"It is natural to feel sad sometimes. Sadness is a cleanser, a clearing, a healthy rain needed in every emotional climate. . . . The sacred clowns and tricksters of other cultures set no limit on how they enact the contraries of life. At a joyous situation they will cry and at a sad situation they will laugh. In stretching those contraries, greater truths and possibilities for transformation are more likely to occur. . . .
"Popular culture sings, 'Don't worry, be happy. Don't be sad, be happy.' This is often ineffective because saying no to that which is present may paradoxically strengthen its presence. The shaman says 'Worry and thereby be happy. Be sad and thereby become happy.' The way out is through getting further in, playing, and setting the stage for transformation.
"Don't be sad about your sadness. Be happy about it and play with it. Yes, at first, you will be sad, but you will be happy with how you are with your sadness. This, in turn, creates an opening for anything to take place, including a spiritual giggle followed by an earthy belly laugh."
