HIV had kept me locked in fear for over a decade, constantly worrying about stigma and judgement. But I reminded myself of everything I had learned through yoga, meditation, and mindfulness: Stay present.
Aunty Lou's House's blog
In the hustle and bustle of life, taking time off to rest and recuperate often feels like an afterthought. Recently, I decided to step away from my daily routine and allow myself some much-needed downtime.
I am very proud to be delivering a workshop at AIDS 2024, the International AIDS Conference in Munich, about mindfulness, stress reduction and emotional balance.
This garden, created by award-winning designer Matthew Childs, serves as a powerful symbol of the progress made in the fight against HIV since the 1980s.
Discovering my HIV diagnosis was an unexpected turn that reshaped my life's trajectory.
Yoga played a transformative role in helping me come to terms with my HIV diagnosis and regain control of my life. Before embracing yoga, I was a very heavy drinker. In fact I was a functioning alcoholic. I worked hard and played hard. Heavy drinking (and smoking) was a misguided way to cope with the emotional weight of HIV. However, the practice of yoga introduced me to a profound sense of discipline and focus that proved to be a game-changer. While many people perceive yoga primarily as a physical exercise, it is a holistic system that encompasses a range of aspects, each contributing to...
HIV can teach us many things. Once you find out you have HIV, it will be a lifelong journey of medication. Along with medication, there are other ways we can live well with HIV. I talk to Bridgette from The Well Project about her experience. Living well with HIV involves a combination of medical care, healthy lifestyle choices, and emotional support. Seek medical care: Regular medical care is crucial for managing HIV. Find a healthcare provider with experience in treating HIV/AIDS, and follow their recommendations for medication, lab tests, and check-ups. Adhere to antiretroviral therapy (ART)...
It took me a while to realise that the judgment I felt came from within. I understand that I can only take responsibility for how I feel and my emotions.
In this chat I talk to Yvonne about HIV medication and the meaning of wellness. When I first got diagnosed, I had to navigate my way around what wellness actually meant. Once I established a routine for taking my medication, I set about exploring wellness. My journey took me to train as a yoga teacher. I studied reiki, chakra energy healing, vegan nutrition, meditation, silent retreats, therapy and more. After ten years of training and learning, I am now in the process of packaging what I have learned into an online course, which will be aimed at professional, creative and ambitious people...
I started Aunty Lou's Hour to: (a) support people living with HIV who feel lonely; and (b) do what I can to reduce stigma associated with HIV.