This book offers personal testament, healing words, and wise instruction to help meet the suffering that comes with catastrophic life events. Speaking openly about his own struggles with memories of childhood sexual abuse and with the HIV+ diagnosis he received in 1989, Gavin Harrison reveals how the compassionate teachings of the Buddha and the practice of meditation offer refuge and help for all who suffer from similar crises of body, heart, and spirit. Among the topics covered are: dealing with fear, anger, and self-hatred working with difficult relationships confronting physical pain and the fear of death transforming the legacy of sexual abuse the question of karma and "Why me?" grappling with issues of faith, freedom, hope, and miracles basic insight meditation instructions, plus guided meditations for forgiveness, compassion, and equanimity Gavin Harrison was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. He began the practice of insight meditation in 1981 as a student of Joseph Goldstein and after working for many years as a financial consultant, he left his career in 1990 in order to teach the Dharma full time. Now living in Amherst, Massachusetts, Gavin leads meditation retreats and gives talks throughout New England and in South Africa.