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	<title>About Parkinson's Disease &#187; Creativity and Parkinsons</title>
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	<description>Natural Healthy Concepts</description>
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		<title>Blossoming of Incredible Creativity Thanks to Parkinson&#8217;s</title>
		<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/blossoming-of-incredible-creativity-thanks-to-parkinsons</link>
		<comments>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/blossoming-of-incredible-creativity-thanks-to-parkinsons#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Sep 2011 03:10:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Creativity and Parkinsons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[electrostimulation therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Neuro Feedback]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/?p=4032</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[My name is Andrea and I live in Florida with my Mom. She was diagnosed with PD about 17 years ago. She&#8217;s still in a pretty good shape because she takes as little medication as possible and we tried different type of alternative therapies like stem cell injection in Mexico, electromagnetic brain stimulation in Hungary, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote><p><em>My name is Andrea and I live in Florida with my Mom. She was diagnosed with PD about 17 years ago. She&#8217;s still in a pretty good shape because she takes as little medication as possible and we tried different type of alternative therapies like stem cell injection in Mexico, electromagnetic brain stimulation in Hungary, taking Kapikacchu powder and vitamins. She boosts her immune system with fermented papaya powder (Osato USA) and she received glutathione injections for a while (Dr. Perlmutter).</em></p>
<p><em>The medication side effects caused us lots of trouble and cost lots of money.She&#8217;s definitely in better shape than 2 years ago.Thank you for you the next thing what we want to try the sound therapy by Sharry Edwards. [Sharry Edwards from Sound Health Options was featured as a guest on your <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery">radio show</a> last week]. </em></p>
<p><em>The reason I&#8217;m writing to you that you probably know where we can find electromagnetic brain stimulation in the US. It helped for about 3 months. I know the FDA approved it only for stress management, not for PD. But I heard that we still can find this treatment in the US. It&#8217;s probably not legal but we don&#8217;t really care. Do you have any information about it?</em></p>
<p><em>It must be true that people with PD are getting more artistic. My mom started doing shell crafts, mostly animals. Everybody&#8217;s saying around us that she&#8217;s really creative and talented. I put together a web site for her and an e-book (photo album). The website which displays her creative art work with shells is: <a href="http://www.shelladybug.com">http://www.shelladybug.com<br />
</a></em><br />
<em>I think this type of activity is really therapeutic and helps fighting against the PD. (Of course when she&#8217;s burning her fingers it&#8217;s not so much:)</em></p>
<p><em>I just signed up as a member on your web site [<a href="http://www.parkinsonsrecovery.org">http://www.parkinsonsrecovery.org</a>]. I think it&#8217;s great and I really hope my mom will take advantage of it.</em></p>
<p><em>Andrea</em></p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Response:</strong></p>
<p>Thanks so much for sending in the story about your Mom. You are certainly trying out some fascinating therapies. Sounds like her situation is improving every month. Hooray!</p>
<p>As for what you call electromagnetic stimulation, visit the following website for more information:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.theconnectedself.com">http://www.theconnectedself.com</a></p>
<p>I am not sure this is what you are asking about but Dr. Jaclyn Gisburne, Ph.D. has been using neuro-feedback with wonderful results. Her approach is noninvasive and natural. She uses a cutting edge form of neural feedback to challenge the brain to create new neural pathways. She also reports that early trauma has a profound impact on the symptoms.</p>
<p>The exciting positive side effect of Parkinson&#8217;s symptoms is a blossoming of incredible creativity. It is as if under used parts of the brain are suddenly activated. Thanks for sending us all the link to the <a href="http://www.shelladybug.com">website</a> which displays your Mom&#8217;s art work. I loved seeing the shell work and reading your story.</p>
<p>Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.<br />
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease<br />
<a href="http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me ">http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me </a></p>
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		<item>
		<title>Hidden Gift of Tremors</title>
		<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/hidden-gift-of-tremors</link>
