In professional coaching engagements, clients often have to navigate through a myriad of career and life choices which can be both energizing and at the same time draining. Recently, I came across a gem of a book called The Song of a Bird (1983) by Anthony de Mello, one of the great Jesuit spiritual writers of the 20th century. One of my favorite stories in the book is The Parable of the Little Fish.
The story centers on a little fish who is in search of this wonderful thing he had heard so much about called The Ocean which was vast, beautiful and full of adventure. The little fish kept searching and searching but to no avail. He became increasingly frustrated because he couldn’t find The Ocean anywhere he looked. The little fish finally mustered up enough courage to approach an older and bigger fish to ask for help. “Excuse me sir”, said the little fish. “You are older than I, so can you tell me where to find this thing called The Ocean?” “Why little fish”, said the older fish, “The Ocean is where you and I are and what you are swimming in right now; it is all around you.” “Oh no”, said the little fish who was deeply disappointed, “this is the water and there’s nothing special about it at all. What I am looking for is The Ocean!” So the little fish swam away to search elsewhere.
Besides de Mello’s inspiring spiritual message that God can be found in all people and in all things, the parable serves as a timely reminder that often in our everyday life, the choices we make and the very things that we are looking for are literally right in front of us; all we really have to do is just LOOK and we shall find.
Enjoy The Parable of the Little Fish and good luck in finding your Ocean! Blessings to all, Dr. K
