Perspective With Parkinson's & Using Our Imagination To Feel Good

What do I mean to use our imagination to feel good with Parkinson's? This brilliant essay in the New York Times by Italian physicist Carlo Rovelli that I came across last night (thanks to insomnia) gives one very good answer to that question.
In a time of global darkness and uncertainty this essay brought light by sharing historical thinking from the ancient world to Einstein, to today. Ways for us to rethink our current reality, the limits of what we know, and for me to push my thinking/perspectives about Parkinson's and ways of not letting the challenges get the best of me.
** Heather reading Carl Sagan **
• May 21, 2023
The Secret to Unlocking one of the Universe's Greatest Mysteries
By Carlo Rovelli
Mr. Rovelli is an Italian physicist and the author of the upcoming book “White Holes,” from which this essay is adapted.
www.nytimes.com/2023/10/16/op...

[@anthonylawlor2904]

THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO, Jenn!!! Imagination has played a major role in my life before and after being diagnosed with Parkinson's. Working as an architect for forty years I saw how every detail in our human made surroundings began as a spark of imagination that shaped wood, stone, glass, etc. into houses, furniture, down to minute details. After I was diagnosed with Parkinson's i saw that my perceptual imagination influenced how I experienced of my symptoms. Imagining slower movements as good, bad or neutral didn't change the symptom, but it changed whether i experienced it as frustrating or pleasurable. There are many unspoken rules about how we are supposed to imagine our Parkinson's experience in relation to "normal" functioning. There is nothing stopping us from reimagining our experience in new and creative ways. I could go on about this, but will stop here.

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you for your comment that articulates so perfectly my intent sharing this essay, and what I was thinking..."There are many unspoken rules about how we are supposed to imagine our Parkinson's experience in relation to "normal" functioning. There is nothing stopping us from reimagining our experience in new and creative ways." Yes! Thank you sooooo much!! 🥰

[@anthonylawlor2904]

Living with Parkinson's, we are all in an ongoing creative dialogue sharing information and exploring possibilities. Thank you for giving us a place to gather in the Wiggles Project!

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

@@anthonylawlor2904 Thank you so much Anthony! 🥰

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

@@anthonylawlor2904 and feel free to go on when you have more to say :) I love what you have said. This disease forces us to explore the possibilities, find solutions and share. This dialogue and comments like yours are why I love making these videos, so...thank you!

[@anthonylawlor2904]

Thank you for inviting me to go on. I'll imagine about it some more and add the ideas that emerge later. @@ParkinsonsWigglesProject

[@2bluBruce]

I loved that. I often say to my fellow artists, imagination is the opposite of stagnation. Stagnant thinking is like a mud puddle | imaginative thinking is more like a clear running stream. You’re so right, with PD, perspective is fundamental to overcoming symptoms and enjoyment of life. Thanks again for these videos

[@alittlebitshaky]

I’ve always had a positive outlook on life. Pre PD it was unconscious. Post PD it’s been a deliberate campaign. Embracing things like the fact that I recognised I could consciously be positive, that happiness is a choice. The realisation there’s a freedom that comes along with being creative, the ability to swim in the ocean of ideas and thoughts, and never really be wrong. My PD life is far more challenging and difficult than anything I could have imagined, both physically and mentally but it also is far more intricate, thoughtful and beautiful.

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

I love this...."My PD life is far more challenging and difficult than anything I could have imagined, both physically and mentally but it also is far more intricate, thoughtful and beautiful." Mine too! ♥

[@LifewithParkinsons]

Seeing things from a new perspective is an excellent way to help deal with daily trials. Thanks!😀😀

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you David! I think so and I loved this comment which is like yours 🥰"After I was diagnosed with Parkinson's i saw that my perceptual imagination influenced how I experienced of my symptoms. Imagining slower movements as good, bad or neutral didn't change the symptom, but it changed whether i experienced it as frustrating or pleasurable. There are many unspoken rules about how we are supposed to imagine our Parkinson's experience in relation to "normal" functioning. There is nothing stopping us from reimagining our experience in new and creative ways."

[@SDWP]

Love your unique perspectives/topics. I'm glad you used the James Webb imagery. I find myself getting lost in those pics....wondering the possibilities of what's out there as well. I had one of those pics as my phone wallpaper recently. 🙂

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

The photos are mesmerizing and just breathtaking really....the mystery, the possibilities, the unbelievable infinite scale...is so easy to get lost in. Thank you! ♥

[@marjanhelder2718]

Its the middle of the night where i live and my parkinson is këeping me awake ! But there's always a light...your videos! And aa new ,inspiring one!! Thank you !!

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Awe, thank you!! I came across this inspiring essay during a night when I found it impossible to sleep. A silver lining to having insomnia? 🥰

[@scoop123456789]

WOW Jenn! That was better than the best sleep story I've listened to on the calm app!

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Ohhhhh! I got to buy that man's newest book, such a great writer and wonder to read ♥ Thank you!

[@DizzyRansmeier]

I have spent so much time obsessing over black holes, Jenn! I love that you chose this content to explore the power of perceptual shifts. Your voice and cadence lends warmth to the language. Thank you! And let’s talk black holes 🤓

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Yes let's talk about black holes! I have a lot to learn and I love your language..."perceptual shifts," "cadence" and "warmth." 🥰

[@brianemmons8960]

Great writings, great images!

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you ❤️

[@JeremyMcdonald]

I love this video! You always make us think about things in new and different ways! BTW, seeing the pictures of deep space remind me of some images I have seen of the human brain. Amazing!😍

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you Jeremy! And yes on the images and the parallel visuals to the human brain and our renderings of neural networks. I see it too! 🥰

[@chelinsc]

"We linger at the border of our knowledge." I'm headed down a rabbit hole with this thought. Thank you 😊

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

"Einstein wondered what he would see if he could ride a ray of light." I love rabbit holes 🥰 Thank you!

[@charleslobaido8403]

I love this video ❤

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you!!! I loved that article and still need get his book 🥰

[@jeffvickers9390]

Thought provoking as well as imagination stirring. Starting with the image of the woman in the clouds @4:35 and the image of the skeleton embrace at the end. For me like playing cloud spotting or picking out faces in the trees. Reminds me I’m a very mentally disturbed individual. 🤪 Thanks Jenn, your pieces are cathartic.

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

LOL!! So funny, I saw images in the images too 🤗 Thank you Jeff!

[@davidhughes5998]

Very interesting, thought provoking. Thanks David

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you 🥰