		<comments>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/hidden-gift-of-tremors#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 03:08:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Creativity and Parkinsons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tremors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/?p=4004</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Many people who happen to currently experience the symptoms of Parkinson&#8217;s think of tremors as a problem and a nuisance. Recovery from Parkinson&#8217;s disease means that you have successfully eradicated the tremor or, at a minimum, numbed your neurological system so that the tremor does not exist. There is an alternative mindset that some people [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Many people who happen to currently experience the symptoms of Parkinson&#8217;s think of tremors as a problem and a nuisance. Recovery from Parkinson&#8217;s disease means that you have successfully eradicated the tremor or, at a minimum, numbed your neurological system so that the tremor does not exist.</p>
<p>There is an alternative mindset that some people have adopted to their great advantage. Professional photographer <a href="http://www.abproductions.com">Alan Babbitt</a> finds his tremor is a huge advantage. Instead of trying to still his hand when he takes pictures, Allan allow his camera to jiggle in whatever position his hands move. He has produced a remarkable series of pictures that he aptly describes as &#8220;&#8221;tremor enhanced&#8221; work that are incredible in every respect. I was so taken by his images that I contracted with Alan to use one of his images as the featured cover of my book <a href="http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me">Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease</a>.</p>
<p>A second person with Parkinson&#8217;s who has used his tremor to great advantage is Whit Deschner.  Whit is the founder of the Salt Lick contest in Baker City, Oregon which raises money for Parkinsons research every year.  Whit was my featured guest on my <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery">radio show </a>this week.  How does author and humorist Whit Deschner uses his tremor to great advantage?</p>
<p>I have no doubt there are many answers to this question, given Whit&#8217;s off the chart creativity and innovativeness.  Like Alan Babbitt, Whit has found his tremor to be of immense advantage in his own photography.  Whit has always loved to take pictures, especially pictures of children as they are jumping. After experiencing the symptoms of Parkinson&#8217;s beginning 10 years ago, Whit found that when he began taking a picture of a child jumping his finger continued to snap the shot. Instead of one shot, he would invariably wind up with a long series of single shots taken with his still camera.</p>
<p>What do you do with a long series of single shots of the same scene? Choose the &#8220;best&#8221;?  Or, use them all in a sequence of slide show like images. When you string together all of  the pictures in sequence, it looks much like a movie of the scene such as a child jumping. &#8216;Talk about being creative!</p>
<p>There is a Youtube link below to a 9 minute video that tells the history of horses on Whit&#8217;s ranch.  It is well worth taking 9 minutes of time in your busy day to watch this video. When you watch, pay particular attention to the many segments where you see evidence of Whit using all of the images from a still camera. Instead of seeing a still picture, you see a horse gracefully moving through a pasture or smiling back at you with a sweet grin on his face.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MB2HlLhRZjU">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MB2HlLhRZjU</a></p>
<p>There is no mention of how Whit Deschner has used to advantage his tremor in this video, but I wanted you to know because I just learned how he did it today.</p>
<p>Some people think of tremors of a liability. Other people &#8211; like Whit and Alan &#8211; think of tremors as an asset which has led to remarkable  discoveries and innovations. It is a choice for everyone.</p>
<p>Anyone else out there with a story they would like to share?</p>
<p>Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.<br />
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease<br />
<a href="http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me">http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me</a></p>
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		<title>Inspiration from Dancer Pamela Quinn and Actor Lucy Roucis</title>
		<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/inspiration-from-dancer-pamela-quinn-and-actor-lucy-roucis</link>
		<comments>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/inspiration-from-dancer-pamela-quinn-and-actor-lucy-roucis#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 May 2011 04:17:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Creativity and Parkinsons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dancing and Parkinson's]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/?p=3759</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Below is a link to a 6 minute video on You Tube about dancer Pamela Quinn and actor Lucy Roucis that dazzles and inspires anyone who currently experiences the symptoms of Parkinson&#8217;s. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IK3Q7VKi1c Robert Rodgers, Ph.D. Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Below is a link to a 6 minute video on You Tube about dancer Pamela Quinn and actor Lucy Roucis that dazzles and inspires anyone who currently experiences the symptoms of Parkinson&#8217;s.</p>
