I used to have this practice where I would overlay a cartoon character over my avatar in the physical world. (e.g. my own self image)

By doing this I would neutralize pain, improve functional ability to stretch, and charm people.

I hadn't done this in years, but I was feeling despair this morning and felt myself merge with a 30 foot high firebird (e.g. phoenix) made of neon lights. It lasted for a few seconds and it wasn't completely lit up, maybe it was 5-20% of what it could have been but it was already glorious with bright and saturated colors.

I haven't gotten that vision back yet, but I will, and I will light it up completely. I might even build one.

It might be crazy or outside your experience, but that is what progress means for me.