Law of Attraction

In this day and age of spiritual complexities, how many times have we heard the phrase "I don't want to attract that to myself?" I've heard it far too many times for my taste. It is a "pat" answer that rears its ugly head in the most common of circumstances. Take the flu, for example. There is nothing spiritually damning about having the flu. One simply is exposed to the virus that causes one the misfortune of having the flu. Why must this become a cosmic event? Somehow this new-age formula for misfortune has emerged, and it feels more like a "rush to judgment."

I have been living with the AIDS virus for sixteen years. In that period of time I have examined myself on every level, from the helplessness of the initial diagnosis to the alleged salvation of protease inhibitors. Sixteen years is a long time and there has been more than a fair amount of spiritual searching. For that I am grateful. I doubt that the quest would have been as intense had I not had AIDS.

I have come to a rather difficult crossroad with the "law of attraction theory." Unless I was Hitler in my last life, there is nothing that I've done that has attracted AIDS to me. I believe it falls into the "Shit Happens" category, no more, no less. I now am in one of the many categories that people appear to need in order to feel that they are better than others. I'm in the category with those of us who were so confused as to "attract" the virus. Well, so some of the HIV negative people say. Was their behavior really any different than ours? I don't think so. We are all the same, it's just that some of us got tagged.

In the community of infected and affected women, there reside some of the bravest, most remarkable souls whose spirits soar among the heavens. Rather than rush to judgment, people need to stop and learn, don't try to make us feel shame.

My message to the fragile new-age gurus who feel they have power over all, is to take a large step, go deeper and start to appreciate those of us who have been faced with our own death, the death of loved ones, remarkable physical trials and tribulations, fear, abandonment, shame, isolation, the list goes on. Perhaps you could attract some of the bravery and humor of those you so callously rush to judge.

The above article and "Quotes" are intended to inspire others to send in stories or even just feelings about being judged by others, simply because of our disease. We also invite you to send in "Wacky Quotes" that people, who may or may not have known of your positive status, have said in your presence. Please send your comments for publication to "Quotes" 1566 S. Burnside Av. LA, Ca. 90019.

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