eliminating world hunger and prejudice)

• Devotionals are gatherings for sharing prayers, holy writings, and music.

[Page 17]

Allen K.

Age: 11

I live in: Washington, U.S.

I want to be: A snake breeder and SWAT officer*

This career interests me because: The SWAT career because I’d get to stop crime in the world, and the snake breeder because I’d get to raise snakes from babies and have the fun of watching them grow.

Virtues I admire most: Kindness, trustworthiness

Favorite Bahá’í activity: Children’s class. I get to see some of my school friends every Thursday at our neighborhood class.

A hero or role model: My big sister

Place I’d love to visit: Alaska

What helps me feel spiritual: Praying

I’m grateful for: Having a life on Earth, people I can be with, and awesome parents who allow me to have pets, especially a snake

What fills me with awe: Every fish species I catch fills me with awe! And also snakes.

In 20 years, I’d like to see: Dinosaurs hatch on Earth, and a device that can detect hackers

River M.

Age: 11

I live in: Oregon, U.S.

I want to be: A Major League Baseball player

This career interests me because: I love sports, and I love to play baseball the most.

Virtue I admire most: Truthfulness

Favorite Bahá’í activity: Junior youth activities

A hero or role model: My parents and Bahá’u’lláh

What helps me feel spiritual: Praying

What fills me with awe: How the world works, such as how it has perfect conditions for us to live

A question I’d ask God: I would ask what it is like to die—what it feels ‎with like‎ and looks like . . .

I’m grateful for: [Being] a Bahá’í; having a great, loving family; and my health

In 20 years, I’d like to see: That people stopped wars and pollution, or we found a way to quickly travel to another planet that could sustain human life

“God has crowned you with honor and in your hearts has He set a radiant star; verily the light thereof shall brighten the whole world!” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Sachika D.

Age: 11

I live in: Georgia, U.S.

I want to be: A veterinarian

This career interests me because: I love animals and I want to help as many as I can.

Virtues I admire most: Kindness, generosity, truthfulness, patience

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Teaching a children’s class on Zoom and [being in a] junior youth group. My Zoom class is very interesting, because it includes kids from Africa and . . . Trinidad.

A hero or role model: My parents, teachers, and my cousin, Ashiya Didi, because they always help me in tough times, and they teach me new things every single day!

What helps me feel spiritual: Saying my prayers at night . . . and also during times when I feel sad or mad

A question I’d ask God: Is world peace possible? Could we ever end the suffering of other people?

What fills me with awe: Everything in this universe . . . Every turn I make, around every single corner, there is something new and exciting that I can learn about.

In 20 years, I’d like to see: Everyone living in peace, even the animals. This would fill my heart with love and joy!

How to be a Radiant Star

1. If you’re aged 7–14, scan the QR code with a smart phone’s camera. Or go to brilliantstarmagazine.org and from the top menu, choose “Discover.” Click “Become a Radiant Star or Trailblazer.” Or email us at brilliant@usbnc.org. Include your name, age, birthdate, mailing address, and phone number.

2. When it’s your turn to shine, we’ll ask for at least two good-quality, close-up photographs of your smiling face. Photos should be in sharp focus and show your eyes clearly. Please don’t send color copies, low-resolution digital images, or copyright-protected images (like school portraits).

3. We’ll send you questions and a form for you and your parents to sign. Answer the questions and send them to us with the signed form, and you’ll be in our next issue!

• SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) officers are trained to handle high-risk situations.

[Page 18]

Evander P.

Age: 10

I live in: Virginia, U.S.

I want to be: Astronaut. I want to be the first one to land on Neptune or Europa (a moon of Jupiter).

This career interests me because: I would get to see all different types of planets and [be in] zero gravity.

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Devotions, children’s class, and holy day celebrations

A hero or role model: Spider-Man, because he saves people

In 20 years, I’d like to see: Europa, because it’s awesome and it could have snow

Virtue I admire most: Kindness

A question I’d ask God: If He’ll help my mom deal with all the chaos my brothers and I cause and help her get all the things she needs

What fills me with awe: Shooting stars are awesome.

What helps me feel spiritual: Saying prayers and talking to God

Eloise P.

