A positive living session was organised by DISHA in association with Soulbath Peace Foundation on December 2 at Varsha Hall, Deep Griha Society, Tadiwala Road.

Fifty-five people from DISHA Ramtekadi and Tadiwala Road and Sahara Aalhad participated in the session. The workshop was conducted by Dr. Shantu Thakurta SAHHEAL Healing Consultant & Head - SAHHEAL Learning Studios (SLS), India and Shubha Godbole - SAHHEAL Healing Consultant from Soulbath Peace Foundation.  The workshop focused on empowering PLHIV from within and moving out from any of the stigma patterns. During this process they aimed at helping the clients to move to an inward acceptance phase through meditation and self inquiry.

Initially, Dr. Shantu emphasized on the fact that PLHIV face a lot of stigma and discrimination from others. But before dealing with others, every PLHIV needs to stop discriminating against themselves from within. They need to understand that they can live with HIV with the help proper nutrition and medicines and support from friends and family. Shubha described in detail how stress affects the human body. She shared information on ways to reduce stress and taking control of one’s life.

Through out the session the resource personnel encouraged every participant to interact and ask their queries and discuss their worries. A series of exercises, interactive activities were organised in addition to some meditation techniques which the clients can practice in their daily lives. Avinash Chakranarayan, Team Leader, DISHA  said, “It was a fruitful session for the clients. We do understand that one session is not enough to change the mindset of people. So we will continue to have such sessions in future.”