Divine Providence

It is amazing how the Universe sometimes grants our desires by giving us exactly what we ask for.

Three years ago, I was just contemplating on working in Saudi Arabia because based on what I've heard, there's really nothing to do in Saudi except work, sleep and eat. Then a yoga student/friend of mine informed me about her friend who teaches physical education in Riyadh and was in Manila at that time to interview interested applicants.

I got interviewed and 5 months later, I was enjoying the business class service of Saudi Arabian Airlines direct flight from Manila to Riyadh. No, the University didn't give me a business class ticket. The airline overbooked and I checked in just in time when they ran out of economy seats. I had a confirmed booking so they upgraded me to business class.

"Cool. This is a good start." I thought to myself.

My goals were clear: Pay off my credit card bills (I had a total debt of about 1200usd. Not that much one might say, but if one earns 300usd/month, paying off 12 hundred dollars is difficult in the Philippines); save money so I could take a formal training course in yoga and go to India; and bring my brother to Hong Kong Disneyland.

The first goal was fulfilled in just 3 months of working in the Kingdom. The 1^st half of the 2^nd goal was realized last year when I took the training intensive at Yoga Thailand and the 2^nd half will be realized this coming July. The 3^rd goal will be realized in 2009 as my sister (who is now working as a physical therapist in the US) and I decided that we need to save a little bit more. A yoga friend I met at YT suggested a fundraiser. It is something to consider but I think we can save for it.

Meanwhile, the Universe keeps on providing for my needs. After the training last year, opportunities were being opened and the possibilities become endless.

I have been looking at some of the programs at the Kaivalyadham Yoga Institute so when the schedule for the pranayama intensive came out earlier this year, I thought, "Perfect!". I really don't have anything to do until the end of this year so maybe I ought to do this intensive course on the Sacred Breath.

One problem though and always a problem for the working class Pinoys (this, of course, is a personal opinion), I don't have extra cash. I'm not claiming to be an enlightened soul or saint whose mind is always on the Divine, but hey, the Cosmic Hands opened doors for me. Extra teaching opportunities came up and thanks to my Aussie boss, I earned enough dosh to pay for my Bangkok-Mumbai return ticket this November just by doing 6 hours worth of fitness consultation and assessment. (Forgive me for my ignorance, but I still can't believe people can actually earn $100 per hour. Crazy but that was already 1/3 my salary back in UP.)

So, 7 more weeks and I'll be saying, "Ma'salam Riyadh!"

If the mind is focused and sincere, the Universe shall grant whatever it is that the mind wishes for.

As Krishna told Arjuna (Bhagavad Gita IX:22), "…I provide everything for the person who wants me above everything else, and constantly thinks of me. I add to what he already has and comfort him with absolute security."

For this, I am eternally grateful.