It was a quiet afternoon when Elena sat in front of her spiritual teacher, Master Ravi. She hesitated for a moment, then gathered the courage to speak.
“Master, I have a secret desire,” she confessed.
Master Ravi nodded gently, inviting her to continue.
“I want to lose weight,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Master Ravi studied her for a moment, his eyes filled with wisdom. “Do you mean that your body is too heavy?” he asked.
Elena exhaled, relieved that he understood. “Yes.”
A small, knowing smile played on Master Ravi’s lips. “Be careful, dear one, with your desires,” he said softly. “The universe listens closely, and it can be quite literal in fulfilling wishes. Suppose you were to get into an accident, break a leg, and suddenly lose ten kilograms. Would that be the way you wish to achieve your goal?”
Elena’s heart skipped a beat. The thought of suffering in exchange for weight loss had never crossed her mind. She shuddered. “No, Master, I don’t want to lose weight that way.”
Master Ravi nodded. “Then, my dear, think very carefully about what you truly want. Desires, when spoken without clarity, can manifest as unintended hardships. Instead of asking to lose weight, perhaps ask for a healthy and strong body. Instead of focusing on what you lack, focus on what you wish to gain.”
Elena sat in deep thought, realizing the profound truth in his words. She closed her eyes and reformed her wish. “Master, I desire to be healthy, strong, and full of energy.”
Master Ravi smiled. “Now that is a wish worth making.”
And from that day on, Elena chose her words—and her thoughts—more carefully, understanding that the universe was always listening.