Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
In the midst of a growing epidemic HIV continues as a threat that has crossed every cultural, socioeconomic, and political barrier and boundary, tearing through the very fabric of our nation and our world. But our response has been one marked by panic and dismay, fueled by denial and fear, and defined by stigma and discrimination. Advancements in fighting HIV disease can really be measured only through our ability to heal our communities from the inside out'but our healing process is impaired. Endless frontline battles have been waged to further research and pharmaceutical developments over the years. But one piece that has been missing'a piece that provides the healing element of a nontraditional approach'is spirituality. The very term often unnerves conventional medical practitioners. Too few open the dialogue with their patient population about mind, body, and spirit. Yet people who are living with HIV are increasingly becoming interested in pursuing the strengthening of their inner spirit, their oneness, and one's deepest self. Prevention too needs a spiritual foundation in order to save our communities. The core of HIV prevention work is people joining together in a time of great need. It is the oneness in our hearts that allows us to fully recognize HIV's devastation and to remove the blinding denial that continues to fuel the disease's spread. If we do not find and foster this spiritual connection with each other, we will lose much more than we already have. A great spiritual teacher, Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati, taught me the lesson that pain sticks to pain'but that joy sticks to joy. Ma's teachings center on the breath'simply breathing in and out, being aware of every moment. The breath itself becomes a spiritual pathway of healing, of eliminating pain. Many who live each day with the struggle of managing HIV disease experience overwhelming pain, both physical and psychological. Through a spiritual approach, this pain can be stripped away layer by layer. This also holds true for family members, friends, and loved ones who face the difficult effects that HIV and AIDS levy. A great many people who live with HIV disease also face a deep spiritual crisis. Feelings of guilt, shame, and fear too often lead to isolation and to social stigmas that create isolation. Embracing spirituality begins the process of healing oneself from the inside out, shedding the loss one may experience because of a positive diagnosis or in learning of a loved one's diagnosis. Further, the anguishing pain of providing care for a loved one is lightened through a spiritual embrace. In order to move forward, to strip the layers of pain away, to find clarity and peace, this healing process must begin. It brings great comfort and consolation when the pain seems overwhelming. Too often we meet the madness of the medicines, the endless clinical appointments, and the painful realizations void of a spiritual embrace. Spirituality helps to make sense out of this madness and to maintain awareness and clarity. Where should our spiritual journeys take us? Simply put, they take us home to where, proverbially, the heart is. Spirituality opens our heart. The pathway to healing begins there. Spiritual growth brings mindfulness; mindfulness brings awareness; awareness is the key to healing. It is the breath inside of the breath. Cohen is president of the North Miami, Fla.'based United Foundation for AIDS, an organization that provides a range of HIV prevention, education, advocacy, and social services.
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
The science behind U=U has been liberating people with HIV for years
June 04 2024 3:31 PM
Why activist Raif Derrazi thinks his HIV diagnosis is a gift
September 17 2024 12:00 PM
How fitness coach Tyriek Taylor reclaims his power from HIV with self-commitment
September 19 2024 12:00 PM
Exclusive: We kiki with Q from 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
June 24 2024 11:37 AM
The freedom of disclosure: David Anzuelo's journey through HIV, art, and advocacy
August 02 2024 12:21 PM
Out100 Honoree Tony Valenzuela thanks queer and trans communities for support in his HIV journey
September 18 2024 12:00 PM
Activist and philanthropist Bruce Bastian dies at 76
June 26 2024 1:28 PM
Creator and host Karl Schmid fights HIV stigma with knowledge
September 12 2024 12:03 PM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
Climate change is disrupting access to HIV treatment
November 25 2024 11:05 AM
California confirms first case of even more deadly mpox strain
November 18 2024 3:02 PM
Post-election blues? Some advice from mental health experts
November 08 2024 12:36 PM
Check out our 2024 year-end issue!
October 28 2024 2:08 PM
Meet our Health Hero of the Year, Armonté Butler
October 21 2024 12:53 PM
AIDS/LifeCycle is ending after more than 30 years
October 17 2024 12:40 PM
Twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir, an HIV-prevention drug, reduces risk by 96%
October 15 2024 5:03 PM
Kentucky bans conversion therapy for youth as Gov. Andy Beshear signs 'monumental' order
September 18 2024 11:13 AM
Study finds use of puberty blockers safe and reversible, countering anti-trans accusations
September 11 2024 1:11 PM
Latinx health tips / Consejos de salud para latinos (in English & en espanol)
September 10 2024 4:29 PM
The Trevor Project receives $5M grant to support LGBTQ+ youth mental health in rural Midwest (exclusive)
September 03 2024 9:30 AM
Introducing 'Health PLUS Wellness': The Latinx Issue!
August 30 2024 3:06 PM
La ciencia detrás de U=U ha estado liberando a las personas con VIH durante años
August 23 2024 2:48 PM
Tratamiento y prevención del VIH por inyección: Todo lo que necesita saber
August 23 2024 2:41 PM
Sr. Gay World quiere asegurarse de que estés bien
August 23 2024 2:30 PM
Eureka is taking a break from competing on 'Drag Race' following 'CVTW' elimination
August 20 2024 12:21 PM
With a new case in Sweden, what is the new mpox outbreak and should you be concerned?
August 15 2024 4:48 PM
From ‘The Real World’ to real life: How Danny Roberts thrives with HIV
July 31 2024 5:23 PM