Any conversation that starts with a 'you're going to think I'm stupid, but...' is going to be good. I had a Japanese friend recently tell me that they had been going through a rough patch, and to get over it, she would put a pile of salt at the door to ward off the evil, and brush their shoulders every time they entered the house to, you know, brush off the evil.

I see nothing wrong with this, and I don't think it's stupid. Although it's not at all scientific and based solely on superstition, something humans invented, these simple acts are having a positive effect on my friend. She clearly stated that it was spiritual and not at all religious, so what's wrong with that?

We are all extremely lucky to be alive, I remind myself of this everyday even when I'm feeling down. And if believing in the invisible has the effect of pulling you out of a rut, I say go with it. Just don't push it on other people.