1 result for (book:ecs1 AND heading:"esp class session april 8 1969" AND stemmed:lo)
[... 11 paragraphs ...]
Now, there is a tower of strength—but it is not outside yourself, but within yourself. And may I ask you (Brad) in all seriousness, dear friend, who—who do you think you are to refuse to use the strength which has been given to you. And why do you believe that the energy of the universe which flows through frog and tree—does not flow also through your own being—or to refuse to use this tremendous energy because you feel you are unworthy. Is a stone unworthy? For the sun falls upon the stone, and the stone does not say, “Lo and behold, I am a simple stone and not worthy for the sun to fall upon me.” And a flower does not say, “Lo and behold, I am one small flower. In a million universes, who am I that I should grow and develop?” It uses its abilities spontaneously and with joy. Then also, use your own, and accept the energy and strength that is available to you. One flower cannot ask another flower for the sunshine—for the other flower cannot give it. But the sun is there and it shines upon all flowers. Therefore, do not look to another for help—for the help is there and available for you to use. Avail yourself of it.
[... 8 paragraphs ...]
You are the flower that is telling itself not to grow. You can counter this—and to some extent your attendance in class does counter it. You can counter this by changing your attitude. Where is your courage? You are extremely courageous in the exterior environment. We take on racial problems—we deal with the weighty issues of our community. We tend to look boldly and courageously into the problems of our society—but lo and behold, what happens to our courage when we think of looking into ourselves. Now, you are not being intellectually honest by refusing to look into yourself. You are using your intellect instead as an excuse. You are saying, intellectually I will not operate in this particular area. You think you are saying, I am too intellectual to operate in this particular area—my intellect impedes my progress. Your intellect does not impede your progress, your attitude towards your intellect does. Your intellect can be used to examine your progress. It can be an aid and it can help you in your achievement. Your intellect is not afraid of the inner self. It will grow with you gladly and as a friend if you will allow it to do so. Pretend then that the inner self is another land—and that you are a tourist—and highly curious—that you are intellectually and intuitively curious—pretend that all this courage you use in your daily endeavors is an aid to help you find your way in this new and strange and wondrous environment. Imagine yourself using all the abilities, as you look inward, that you use daily in looking outward.
[... 23 paragraphs ...]