Text and photos by Prime Sarmiento
A lot of people were surprised that not only I decided to work in Brunei, but I was actually enjoying my life here.
To be honest, I never thought that things would work out.
I only brought two suitcases with me, thinking that I would only fulfill my three month working contract here, get the money and then leave. I was supposed to go to Hong Kong where I can improve my grasp of Mandarin, do more serious journalism, party, shop and use it as a base to travel. It never happened. Which again made me realize that there are a lot of things that are beyond my control and being open actually leads to a fulfilling and, if not happy, at least more meaningful life.
I believe it's this attitude, this kind of openness that allowed me to be a Gypsy Gal – at home anywhere, can live an interesting life even in a place which is supposed to be so quiet and boring that one will probably run out of things to do after staying here for a week.
Being open to possibilities stemmed from my decision to have a full inner life. A life which is not based on external stimulation – partying, drinking, hanging out with friends – but on finding joy in quiet and solitude.
Solitude is something that I naturally enjoy, being introverted at heart. But I think, there's also this conscious decision to have an inner life – an offshoot of having spent the last few years going through a lot pain, healing and transformation. That inner life has me exploring my spirituality – within and outside the boundaries of my religion.
I meditate and read my cards in front of the altar that I created, read a lot, write in my journal, learn to be grateful, learn more from the teachers that come my way. And then I go out, outside of my wonderful flat that sits beside a river and a view of a magnificent place of worship. I always consider it a blessing to wake up to a call to prayer.
Later, I will go out, in my sweats and t-shirt, to wander around while being amazed by the greenery that seems to surround the city.
Sometimes, I find myself talking with both old and new friends, savoring a cup of sweet and spicy teh tarik, and then I will say a silent prayer to give thanks for a life well lived.
