"The literature of mystical or spiritual experience continually reminds us that the origin of the word 'spirit' is closer to that of a high-spirited child, or a spirited horse, than it is to any kind of anaemic piety. First and foremost, 'spiritual' means bursting with exuberant life. There is also that strong sense of belonging:...

"A big part of growing up, for everyone, involves exploring what it is that makes us feel not only alive and present, but also competent and respected. With luck, we find passions that are legal and worthwhile, and may be spun upward into hobbies and vocations, rather than downward into self-destruction. These don't have to...