<p><a title="blocked::http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IK3Q7VKi1c" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IK3Q7VKi1c">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IK3Q7VKi1c</a></p>
<p>Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.<br />
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease<br />
<a href="http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me">http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Creativity and Parkinson&#8217;s</title>
		<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/creativity-and-parkinsons</link>
		<comments>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/creativity-and-parkinsons#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:39:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Creativity and Parkinsons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Summit]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/?p=3096</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Question : Somewhere I remember reading that PD people sometimes become more artistic.  Can you point me towards any information about PD and the arts? I have to write a short bio of myself for a small, local gallery where they are showing some of my paintings, and I wanted to include a blurb about [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Question :</strong></p>
<blockquote><p><em>Somewhere I remember reading that PD people sometimes become more artistic.  Can you point me towards any information about PD and the arts? I have to write a short bio of myself for a small, local gallery where they are showing some of my paintings, and I wanted to include a blurb about PD.</em></p>
<p><em>Susan<br />
</em></p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Response:</strong></p>
<p>Yes indeed &#8211; the gift of symptoms associated with a diagnosis of  Parkinson&#8217;s Disease is that many people shift gears in their life as they become incredibly creative. In some cases this translates into artistic endeavors. Sounds like this has been your experience too!</p>
<p>Why does this happen? I suspect the body demands that mental (as well as physical) activity slow down several notches. The body demands that standard routines of the past are interrupted.</p>
<p>The question then turns on &#8211; what now? What do I do with my life now? With a little reflection, many people realize that they have not been pursuing their life&#8217;s passion. A creativity switch gets turned on. Off they go into the world of art or some creative endeavor of one type of another.</p>
<p>If you have art work &#8211; I would be delighted to post it on the blog if you would like! If you have a story you have written about yourself &#8211; I would be delighted to post that as well if you would like &#8211; with links to your work.</p>
<p>Finally &#8211; I am convening a Parkinson Recovery Summit Monday, March 7th, to be held in Vancouver Washington (15 minutes from Portland, Oregon airport).  It is a one day free event where everyone on the road to recovery will convene together as a group, connect and network. It would be the perfect place to display (and sell) your work perhaps? Jump Start to Wellness follows on March 8th and 9th for those interested.</p>
<p>Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.<br />
<a href="http://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com/">Parkinsons Recovery </a></p>
<p>Books<br />
<a href="http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me/">Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease<br />
</a><a href="http://www.pioneersofrecovery.com/">Pioneers of Recovery</a><br />
<a href="http://www.fivestepstorecovery.com/">Five Steps to Recovery</a></p>
<p>Resources<br />
<a href="http://www.vibroacoustic.parkinsonsrecovery.com/">Vibration Therapy</a><br />
<a href="http://www.aquas.us/">Dehydration Therapy: Aquas</a><br />
<a href="http://www.parkinsonsrecovery.org/">Parkinsons Recovery Membership</a><br />
<a href="http://parkinsonsrecovery.net/">Parkinsons Recovery Chat Room</a><br />
<a href="http://www.cataracts.parkinsonsrecovery.com/">Eye Drops for Cataracts</a><br />
<a href="http://www.symptomtracker.info/parkinsons/login.php">Symptom Tracker </a><br />
<a href="http://www.news.parkinsonsrecovery.com/">Parkinson&#8217;s Disease News</a></p>
<p><strong><br />
</strong></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Tai Chi and Parkinson&#8217;s Disease</title>
		<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/tai-chi-and-parkinsons-disease</link>
