1 result for (book:ecs1 AND heading:"esp class session april 8 1969" AND stemmed:joy)
[... 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.
Now, to prove to you that I am a good and hearty fellow and that I do not always wear a long disastrous face with a chin upon the floor, I will leave you and let you partake of your social discourse. And if you can be merry after this, then all the more power to you. And if you had more of a feeling of joy, you would look inward more easily and if you approached it as a child again, you would find some freedom.
[... 16 paragraphs ...]
Now I have said what I came here to say this evening. And you all know that there is fondness behind my severity. And you all know I would not huff and puff and blow your door in unless I gave proper warning—and I am giving proper warning! Now, there is joy in all this—and there is spontaneity—and you do not have to think in terms of walking into the inner self in a sack of ashes and crying repentance. If I had gold stars, I would paste one on his (Theodore’s) forehead—but then he would be the one who would have to go to the bank and explain the strange star and not I.
The reason and the origin and the joy of your existence is within you all. And if you let it speak, then indeed it can speak within you in a voice as loud and joyous as any I dare use within the confines of this room. My voice is turned up to show you once again that vitality and your search is not sorrowful and is not for repentance, but is a joyful—and ambitious—and lively thing—and that the energy within you flies through your own being as the birds fly though the sky. And indeed, even as my voice reverberates against the ceiling, be thankful that it does not bounce and fall down and break into rocks upon the floor.
[... 13 paragraphs ...]