we're like fish out of the water--gasping for breath when we find ourselves on land instead of the deep ocean. we feel stress and anxiety because of the material world doesn't satisfy our longing for security. like fish struggling to survive on land, we find the struggle for existence burdensome and difficult. we're unhappy because we're not home. we're eternal beings trying to fit into a temporary dimension. yet, when we're called back to the cool confines of our real home, we object, question, argue and rebel. we rationalize: "I'm happy despite the confusion, drug addiction, diseases and broken relationships. why go into the ocean? great sages teach us: you can swim because you're a fish. its natural for you to be in the ocean. don't worry. your real home- the spiritual world, not the material realm- will bring you comfort. their message is found in the simple poem i read a couple of days ago:

we're spirit souls, like fish out of the water

we think our bodies are made of matter

we believe this world is our home

yet, we feel alone and out of place

if we seek our natural condition

we'll find peace and satisfaction

swim out there, dive into the ocean of love

then we'll find shelter in God's embrace

dear fish, stop struggling on land

place your heart and mind in God's hand