Age: 8

I live in: Ohio, U.S.

I want to be: A professional horse trainer and equestrian

This career interests me because: I love horses. They are gentle creatures I love to spend time with.

Virtues I admire most: Love and consideration

Hobbies or sports: Playing the piano and horseback riding

A hero or role model: Ms. Betsy (my riding instructor)

What helps me feel spiritual: Prayers at bedtime with my family’s prayer candle, and being in the rain with my face toward the sky

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Devotional game nights

Place I’d love to visit: Kentucky

A favorite food: Chicken samosas

A question I’d ask God: What is the Abhá Kingdom [the next world] like?

I’m grateful for: Mama, Daddy, and my sister, Dahlia

In 20 years, I’d like to see: Less pollution and horses everywhere!

Azizeh F.

Age: 8

I live in: Minnesota, U.S.

I want to be: Scientist

This career interests me because: You can discover intricate stuff about the world.

Virtue I admire most: Unity

Favorite Bahá’í activity: Youth camp (I get to go with my mom and older brother and there are children’s activities)

Place I’d love to visit: Tonga

A hero or role model: [Hand of the Cause of God]* Dorothy Baker

What helps me feel spiritual: Prayer and listening to Stories from the Dawn-Breakers . . .

A question I’d ask God: Will I meet my relatives who have passed on before me?

I’m grateful for: My nephews, [going on] pilgrimage, attending the dedication of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Papua New Guinea

What fills me with awe: The ocean in Papua New Guinea and the northern lights in Minnesota

In 20 years, I’d like to see: Flying cars

Phil T.

Age: 8

I live in: North Dakota, U.S.

I want to be: An engineer

This career interests me because: I love creating new things.

Virtue I admire most: Kindness

Hobbies or sports: Soccer

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Ayyám-i-Há** celebration

Favorite animal: Jaguar (it is fierce and fast)

A favorite book: The Dragon Masters series [by Tracey West]

A favorite food: Bacon burger

What helps me feel spiritual: Prayers

Place I’d love to visit: Hawaii

A hero or role model: Uncle Stevo. He is kind, and he has a pure and radiant heart.

A question I’d ask God: Am I doing well on Earth?

I’m grateful for: My siblings, my parents, my shelter

What fills me with awe: The ocean

In 20 years, I’d like to see: Lower prices

• A Hand of the Cause of God was someone appointed to teach and protect the Bahá’í Faith.
  • Ayyám-i-Há is a festival of hospitality, gift giving, and preparing for the Bahá’í Fast.

[Page 19]

CONSULTATION IS KEY

Life is full of mysteries and adventures, but how do you choose which to explore? Just like you’d need help to carry a heavy chest, a big (or small) decision can get lighter when you talk with friends or family. Sharing different points of view helps you find treasures of truth.

Calm consultation is a key to all kinds of issues, such as resolving an argument or planning a project. It includes keeping your cool, listening, asking questions, and not being too attached to your own ideas. Caring about and respecting each other is one of the most important keys.

Speaking from the heart about things that matter can be tricky. With practice, you’ll polish your skills. You may deepen your friendships too. Together, you can unlock secrets of consultation!

Use the key code to unlock the mystery of this quote.

“T_e _ea_t i_ li_e a _ox, a_d la__ua_e i_ t_e _ey. O_ly _y u_i__ t_e _ey a__ we o_e_ t_e _ox a_d o__e__e t_e _em_ it _o_tai__.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá [Page 20]

ASK A SPACE SCIENTIST

Our universe is full of mysteries, and some of the most mind-boggling are in space. Curious kids sent questions, and we asked a NASA astronaut. Have questions about space? Send them to brilliant@usbnc.org (with your name and age).

What did you miss most from Earth when you were in space for a long time? — Emma, age 14

Hi, Emma,

I missed my loved ones. I missed my family, my partner, my little dog. I didn’t really miss any things. I didn’t miss going to a coffee shop, getting fancy things. That stuff doesn’t really do it for me. But I definitely miss the people.

