Just to say this plainly: human beings can never be made happy by the material world. We are spiritual beings and can be emotionally healthy only when we are in touch with a higher world. We need higher forces just as we need air. This is not abstract philosophy, it is a description of our nature. But it requires constant work to stay in touch with

As the song “I Can See Clearly Now” (written by Johnny Nash) says, “I can see clearly now, the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way. Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind.” The ventral vagal state is hopeful and resourceful. We can live, love, and laugh by ourselves and with others. This is not a place where everything is wonderful

Eventually we may reach the point where every moment of sadness is no longer experienced as a whole life that’s going badly—but just as a moment that feels sad.