- HIV/AIDS MEDICINE WHEEL - EAST
The EAST represents a new beginning. Each morning the sun rises in the East, bringing forth a new day. This is a time of newness, rebirth, and creativity.
The East represents THE CHILD.... a time of innocence, joy, laughter and questions. This is the place of spiritual growth and vision.... a time to learn.
Just look into the eyes of a child as she or he discovers things encountered for the first time. The amazement, wonder and curiosity are too often forgotten too soon.
It is believed amongst the First Nations that our children are our future.....our greatest asset.
When a baby cries, we attempt to fulfill their needs, be it by changing their diapers, feeding them, singing to them, rocking them, playing with them. As a child gets older, we tend to be less patient with them, telling them to wait until we are less busy before we can give them attention.
Often their basic needs are ignored due to their parents busy work schedules, other responsibilities, alcoholism or abuse in the home. Somehow, this child's innocence is forgotten. Their cries become annoying.
Instead of rejoicing in a new word they learned that day, parents learn to ignore them. It is at this stage that children learn which of their needs will be met later on in life, and which will not be met by those they love and need.
All children are born with wisdom.
The Totem often identified with the East is the Eagle. The Eagle is a symbol of great power. It the messenger to the Great Spirit. It flies higher than any other bird and it sees and hears with great clarity. It is associated with far-sightedness and the ability to look ahead. They are in the world, but not of it. The eagle is often represented in First Nations culture as the Thunderbird.
Our Elders and our Teachers tell us that our children are our GREATEST teachers, if only we take the time to stop and listen.
THE CHILD (EAST) STAGE OF HIV/AIDS:
This is often the most dangerous stage of HIV infection because the person infected may not yet know they are carrying this deadly virus, and capable of passing it on to others.
For many, it is months and often YEARS before they develop any symptoms. They go about their lives, living in the way they have grown accustomed to.
Perhaps, as in John's case, they rarely eat nutritious meals, like to party and are of the impression they will live forever.
In the case of loved ones, such as John's family,********have NO IDEA that their lives will soon be changed forever. is the furthest thing from their minds. Denial that it could strike someone in THEIR family is very strong.
Remote controls get flicked whenever a Public Service Announcement about HIV/AIDS comes on tv.
John and his family have NO IDEA that their lives will soon be changed forever.
This stage ends the MOMENT a person learns they are HIV+, the moment a family discovers a loved one is infected.
"SOUTH"
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CHILDREN