And I also love nature. It wasn’t until the end of my 11-month mission that I realized I was missing nature. I missed the feeling of wind on my face. I missed the smell of the beach, and things like that. Things that only Earth can offer, and that we all love about our shared planet. — Christina

NASA astronaut Christina Koch works with a 3D printer on the International Space Station in 2019.

Do astronauts play sports in space? — Olivia, age 10

Hi, Olivia,

We love to play games. Now, sometimes certain sports are tough to play, because they do rely on gravity. We might not play a whole game of tennis or ping-pong or football, but we definitely can throw those things around. And let me tell you, you can throw really, really far in microgravity. It’s a lot easier. And it’s also very, very fun because it can go in almost any direction.

We also can play human games like human bowling, where your friend is like a cannonball, and you could just throw them across the module if you want, because no one weighs anything. So we have a lot of fun in space. — Christina

COSMIC QUIZ

Christina Koch and Jessica Meir took the first all-woman spacewalk in 2019. The official name for astronauts’ work outside a spacecraft is:

A) Extra Special Adventure (ESA)	C) Super Space Stroll (SSS)
B) Extravehicular Activity (EVA)	D) Space Station Escape (SSE)

Christina Koch (left) and Jessica Meir in 2019 [Page 21]

How does your body feel in space? — Sami, age 9

Hi, Sami,

It’s really wild how the human body adapts to space. I don’t know if you’ve ever done a headstand, but when you do, you kind of feel all the blood rushing up to your head. And that is how it felt for me when I first got to space. It felt like I was doing a headstand the entire time. And so I had to focus on my work through that feeling and try to ignore it, but it was tough. It felt that way for about a week straight.

But luckily, your body does adapt to microgravity. So after about a week, all those weird feelings kind of went away. And then it is just so much fun. It’s so much fun to float. You can jump up and be on the ceiling in two seconds. You can do flips. It’s really, really fun. And sleeping in space is really cool. It feels very peaceful. So there are a lot of really cool sensations. — Christina

On the International Space Station in 2020, Christina Koch tries on her suit for the return to Earth. She says, “The most important thing that contributes to a mission’s success is how well you interact with your crewmates.”

CHRISTINA KOCH (pronounced “Cook”) became a NASA astronaut in 2013. She set a record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, with a total of 328 days in space. She also participated in the first all-female spacewalk. She is assigned to the Artemis II mission to the Moon planned for 2025.

ON THE WEB

In our Space Ace video interviews, meet two amazing astronauts at Dr. Scotti’s STEAMS Station.

LELAND MELVIN was a pro football player and a NASA astronaut. When he went to space, it changed his perspective forever.

PEGGY WHITSON was a NASA astronaut and the first female commander of the International Space Station. She broke other records, too.

Scan the QR code with a smart phone or go to: brilliantstarmagazine.org/themes/DrScotti

BACK IN TIME

Mae Jemison, the first woman of color to travel in space, was one of Christina’s role models. In addition to eight days of space travel, Mae:

A) Appeared in a Star Trek episode B) Worked as a physician C) Heads a group aiming to send people beyond our solar system D) All of the above

Mae Jemison on the Endeavour in 1992 [Page 22]

Dr. Farzin Amzajerdian

Imagine leaving home as a teenager and moving across the world to a country where you don’t know anyone. That’s what Farzin Amzajerdian did when he left Iran for the U.S. at age 18.

Born in Tihrán in 1957, Farzin was the youngest of four brothers. His dad passed away, and to make a living, his family turned the ground floor of their house into an appliance store. For a time, they all lived in two cramped rooms upstairs. After high school, Farzin went to college in Iran for a year.

Due to increasing religious persecution, many Bahá’ís left the country if they could. In 1976, Farzin moved to the U.S. to continue college. He earned a doctorate degree in electrical engineering from Oregon Graduate Institute. At age 44, Farzin started working for NASA. In 2022, he won NASA’s Invention of the Year award for his Navigation Doppler Lidar system, which accurately and quickly judges a spacecraft’s speed and distance to the surface to help it land safely. Farzin lives in Virginia with his wife, Jida.

Q: What’s one of your favorite childhood memories?

