http://dyang.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://dyang.tigblog.org/post/449253
I stood in front of these photographs stunned. It took no effort on my behalf to understand the full meaning of these images and words; the essence of this child was captured in art like the aroma of a fragrant potion captured in a glass bottle. Seeing those images released the emotion and an ongoing narrative of an individual profoundly affected by HIV and AIDS.

In those precious moments, I understood more about HIV and AIDS than I did in four full days of plenary sessions, satellite meetings, skill building workshops, seminars, and symposiums. There is power in art and narrative. Participants in this International AIDS Conference may be overwhelmed with statistics, bar graphs, and powerpoint point presentations that numb our minds with numbers and paralyze our brains with complexity. To resist compassion fatigue, I encourage you to take a moment to listen to the voices of individuals sharing their stories and their vast wisdom in art.

Amidst the human congestion of 25,000 participants within an atmosphere of raw energy, blasting music, and a thousand activities hoping to steal a second of your attention, i encourage you to

pause.

Interact with art and the people that created it. Hopefully, like me, you'll learn something new. ]]> Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:19:00 EDT http://dyang.tigblog.org/post/449253 41.8500000 -87.650000041.8500000-87.6500000