		<comments>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/tai-chi-and-parkinsons-disease#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2010 07:33:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Creativity and Parkinsons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tai chi]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/?p=2062</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The inspirational e-mail posted below was sent by Danny Loney who will be offering free Tai Chi workshops on the Parkinsons Recovery Cruise to Alaska which departs from Seattle on May 3, 2010. For further information about the 7 day cruise to Alaska, visit: http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me/alaska. Robert Rodgers, Ph.D. Parkinsons Recovery Hi Robert, This past week [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The inspirational e-mail posted below was sent by Danny Loney who will be offering free Tai Chi workshops on the Parkinsons Recovery Cruise to Alaska which departs from Seattle on May 3, 2010. For further information about the 7 day cruise to Alaska, visit: <a href="http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me/alaska">http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me/alaska</a>.</p>
<p>Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.<br />
Parkinsons Recovery</p>
<blockquote><p>Hi Robert,</p>
<p>This past week concluded the conference of the Israel Parkinson’s  Association held at the Dead Sea.  I spent most of the last night of the conference laying in my bed with tears in my eyes as I thought  about the experiences that I had encountered over the previous four days.  For me personally, it was emotionally overwhelming as I did not expect to experience such an outpouring of warmth, acceptance, and love.  Most of the participants I had known from past conferences and other Parkinson’s events, but this time I was able to connect to others and get to know them in a very personal way.  I felt like a lost puppy that had found a warm and accepting home.</p>
<p>I was amazed at the many compliments that I received from my tai chi workshops and felt a bit uncomfortable with all of the attention.  There is a tremendous amount of creative talent in our Parkinson’s Association, whether it be paintings, woodwork, organizational skills, poems, music, counseling, or just a word of encouragement and a warm smile.  And I am only one of many who want to make a contribution; a guy with Parkinson’s trying to help a few other people with Parkinson’s  improve the quality of their lives.</p>
<p>Danny</p></blockquote>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Inspired to Create</title>
		<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/inspired-to-create</link>
		<comments>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/inspired-to-create#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:54:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Creativity and Parkinsons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[music and Parkinson's]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/?p=1569</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I have been a songwriter for about 12 years.  My Parkinson&#8217;s was diagnosed in Feb of 2009, however, my first symptoms were in Sept/Oct 2006.  At that time, my songwriting kicked into a very high gear.  Incredible hooks were just there.  I began pursuing the craft like I have never done before.  Going to Nashville [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote><p>I have been a songwriter for about 12 years.  My Parkinson&#8217;s was diagnosed in Feb of 2009, however, my first symptoms were in Sept/Oct 2006.  At that time, my songwriting kicked into a very high gear.  Incredible hooks were just there.  I began pursuing the craft like I have never done before.  Going to Nashville every quarter to pitch my songs, attending every possible local songwriting event in AZ, networking like never before and writing some pretty cool music.</p>
<p>My husband was diagnosed with 4th stage small cell prostate cancer in Jan 2006. I was his 24/7 caregiver along with holding down a full time project manager job.  I believe it was the stress I was experiencing at that time in my life that kicked off the Parkinsons.  In October 2006, we moved to Columbia, SC to give my husband relief from the heat in AZ. He passed in Feb 2007.  Now, here it is, almost Oct 2009.  I am in the process of obtaining disability as my speech is very rapid and slurred, and impairs my ability to hold meetings via the phone or in person.  There is also some seizures of the hands and there are days when the walking is a shuffle.  Anyway, I am going to move back to Nashville, TN and write music full time.</p>
<p>The tremendous &#8216;push&#8217; I gave to the music back in 2006 has paid off.  I have my first cut of a song I co wrote with a Nashville writer.  This is a major event for any songwriter.  The CD is scheduled to be released in October of this year.  I have also continued to slowly climb my way up this very high and steep mountain and am writing with writers that have major cuts.  And let me tell you, talk about a fine line between genius and insanity.. these incredibly talented people are there..and damn, I fit in amazingly well..kind of scary really.</p>
<p>I feel so at peace with this decision.  The finances will be tight, but hey, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are pretty tasty!  I am driving to Nashville next weekend to pick out a rental home.  As I pack up from my rental home here in Columbia, SC, I find myself purging so much stuff&#8230;the local Goodwill people wave as I drive up and the shredder is working OT.  It&#8217;s almost like a cleansing of the soul.  You know what I mean?</p>
