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 become 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 still 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.

Bradford Keeney in Shamanic Christianity