A: A trip with my mother and [older] brother. We started in Tihrán and drove to three cities . . . Having my brother explain all the history was just magical . . . We went to Shíráz, to the House of the Báb.* I was maybe 10 years old. Just seeing my mom’s spirituality and the way she reacted as soon as we walked in—that was very special . . .

Q: What was the most challenging experience for you as a kid?

A: When I was six years old, my father passed away . . . I could feel the sadness, [and] we were poor . . . The way I handled it was not to ask for anything.

Q: Growing up, did you face prejudice as a Bahá’í?

A: In elementary school, there were teachers who treated me differently. The behavior was subtle, but it was harmful . . . In 7th and 8th grade . . . I had teachers who bullied me, openly . . . They would give me bad grades also. That made me actually study these subjects better than anybody else, so I could get a passing grade.

Q: What experience from your youth set you on a path to your career?

A: In school, my favorite subject was math, so I was good at it. I loved solving mathematical problems. When it came [time] to go to college, I heard that electrical engineering has a lot of math in it. [So] that’s [what] I wanted to do . . . Working for NASA wouldn’t even [have occurred] to me. But I’m glad I ended up at NASA, because in high school, I must’ve seen every episode of Star Trek two or three times.

At age 11, Farzin lived in Tihrán with his mom and three older brothers.

• Due to religious persecution, the House of the Báb was destroyed in 1979.

[Page 23]

Questions and Answers with an Inspirational Bahá’í

Above: Farzin and his wife, Jida, met at the Los Angeles, California, Bahá’í Center in the 1980s.

Left: NASA Langley’s Navigation Doppler Lidar team watches a lander touch down safely on the Moon.

Q: What do you do at NASA? A: I specialize in lasers for measuring and monitoring the atmosphere from orbit. For example, greenhouse gases . . . or wind velocity . . . So we can help with the weather forecast. The other area is to use lasers for going to the Moon, Mars, or other places in our solar system. These are especially needed to have a permanent presence on the Moon and Mars . . . Having something that . . . I came up with . . . going to the Moon is an excellent feeling . . .

Q: What do you enjoy most about working for NASA? A: The work we do . . . does help mankind. The goal is to help life here on Earth and to improve our understanding of the universe—where we come from and why we are here . . . Understanding is important, because it helps [with] how to live with each other here on Earth.

Q: What’s your advice for kids who want a career in engineering or science? A: Develop interest in science and math . . . Once you get to middle school and high school, take as many advanced classes as you can in . . . science and math in particular. [Also], be curious about how things work around you. Especially with the Internet, you can actually explore, and that [can] be a fun activity.

Q: This issue of Brilliant Star is about the powers of the soul. What’s important for kids to understand about their soul? A: When we say soul, it’s like that inner force that we have. The power of your soul can fuel passion . . . It is positive. Be passionate, because passion will bring excellence—in your conviction to your faith . . . the sport you play, and eventually, excellence in your profession and career.

Q: If you had one wish for Brilliant Star’s readers, what would it be? A: To have the opportunity to help mankind. Kids can grow up and take different professions, and they’re all good, they’re all valuable . . . [and] contributing to society . . . There are challenges that we have in our world that can endanger mankind . . . To overcome these challenges, the solution can only be global . . . Human beings have to elevate their understanding of each other [and] the planet . . . The only solution can be spiritual—through the heart, through love of mankind.

Photos: Top by Farzin Amzajerdian, bottom by NASA Langley Research Center [Page 24]

RILEY’S RAINFOREST

“Send down...from the clouds of Thy mercy the rains of Thy healing...” —Bahá’u’lláh

BEING MYSELF FEELS AWESOME!

BE YOURSELF!

There’s a new bird at our school named Shona. She’s really cool and has a super squawky laugh. I love it, and it makes me laugh too! She wears these fun necklaces she makes from seeds. But some birds teased her and said the seeds look like dried-up dinner! So rude — it really ruffled my feathers.

But guess what? Shona just laughed! I asked her how she keeps her cool.

“I try to be authentic,” she said. “That’s staying true to yourself, no matter what other birds think. It’s okay if some birds don’t like me or my necklaces. My true friends support me.”

“But how do you know when you’re being true to yourself?” I asked her.

“I feel peaceful and happy. When my brain and my heart are in unity, I’m not afraid to express myself.”