<p>It was meant to be.  My influence is my mother (who lives with me and is excited to be going back to Nashville).  She was a songwriter, although she did not have a cut, she always made sure we had music in our lives. I learned accordion, self taught myself guitar and piano.   In fact, your most recent article on drumming hit home as well.  I was a professional drummer for many years!  I found myself tapping out the paradiddles after I read your article the other night.  It was soothing to the brain.</p>
<p>I find your articles most refreshing in that they hit home.  I believe I was always &#8216;wired internally&#8217; for Parkinson&#8217;s.  Always needed less sleep than others, always about &#8217;12 degrees off center&#8217;, always the &#8216;weird kid&#8217;, always not just thinking outside the box, but on some days &#8216;destroying the box&#8217;!   It just found its way to the surface this year.</p>
<p>I continue with my challenges, but hey, it sure as heck beats the alternative.</p>
<p>Thank you for ALL that you do.  You are truly an inspiration!!</p>
<p>A Parkie and proud of it!</p>
<p>Rose</p></blockquote>
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		<title>Seventeen Years with Parkinson&#8217;s Disease</title>
		<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/seventeen-years-with-parkinsons-disease</link>
		<comments>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/seventeen-years-with-parkinsons-disease#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:46:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Creativity and Parkinsons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parkinsons Action Network]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parkinsons Disease Early Symptoms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parkinsons Disease Research]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/?p=344</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[[iframe http://www.InstantTeleseminar.com/?eventid=5714760 500 610]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>[iframe http://www.InstantTeleseminar.com/?eventid=5714760 500 610]</p>
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		<title>Are Writing Cramps your Excuse for no longer Writing Creatively?</title>
		<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/are-writing-cramps-your-excuse-for-no-longer-writing-creatively</link>
		<comments>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/are-writing-cramps-your-excuse-for-no-longer-writing-creatively#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:32:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Parkinson's Disease]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Creativity and Parkinsons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parkinsons Disease Symptoms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tremors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/?p=46</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Question: My creative writing has come to a standstill because my hands and fingers are currently not flexible enough to type.  I am trying to find other creative outlets, but I really love to write. Any suggestions?  Response  The symptoms of Parkinsons can include cramping. tightness and weakness in the hands and fingers, making typing much more [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Question:</strong></p>
<p>My creative writing has come<br />
to a standstill because my<br />
hands and fingers are currently<br />
not flexible enough to type. <br />
I am trying to find other creative<br />
outlets, but I really love to write.<br />
Any suggestions? </p>
<p><strong>Response </strong></p>
<p>The symptoms of Parkinsons<br />
can include cramping. tightness<br />
and weakness in the hands and<br />
fingers, making typing much<br />
more challenging.  It certainly<br />
sounds like you are worried <br />
your creative writing career<br />
is dead because you are having<br />
such a tough time typing on<br />
a keyboard.  </p>
<p>I have a great suggestion for<br />
you. Actually, it is an awesome<br />
suggestion.</p>
<p>There is another way to write<br />
without having to punch the<br />
keys on a typewriter or computer <br />
keyboard. You can talk into a<br />
microphone and your e-mails,<br />
letters, articles and books will be<br />
produced automatically using <br />
speech recognition software.</p>
<p>It is simple. You talk into a<br />
microphone that is connected<br />
to your computer. The words<br />
you speak are automatically<br />
translated into written words<br />
and sentences that magically<br />
appear on your computer<br />
screen. </p>
<p>Really! If you can talk, you can<br />
write anything to anyone. And I<br />
do mean anything. </p>
<p>I should be using speech recognition <br />
software right now to write this blog,<br />
but I am not. Why? I am stuck<br />
in my old habits of using my<br />
fingers to think. My writing would<br />
probably improve if I started<br />
using my mouth to write. I have<br />
always had a big mouth.</p>
<p>There is a big advantage if<br />
I start talking out my blog<br />
entries and newsletters rather<br />
than typing them. Why? I can talk<br />
much faster than I can type. <br />
My Parkinsons Recovery book<br />
would be written in a few days if<br />
I talked it rather than typed it.  </p>
<p>I need to disclose a little truth<br />
and advertising here. I have not<br />
personally used this software <br />
but a friend of  mine has. <br />
