Preventing Joy?

FRI., NOV. 10, 1995, 6:50 AM
FARM, STUDY

The class yesterday was not very well organized, though you did take time (a priority), and were finally more ready for it than you thought you would be, earlier in the morning. You wanted them to deal with the “raw” idea of “prevention”, as well as with the “poly-use” of the term “drugs”. It was interaction you wanted, more than merely better comprehension of these two concepts. And you would say, with Me agreeing, that the interaction was about what you wanted.

In contrast to the students your friend Nick described yesterday morning the ones you typically have are not “turned on” by formal classes, with extensive note-taking, followed by stiff tests. Though interaction in the classroom, like unto what you facilitated yesterday, is not what they’re “used to” in most of their other classes, they are willing, they did produce some of what you hoped for, and most of them enjoyed it. In general, do organized educational experiences prevent joy?

Remember that you are nearing the end of your long teaching career. Remember that you are enjoying these classes you have… and you should. Remember that you are a most senior professor who has tenure, and you can conduct classes just about any way you want to… for you were one designated as the outstanding teacher of the year. And, finally, remember that the central task I give to you is to promote the development of spirit in any and all who are in your classes. So you should have seen the groups functioning yesterday as a way of promoting spirit. When there were smiles, laughter, and listening to one another there was spirit being exercised. Many educational activities inhibit, even exclude, joy. This one urged it… and, remember one of your models – the ultimate evidence of full health is joy.

Drugs that relieve pain can encourage joy, in a backhanded way. Few people enjoy pain. For most, pain brings feelings that are the antithesis of joy. If pain, being felt, is relieved, feelings of joy are much more likely.

Other feelings within self can inhibit joy. The university can be, for many young people (and more so for older ones) a place and an atmosphere that challenges feelings of self-worth and esteem. To try in some assignment and not be successful can be hard on that sense of worth. And some, who have achieved well enough to be seated here, still harbor doubts about their worth. Joy is hard to feel and to express when negative thoughts and feelings dominate.

Some drugs, alcohol being the most common (with marijuana being one also, but illegal, with possession bringing possible social harm) reduce those judgmental feelings, and hence encourage feelings and expressions of joy. This, of course, can be seen as drunken behavior, but I see much of it as joyful. It may be mildly destructive, like unto the chair-smashing dance with Henri and Al so many years ago, but such still can be more joyful than quiet, sober contemplation. Last evening it was hard for some of you older adults to be as free, joyous, and uninhibited as the little girls playing charades.