The Ocean

I had a dream that I was in the ocean. I often have these dreams, but usually the waves are overpowering. I enjoy it when they are overpowering, and I am always able to handle them. This dream was the first time the ocean was different, I feel like it has something to do with the oil spill; or perhaps that in relation as a macroscopic symbol in the world of my current emotions. The water was very dirty. I was walking around in it trying to find a spot that didn't have a lot of trash and black sludgy seaweed. Everyone else seemed to be enjoying it. I wasn't catching any waves like the others. It seemed pointless to be there.

But in all the trash there was this beautiful little snail shell that shined from the ocean floor. When I went to pick it up I realized it still had a snail in it, and this made me even more delighted. I thought about that snail, and how it was a life, just clinging on to a little rock. And there is a part that I wrote in my story "The Human and the Universe," about snails and their shells. I think that the dream means I've been preoccupied with appearances, superficiality, and have not been paying attention to my inner self, and who I really am, and what I really want. This is what the ocean means according to dreammoods.com:

Ocean
To see an ocean in your dream, represents the state of your emotions and feelings. It is indicative of spiritual refreshment, tranquility and renewal. Alternatively, the dream means that you are feeling empowered and unhindered. You have a positive outlook in life and are not limited by anything. If you are sailing across the ocean, then it signifies new found freedom and independence. You are showing great courage. If the ocean is rough, then the dream represents some emotional turmoil. You are doing your best to handle life's ups and downs.

This is what trash means:

garbage indicates that you are not taking responsibility for something.
To see piles of garbage in your dream, represent rejected or unwanted aspects of yourself.
To find something valuable in the garbage, suggests that you can find value in the least expected of places. Do not undervalue or underestimate things. The dream may also be telling you that one man's trash is another man's treasure. Perhaps you need to view things from a different perspective.

Before I went to bed, I asked the Universe (my version of what others call God) to send me a sign on where I need to go, and what I need to be doing. I think it's asking me to start changing my mind and my outlook first and foremost.