N. Wayne Gowdy
N. Wayne Gowdy
I'm fond of telling people, "Everything happens when it's supposed to" -
something I came to know through reading The Celestine Prophesy.
At this writing, I am roughly 23 years post-infection (pinpointed by my physicians as having occurred in 1981, from medical records kept at that time). I didn't begin to manifest clinical symptoms of my HIV illness until late 1987, when several conditions arose all at once. Quick, informed medical intervention helped me over those primary hurdles, but it was a fight most of the time since then. My primary diagnosis was changed to AIDS in 1990. Although I continued to work until January 1992, my work became sub-standard, and I was often either sick at home or hospitalized for one thing or another. I decided to accept my disability retirement option.
During this critical period, I became briefly homeless and went broke. I had to seek assistance in order to access a welfare system I was ignorant of. After getting involved with a local AIDS service organization, I was able to find placement in an SRO (single room occupancy), which I shared with about 20 other people, all of whom had some sort of illness or medical condition. It was nearly a year before I qualified for a slot in a newly-renovated home in Danbury which was to serve as a congregate setting for PLWA's who also had substance abuse or mental health issues.
In 1993, under their auspices, I found sobriety, simultaneously undergoing
what I term my "spiritual awakening." The moment of the occurrence
is etched forever in my mind. None of my achievements since then
would have been possible if I had not come to that particular point in
the road and chosen this direction. I embarked on a regimen of
alternative
and natural approaches to combat the effects of the virus and of my
medications. Actually, I was rediscovering holistic medicine, and in
the process was introduced to some extraordinary people who are very gifted
in the healing arts.
A massage therapist helped me greatly with bodywork. In the few areas
where she could not necessarily effect change, she referred me to
a wonderful chiropractor. Both of these people were willing to work with
me on a sliding-scale basis, otherwise I'd never have been able to afford
to see them and benefit from their talents. Soon they were complemented by the
graceful art of Reiki,
an ancient and venerable eastern healing art, channeled
by a wonderful person
whom I now consider my "chief angel." After much experience
with her, I chose to receive the training and attunements
of Reiki myself, in order
to be able to personally share this gift with others, just as I had been helped.
I have now attained the Mastery level in Usui Reiki.
Despite significant neurological problems which affected my short term memory, I secured American Red Cross certification as an HIV/AIDS educator. I maintained that certification for several years by giving presentations and by periodically taking refresher courses. I also began reading a cutting-edge publications which have kept me up-to-date on the latest developments in AIDS research, HIV prevention, and epidemiology. I gave many presentations to schools and other organizations on behalf of the Red Cross, and some other non-profit, community-based and national organizations whose work I believe in and am willing to support.
Those other affiliations include:
In September of 2002, a new set of health issues erupted whose cause has yet to be determined. The symptoms have severely hampered my ability to participate in most of my educational presentations, my board work, and my work with the CPG. When and if things improve, I intend to resume most of these activities.
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Last updated November 1, 2003