Article June 2, 2003 Issue

Exposed to contagion? What you can do

By David Goldsmith

People here in Australia are worried about the spread of the SARS virus. There's also concern over the possibility that other contagious diseases could be used in our country for terrorist purposes. Government health officials are taking practical steps to guard against the spread of such diseases. And travelers are avoiding countries where the incidence of SARS is high. But there is a spiritual approach—something any of us can do—if we're exposed to contagion. And when I was a university student preparing for end-of-year exams, I was able to prove to myself that in the event of exposure to disease, a spiritual approach is a practical healing method.

Just prior to my taking final exams, my young niece came for a visit at my parents' home. She had been with us only a few days when she came down with chickenpox and had to be taken back home. Shortly after she had left, I developed symptoms of chickenpox.

The thought that I might not be able to attend my exams was devastating to me. During that year, I had studied health education as part of the requirement for earning my teaching diploma. The course had included a section on contagious diseases. I was aware of the medical concerns associated with an adult having this disease. My situation didn't look very hopeful—I really couldn't see any way out. Missing those exams could cause me to lose an entire year of study, and I had worked so conscientiously.