He tells me it works beautifully.</p>
<p>My friend does give me one<br />
warning: Do not look at the<br />
computer screen as you talk.<br />
It is totally weird to read what<br />
you have just said as you are<br />
thinking about what to say<br />
next. </p>
<p>A little work on your part<br />
is required before the software<br />
will work. You have to train<br />
the software program to recognize<br />
the connection between your voice<br />
and the words. The creators of this<br />
software accomplish this by having<br />
you read several pages of a story <br />
so the software can identify how<br />
you say words. The program can<br />
then correctly connect the dots<br />
between what you say and the<br />
written words you are speaking. <br />
Once you are set up, you are good<br />
to go. </p>
<p>The software is called Dragon<br />
Naturally Speaking 9 at<br />
<a href="http://www.nuance.com/talk">www.nuance.com/talk</a>.<br />
I just watched a video that<br />
demos the software which is<br />
very informative. Apparently<br />
it costs $100.</p>
<p>The other good news is that<br />
the more you exercise your<br />
voice the better your ability<br />
to speak forcefully and clearly<br />
will become.  </p>
<p>Sorry. No more excuses for not<br />
writing to your friends and family.<br />
The world needs to hear from you<br />
so start talking. </p>
<p>Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.<br />
Parkinsons Recovery</p>
<p>© 2008 Parkinsons Recovery</p>
<p>   </p>
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		<title>After being Diagnosed with Parkinsons, I have become Very Creative. Why?</title>
		<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/after-being-diagnosed-with-parkinsons-i-have-become-very-creative-why</link>
		<comments>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/after-being-diagnosed-with-parkinsons-i-have-become-very-creative-why#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:58:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Parkinson's Disease]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Creativity and Parkinsons]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/?p=36</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Question  I have experienced the same enhanced creativity as others. After being diagnosed 10 years ago I was laid off from my job after 9/11. It was during this time I began to use my father&#8217;s tools he left me and started building things out of wood. So far I&#8217;ve built two blanket chests, one for my daughter, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Question </strong></p>
<p>I have experienced the same enhanced creativity<br />
as others. After being diagnosed 10 years ago I<br />
was laid off from my job after 9/11. It was during<br />
this time I began to use my father&#8217;s tools he left<br />
me and started building things out of wood.</p>
<p>So far I&#8217;ve built two blanket chests, one for<br />
my daughter, another for my wife, a toy chest<br />
for my niece, an outdoor barbecue table and<br />
a kitchen center island. In addition, I completely<br />
tore down our old deck and rebuilt it with <br />
composite boards, added all new vinyl railings<br />
and topped it off with deck lights.</p>
<p>These things never entered my mind before being<br />
diagnosed. It seems my mind is always dreaming up<br />
things to build. Why is that?</p>
<p><strong>Response </strong></p>
<p>What a fascinating and very exciting story.<br />
Here is what I suspect might be happening.</p>
<p>I believe everyone has an inherent passion <br />
to create whether it is a new idea, furniture,<br />
art, comedy &#8211; the list is endless.  </p>
<p>If I have been unable to create something<br />
new for even a day, I begin to have an empty<br />
feeling deep inside. It is a familiar feeling, a<br />
sense of sorts that  I am wasting my life. </p>
<p>When I can write as I am now, my juices <br />
flow. My energy expands. My steam for<br />
living bursts at the seams.</p>
<p>For many of us, there is too little opportunity for<br />
creativity to have a place in our lives. Jobs,<br />
family or other commitments have a way of<br />
commanding our energy. </p>
<p>The body will find a way to insist on finding ways<br />
and time to be creative. If we do not allocate the<br />
time and space for our own creativity to surface,<br />
our body will give us a reason to make it so. </p>
<p>What does our body do? It sends us a <br />
clear signal to slow down, change our<br />
habits and do things differently out <br />
of necessity. If the choice were up to<br />
us we would not change but our bodies<br />
demand to be heard.    </p>
<p>The symptoms of Parkinson&#8217;s slow <br />
down the time spent on effort that does not<br />
feed our creative addiction, making it possible<br />
for the creative juices to ferment.  </p>
<p>This in no way implies that we were uncreative<br />
previously, but the focus of the creative activity <br />
shifts. Let me explain.</p>
<p><strong>Innovation versus Creativity</strong></p>
<p>One form of creativity is to be innovative which<br />
involves generating creative ideas and applying<br />
them to a specific context. With innovation the  <br />
problem is clearly defined and the solution set is<br />
clearly bounded.  </p>
