I read the question/comment from the man who was raped/abused and HIV infected. I too became HIV infected after being raped by a man who had AIDS (about 5 yewars ago), and was abused sexually for many years as a child. But I have turned that around to make positive changes in my life and not stay stuck in the past. With the help of a wonderful counselor, a strong spiritual director and the strength and support of my friends, I have become stronger emotionally and spiritually. Because of the emotional and spiritual strength that I have garnered, physically I am now doing well (relatively stable t-cell count, etc.). But when I allowed the anger, rage, and denial to control my life my health was affected. I cannot afford to do that. And I don't want to do that. I have chosen to live and I will do what it takes for that to happen. I have recently started on one of the triple cocktails in the hope that I can use whatever technology is available to prolong my life, and keep the HIV disease from progressing. Sorry to ramble on, but I sometimes get tired of reading all the negatives! There can be a positive side to all this! My question is this: To help with the triple cocktail side effects (primarily lack of energy and insomnia) I have recetnly started exploring some Taoist philosophies and practing some basic Tai Chi meditation, etc. As a Christian (Episcopalian), it is sometimes hard for me to "mesh" the two -- Christianity and Eastern Philosophies. The more I get into some of the "alternative" philosophies, the more I find that they meet my spiritual needs. I don't want to give up my church, the fellowship and support is especially important to me. Are other people (with or without HIV) able to combine both types of spirituality? I know it doesn't have to be an either/or situation. My spiritual director is currently on sabbatical, so I can't ask her! Thanks for any insight you can offer. I appreciate that you emphasize the necessity of spiritual support when dealing with HIV. So many prefessionals ignore that aspect of recovery.

I have known a number of people who combine Christianity and Eastern Philosophies. While it is true that there are some notable differences, I believe there is a lot of value in some of the Eastern disciplines. I remember being at a Christian church conference in Miami, and seeing a number of Christian pastors out on the beach every morning, doing their Tai Chi.

Many of us who are Christian have adapted a variety of practices from the Eastern traditions into our practice of spirituality. When I was very sick with AIDS, I read books from different traditions, and pulled certain lessons from a number of them. I learned a lot about meditation from Eastern philosophies, for example. The author and teacher, Stephen Levine, blends Eastern and Western traditions quite effectively in his books, such as "Who Dies?" and "Healing Into Life and Death." In a sense, he "translates" Eastern philosophies into Western thought.

It's good to hear from someone who's taking such a positive approach to living with HIV. Keep up the faith and great attitude!