Around the world in 8 dollars

I had 1 lakh in my account and 3 lakhs in a fixed deposit when I rented an apartment and started living independently. That 1 lakh was a great moral support. The situation got better after six months when I started earning a little; I gradually saved 2 lakhs.

I rented a better apartment. And my moral support shifted from 1 lakh to 2 lakhs.

The moment savings fall from 2 lakhs, so does my heart. I laughed at myself, thinking earlier 1 lakh was enough to satisfy my mind, and now 2 lakhs is not enough.

Past experiences remind me to see my fear more clearly and also give me courage and reassurance.

When I was 23, I decided to learn Bharatanatyam dance. I left my well-paid job and joined Kendra. The only problem was paying the dance fees, and I had no savings.

The dance fees had to be paid every two months. I decided to manage it by myself. I thought of teaching computers, and soon I got one student. The money covered the exact amount of my dance fees. I thought it would be a more relaxed situation if I managed to get one more student.

But it did not happen. My aunt used to give Rs.200 every month, which covered my scooty petrol expenses and other small needs. I was happy and satisfied.

After a month, I started worrying about the next fee submission. What if I don’t manage to get another student? How will I pay my dance fees? I was anxious and fearful. There was constant stress and tension at the back of my mind. But there was no sign of help.

When I was close to the fee submission deadline, a computer student suddenly turned up. I thought it was just a coincidence. I paid my fees and continued learning. But again, after one month, I was back to square one, with tension and fear for the next submission.

Again, before submission, a new student came. I wondered – if God wants to help me why does he wait until the deadline? Why can’t he send the student earlier so I don’t get tense? And why doesn’t he send two students together so I can be more relaxed about money?

So it happened: next month, a new student came right at the beginning of the month. But he was not in a position to pay the fee, and I could not ask him. In the back of my mind, I was worried about submitting my fee. Two days later, another student came, and I paid my dance fees.

This magic was no longer a coincidence. It continued happening every time for three consecutive years.

I realized that God wants me to identify my fear in times of delay; to be aware of it and observe my fear, anxiety, and restless mind. Also, I learned that when I give 100% to my job and relationships, God takes care of my future.

Every time in life, at every step, the magic continued. Faith and trust did not come to me by reading any books, listening to lectures, or pushing myself to think positively. It was through my own hard, repeated experiences in life.

I feel like traveling the world for 8 dollars. I enjoy this journey without the burden of wealth or property. I am kind of loving this magical experience, seeing how things work every time.