<p>This form of creativity takes a given problem<br />
or challenge and solves it. For example, how<br />
do I invent a car that runs on water? Or,<br />
how do I motivate my secretary to come to<br />
work on time? Or, how do I fix my clothes<br />
washing machine that is so old the part I<br />
need is out of stock? </p>
<p>When lives are busy and demanding, a <br />
second form of creativity lies dormant just below<br />
the surface of our consciousness. It waits<br />
for a chance &#8211; any chance &#8211; to pop out and<br />
claim its birth right to be heard.   </p>
<p>This is the form of raw creativity where something<br />
entirely new pops out of our brains for no<br />
reason whatsoever. There is no pre-defined<br />
problem to solve. There is no deadline to<br />
meet. </p>
<p>Instead there resides a massive body<br />
of creative urges and ideas deep inside<br />
each of us that are patiently waiting<br />
their time to be acknowledged.   </p>
<p><strong>The Process of Creativity</strong> </p>
<p>What is the process that makes this<br />
happen? Control does not work.  If you try<br />
to order the creative ideas to reveal<br />
themselves they will drill a hole even<br />
deeper into your sub conscious and<br />
cuddle up for the long haul. </p>
<p>Using brute force to unlodge creative<br />
thoughts does not work. You will have<br />
just as much luck trying to break<br />
through the walls of Fort Knox with a<br />
jack hammer.  Setting a schedule<br />
for creative ideas to be revealed<br />
does not work. Creativity does not<br />
obey a time schedule. </p>
<p>Enough. How do thoughts that seemingly<br />
have no origin or history find their way<br />
out of our own consciousness?  How will<br />
we know them when we see them?</p>
<p>They are revealed in their own time and<br />
place as we quiet down the mind babble<br />
that controls our lives. They pop out in the<br />
most unexpected ways during the moments<br />
of living when we are at peace with ourselves.  </p>
<p>We become creative when we quiet the chatter<br />
of our minds and allow the part of us we<br />
have stuffed for too many years to emerge.<br />
It is the ultimate calling to become whole again. </p>
<p>For many people this opportunity comes because<br />
our bodies make us slow down the quick pace of<br />
activity and force us to take in the mysteries<br />
of the world. We appreciate our friends and <br />
spouses in new ways. We see life differently.</p>
<p>Once the feverish activity of our minds <br />
slows to a snail&#8217;s pace the creative juices<br />
begin to percolate. At long last we recognize <br />
a good idea when it pops out of our minds <br />
because we can feel the surge of energy<br />
that bubbles up from inside. </p>
<p>The same creative ideas may have peeked<br />
around the corner to be noticed by us before,<br />
but we were too busy to notice. The faucet<br />
of adrenaline was wide open and all of the<br />
associated hormones were being manufactured<br />
by our body 24-7. No rest for the restless. </p>
<p>To summarize, the symptoms of Parkinsons <br />
slow down the pace of life. An opening is<br />
created for the creative juices to flow and the<br />
fresh ideas to be noticed. We begin to do<br />
things we have always wanted to do in<br />
our lives, but did not know it until now. <br />
We stuffed the creative urges before because<br />
there was no time. But now, with a little<br />
more space for new things to happen,<br />
we become whole again. </p>
<p><strong>I am Like My Father </strong> </p>
<p>There is a second part of your story that I also<br />
want to acknowledge. Whether your father is <br />
still living or not, his presence and energy is <br />
embodied in the tools you are using. They<br />
were his tools. Now they are your tools. </p>
<p>As his son, you are connecting with him in the<br />
most profound way. His hands guide your work<br />
and keep you safe. After all, you are his son.<br />
He gave you life. All of his wisdom lives through<br />
you. You carry on the tradition of all the<br />
fathers in the family.  </p>
<p>As men we all need to feel the support of<br />
our fathers. When we genuinely receive <br />
and accept that support, we come into<br />
our full creative power. We are able to <br />
manifest our dreams. </p>
<p>When we take in the support of our father,<br />
we are also receiving the support of all the<br />
fathers who came before him &#8211; all our  <br />
grandfathers, great grandfathers, great<br />
great grandfathers that go back in time<br />
generation after generation.    </p>
<p>I have personally noticed a profound<br />
shift in my own energy and attitude<br />
toward life after I fully took in the<br />
support from my own father. I had<br />
resisted his support for years, having<br />
convinced myself I could do everything<br />
on my own. I distanced myself from<br />
him. It is much easier and more truthful<br />
to acknowledge and honor the truth<br />
that I am just like him. </p>
<p>Anyone else have stories of how their own<br />
creativity has shifted since Parkinson&#8217;s? </p>
<p>Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.<br />
<a href="http://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com">Parkinsons Recovery</a></p>
<p>© 2008 Parkinsons Recovery<br />
     </p>
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