In this intensified climate growth often accelerates. With nothing left to lose, risk takes on new meaning. Changes that seemed daunting before an HIV diagnosis seems like nothing compared to the prospect of dying without having done them. With old values falling away many of us have made what seems like erratic, extreme movements in search of happiness and spiritual meaning. Friends have left careers to run grief support groups.
Addicts get sober and become spokespersons.
Among those not infected but working closely with the community these changes have been equally inspiring. Disaster can be used to draw us nearer together, to inspire us to become authentic and to open our hearts and seek enlightenment. This has propelled me to change and confront what is difficult and in the way of my pursuit of growth and peace of mind. It is a daily learning process. A slow awakening aided by my interest in techniques like meditation.