Shona said when we’re more authentic, we have richer friendships and stronger self-esteem. It’s easier to stay positive in tough times, too.

That reminded me of when a bird teased me in third grade about my flowered backpack. I just smiled and told her it reminded me of my grandma’s garden. That took her by surprise!

Being yourself can take courage sometimes. Some people may not like you, and that’s okay. What’s important is that you like yourself! Check out these tips Shona and I came up with about being authentic. I hope they help you keep it real too!

EXPLORE & SOAR: BE TRUE TO YOU

Try these tips and dare to be different!

• Make a list of virtues that are important to you, like kindness, humor, or honesty. Choose one to focus on each week.
• Slow down and make sure your decisions fit with your true self. It’s okay to say “no” to something that doesn’t feel right.
• Be brave and speak your mind with respect and courtesy. You may encourage others to speak up too!
• Be curious and learn new things that excite you, even if they’re not popular with others.
• Ask yourself if you’re hiding some of your thoughts or feelings. Why? How can you express them in healthy ways?
• Be kind to yourself. No one is perfect! Do your best and try to learn from your mistakes.

CURIOSITY CANOPY

Want to get to know yourself better? Try journaling! Writing down your thoughts and experiences can reduce stress and help you understand your emotions, hopes, and dreams. Start small, and write a few good things that happen each day. [Page 25]

MUDFLAT MARVELS

Creatures who live in gooey mudflats by the ocean are superheroes of survival. They have to be ready for anything! The soil, a soupy mix of sand and clay, is always shifting. Twice a day, the animals’ homes are covered by water at high tide. At low tide, they’re in the hot sun or cool night air. And there’s always a hungry seabird or crab looking for a snack!

Tiny animals such as snails, worms, and clams thrive in these wetlands. They use superpowers like cooperating, hiding, or even glowing to stay safe.

Like these mudflat marvels, when you get swamped with challenges, you can use your own powers. If your team is losing a game, encourage each other and work together. If you’re bogged down learning tough music, buoy yourself with positivity and persistence. Whatever your challenge, your amazing virtues are shore to help you come out on top!

In this California mudflat, match each superhero creature to its power.

1. SAND DOLLAR 2. PACIFIC OYSTER 3. JACKKNIFE CLAM 4. HORN SNAIL 5. FIDDLER CRAB 6. ARROW GOBY 7. GHOST SHRIMP 8. PARCHMENT TUBE WORM

Fun fact: Some of these animals don’t really have eyes. Do you know which ones?

• A I sneak into burrows made by shrimps or worms to hide from fish-eating predators.
• B One of my claws is giant! I wave it to get a female’s attention or tell others to back off!
• C I can bury myself 30 inches (76 cm) in the mud, but no worries! I can go six days without oxygen!
• D At low tide, I use my special door to seal myself in my shell, so I won’t dry out.
• E I’m an escape artist! My long, narrow shell and strong foot help me burrow quickly to safety.
• F I live in a tube and can ooze glowing blue slime that may warn predators to stay away!
• G I balance on one edge or lie flat under the sand to hide. I can swallow sand to weigh myself down.
• H We stick together to survive the strong waves. We build big, rock-like reefs with our shells.

[Page 26]

SHINING LAMP

A Bahá’í who served humanity with radiance

Chester Kahn (1936–2019) By Susan Engle

There were no mobile phones, computers, or electricity in Chester Kahn’s life when he was growing up. With no running water, the family filled water barrels at a natural spring and loaded them on a wagon to bring home.

Chester and his brother, Franklin, had an important job.* They herded sheep and kept the flock safe from coyotes and mountain lions. They helped lambs, rams, and ewes find enough to eat. Sheep provided clothing and delicious food for the family. Meals were cooked over an open fire.

During long days in the canyons of Arizona, when the sheep were settled, Chester and Franklin used charcoal from their fire to draw on the canyon walls. It was here that Chester began to develop his skills as an artist. He and his family spent their lives close to nature. These memories of Chester’s childhood were sweet.

