“If newcomers could see no joy or fun in our existence, they wouldn’t want it. We absolutely insist on enjoying life. We try not to indulge in cynicism over the state of the nations, nor do we carry the world’s troubles on our shoulders. When we see a man sinking into the mire that is alcoholism, we give him first aid and place what we have at his disposal. For his sake, we do recount and almost relive the horrors of our past. But those of us who have tried to shoulder the entire burden and trouble of others find we are soon overcome by them.” (Chapter 9, Big Book)
In a Heinrich Böll story, a character copes by re-enacting the whole domestic charade of Christmas Eve, daily, even into high summer, roping everyone into it. This is the “Tannenbaumtherapie” (‘Christmas tree therapy’). Another family develops, in response to this, “Spekulatiustrauma” (Spekulatius being a particular, German festive biscuit).
Whatever is going on in my life or in the world, it is fatal to the cause to be so serious I cannot enjoy what is there to be enjoyed, and whatever works, works. It need not be conventional; it might even seem absurd or escapist: no matter. There is a natural limit, however, and there is a point at which engagement in higher matters or unworldly matters becomes pathological, with deleterious effects on me and others.
What is required is not a denial of reality but a combination of active engagement (in a practical sense) but rising above spiritually.
“... but that our feet ought to be firmly planted on earth. That is where our fellow travelers are, and that is where our work must be done. These are the realities for us. We have found nothing incompatible between a powerful spiritual experience and a life of sane and happy usefulness.” (Chapter 9, Big Book)