*nods* I understand what you are saying. The thing is I am both a very deeply spiritual *and* very appreciative of science (especially in the realm of animal behavior and psychology).
So spiritually, I do understand and have faith that it is possible to know all I need to know to walk as Dire Wolf in this human life.
But the part of me that loves observing and learning animal behavior, that's the one that causes the most yearning. Since these two "parts" of me aren't really "parts", the mind-yearning has also caused some heart- and soul-yearning.
I know I don't *need* to physically look upon my kin and land to live my life. But I want to, and it can be hard to stop wanting.
It's not a huge, horrible thing that ruins my life, but it does and a quality of bittersweetness to my soul, I think.

Also, I would be most interested to read of your meeting with a marsupial lion, should the mood strike you to write it. *tail wags*