The “pulsating heartbeat” of each cycle
The impulse to learn through action is, of course, present among
the friends from the very start. The introduction of quarterly cycles of
activity capitalizes on this emerging capacity and allows it to be steadily
reinforced. Although this capacity is specifically associated with the
reflection and planning phase of a cycle, especially the reflection gathering
that regulates its pulsating heartbeat, it also comes to be exercised at all
other points of the cycle by those pursuing related lines of action. We note
that, as learning accelerates, the friends grow more capable of overcoming
setbacks, whether small or large—diagnosing their root causes, exploring the
underlying principles, bringing to bear relevant experience, identifying
remedial steps, and assessing progress, until the process of growth has been
fully reinvigorated. (The Universal
House of Justice, Dec. 29, 2015)
Unifying thought and action
Reflection meetings at the level of clusters have become a
powerful means of unifying thought and action across institutions and
localities; they have lent a potent stimulus to institutional and individual
initiatives in a mutually supportive spirit. (The Universal House of Justice,
Ridvan 2003)
Reaching a consensus on short-term goals
A natural vehicle for multiplying core activities has been
reflection meetings. These meetings at the cluster level have been particularly
effective in well-established areas where an expanding pool of human resources
exists. In such gatherings the institutions and the believers, many of whom are
involved in the institute process, study the relevant Five Year Plan documents,
share experiences, and consult on the achievements and strengths within the
cluster. Avoiding "grandiose and elaborate plans," [29] the friends
reach a consensus on short-term goals which reflect the pledges of individual
initiatives and collective actions that have emerged from the consultation.
These goals are generally incorporated into a calendar of activities that
becomes the framework for the subsequent two-to-three-month period. In many
clusters around the world, how to hold productive and enjoyable reflection
meetings has - - - become an important area for learning. (The International
Teaching Center, ‘Building Momentum’, 2003)