Then, at age 12, Chester was sent away to a U.S. government boarding school 1,000 miles (1,609 km) from home. His parents knew education was important, but they missed their kids terribly. Chester’s memories of his school days were bitter. He was discouraged from speaking the Navajo language and exploring the religion of his people. After he finished school, he learned all he could about the Navajo way of life.

Family of Faith

Chester’s grandfather, Jack Kahn, was a Navajo medicine man who carried out ceremonies. When Chester was in his twenties, Jack learned about the Bahá’í Faith and shared it with his family. They all became Bahá’ís. In 1982, Chester was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly, the governing council for U.S. Bahá’ís. He served for seven years.

While serving the Faith, Chester worked as a painter, illustrator, and silversmith. He traveled widely and spoke about Navajo culture, art, and spirituality. He designed log buildings, including a circular structure known as a prayer hogan, at the Native American Bahá’í Institute in Arizona. “Praying is very, very important, because that’s the way you communicate with what we call the Great Spirit. And by praying,” Chester said, “He listens to us and hears our prayers and helps us.”

Living Treasure

As his career developed, Chester won awards, including being named an Arizona Living Treasure in 2011. One of his biggest projects was a mural called the “Circle of Light,” in Gallup, New Mexico. It shows 65 Navajo people who contributed to the community, including artists, musicians, lawyers, educators, tribal leaders, athletes, and scientists.

After many years of service and creativity, Chester passed away in 2019 at age 83. The Universal House of Justice, the Faith’s global governing body, wrote, “His dedicated efforts to diffuse the teachings of the Faith among Native Americans are remembered with warm admiration.” The National Spiritual Assembly praised his artistic skills as well as his work as “a devoted Bahá’í, firmly committed to the Faith’s vision of a peaceful and just world civilization founded on the . . . truth that the human family is one.”

• Learn about Franklin Kahn: brilliantstarmagazine.org/articles/shining-lamp-franklin-kahn-1934-2010

[Page 27]

STUART & GABRIELLA: FOLLOW YOUR COMPASS

Hey, Stuart and Gabriella here! We’ve been visiting some animal friends with amazing navigation skills. Did you know that lots of creatures can find their way home, even over thousands of miles? It’s like they have an internal GPS! Some navigate by using Earth’s magnetic fields. Others use the position of the Sun, Moon, sound waves, and even the stars in the night sky!

Like animals’ incredible abilities to map their journeys, we can tune into our spirits to navigate life. If you feel lost or overwhelmed, things like prayer, meditation, and assisting others can help to light your way. With your virtues and faith as your guides, your life can be a brilliant journey!

Match each animal to its fascinating fact.

1. INDIGO BUNTING 2. GLOBE SKIMMER DRAGONFLY 3. BAT 4. SEA TURTLE 5. ROCK DOVE 6. HUMPBACK WHALE

A. When it’s time to lay eggs, these creatures swim thousands of miles back to their birthplace using Earth’s magnetic fields.

B. One of Earth’s largest mammals, these creatures sing and use soundwaves to navigate and communicate with others of their kind.

C. This animal has been used since ancient times to deliver messages. It can fly 600 miles (966 km) in a day and reach speeds up to 60 mph (97 kph)!

D. Even though they’re about the weight of a paper clip, these creatures can travel 3,730 miles (6,000 km) to migrate for the winter!

E. During migration, these animals navigate by the stars, using the North Star for reference. They’re named for their striking color.

F. These animals use echolocation (sounds echoing off objects) to create a mental map of their area, find food, and recognize friends in the dark.

Images: krugli, CreativeNature_nl, JEROMEGAN, Helen Davies, Craig Lambert, hstiver, Nautilus Creative, all via Getty Answers on page 28 [Page 28]

COSMO’S CORNER

Find Cosmo the Chameleon’s clues throughout the magazine.

HOW ARE YOU SO GOOD AT EXPRESSING YOURSELF?

I UNLOCK MY TRUE FEELINGS!

ACROSS

2. There are many similarities among religions, such as prayer, fasting, and treating others _____. (p. 7)

4. Your soul is your _____ inner self. (p. 2)

7. Virtues like honesty and kindness are _____ and can have a powerful impact. (p. 3)

8. Chester Kahn designed a round log building known as a prayer _____. (p. 26)

10. Anis, Azizeh, and Phil are all filled with awe by the _____. (pp. 16–18)

11. Moths use light from the _____ to navigate. (p. 7)

12. We can tune into our spirits to navigate _____. (p. 27)

14. Consultation includes keeping your cool, asking questions, and not being too attached to your own _____. (p. 19)

16. Our _____ change and grow as we learn. (p. 6)

DOWN

1. When you’re stressed, gazing at the _____ as you breathe deeply may help you calm down. (p. 12)

3. Time in _____ can ease anxiety, boost happiness, and strengthen your connection to the world around you. (p. 29)

5. Eloise and Sanna both like to play the _____. (pp. 16–18)

6. A _____ is a circular design often used for meditation. (p. 8)

8. Lots of creatures can find their way _____ over thousands of miles. (p. 27)

9. Farzin Amzajerdian says to overcome the world’s challenges, the solution can only be _____. (p. 23)

13. NASA astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir made the _____ all-woman spacewalk. (p. 20)

15. At a repair cafe people help each other _____ broken items. (p. 10)

FROM OUR MAILBOX

[Brilliant Star] makes me feel happy. It is a fun magazine full of prayers and fun activities. I also really like Lightning and Luna. I have learned about Bahá’í followers and about Manifestations of God . . . [For a theme] I would like it to be about helping and supporting the Faith.

— Daniel S., age 12, California, U.S.

ANSWERS

KEY: T=Top, C=Center, B=Bottom, L=Left, R=Right

Page 3: Scroll at CR, cape at CL, fruit at far TR, horn at C, crown at BL, wand at TR, flask at BR, orb at TL, lantern at CL

Page 7: 1) curious, 2) explore, 3) humble, 4) listen, 5) learning, 6) respect, 7) service, 8) prayer, 9) unity.

Page 10: 1) Believing, wonders; 2) Sincere, friends; 3) Grateful, thankful; 4) Optimistic, positive; 5) Fair, donate; 6) Patient, Earth; 7) Balanced, creative; 8) Trusting, confidence; 9) Responsible, mindful

Page 11: Venice, Italy; Jaguar

Page 13: C at CL, F at TL, G at far TR, H at BC, L at CR, P at BC, R at BL, W at TL, Y at TR.

“Your souls are as waves on the sea of the spirit; although each individual is a distinct wave, the ocean is one, all are united in God.”

Page 19: “The heart is like a box, and language is the key. Only by using the key can we open the box and observe the gems it contains.”

Pages 20–21: B) Extravehicular Activity (EVA); D) All of the Above

Page 25: A) 6, B) 5, C) 7, D) 4, E) 3, F) 8, G) 1, H) 2; 1, 2, 3, 8 don’t have complex eyes.

Page 27: A) 4, B) 6, C) 5, D) 2, E) 1, F) 3

Page 29: Cats at TC, TR, CR, BC, CL, C [Page 29]

PEACEFUL PATHS

With colorful koi fish, flourishing greenery, and trickling streams, a Japanese garden is a peaceful place to soothe your soul. These meditative spaces are rooted in the love of nature that’s part of Japanese culture. Often, water, rocks, and plants are carefully arranged in harmony with each other. Water may embody reflection and the flow of life. Rocks can represent stability or symbolize landforms, like mountains and islands. From stepping stones to cherry trees, each element in the garden is thoughtfully placed to encourage relaxation and contemplation.

Did you know that time in nature can ease anxiety, boost happiness, and strengthen your connection to the world around you? It can also speed up healing and lengthen your life!

Take a quiet stroll outside and focus on happy memories, or soak up the sights, sounds, and scents. Mindfulness and fresh air can help you smoothly navigate your path in life.

In this maze inspired by Japanese gardens, guide the friends to the Pavilion of Peace.

FIND SIX CALM CATS IN THE GARDEN!

START

END [Page 30]“The doors of the Kingdom are opened. The lights of the Sun of Truth are shining . . . Strive with all the power of your souls, your deeds, actions and words to assist the spread of these glad tidings . . .” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Brilliant Star Power of Your Soul • Vol. 53 No. 3 AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES

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