BOOK REVIEW: Possibilities—The Pronoic Photosongbook by Mel Borins ~ Reviewed by Maria Grande, MD

Originally published in the G.P.P.A Journal Online – click here forthe original article

Music is therapeutic and healing. Photos have a way of connecting us to the amazing world and reminding us of the beauty of life. These optimistic songs and photos from around the world are intended to put you in a positive frame of mind.

Mel Borins

When I initially came across Possibilities – The Pronoic Photosongbook, I had never heard of the word “Pronoic”. Given my innate curiosity and functioning Internet, I googled the origin of Pronoic. Conservative resources such as the Oxford and Etymology Dictionaries were of no use. Bravely, I checked out some Pronoic websites. Here is what surfaced.

Historically, as claimed by www.deoxy.org/meme/Pronoia, Pronoia was a nymph, the wife of Prometheus, and the goddess of foresight. The same site states that the Greek word pronoia means knowing things before you are told them.

From http://www.pronoia.net/def.html , I learned that the word pronoia appeared to enter our vocabulary during the 1960s. John Perry Barlow (a Grateful Dead lyricist, among other achievements) provided this definition: “the suspicion (that) the Universe is a conspiracy on your behalf”. That same site offered a scholarly reference from Professor Fred H. Golder, a US sociologist at Queen’s College, City University of New York. In October 1982, in Social Problems, V.30, N.1:82-91, Prof. Golder wrote: “Pronoia is the positive counterpart of paranoia. It is the delusion that others think well of one.”

Dr. Mel Borins, in the introduction to his self-published Possibilities – The Pronoic Photosongbook, takes us one step further than Prof. Golder. A paranoid individual interprets his or her experiences as forces of cruelty directed towards them, whereas a pronoic person tends to see the world as a friendly force working to make sure all life is a bounteous pleasure.

In my communications with Dr. Borins, I asked him how he chose this particular format. His original concept, he said, was a more traditional print book with photos and adjacent lyrics, accompanied by a CD.

My son Dave, who is a musician, suggested I make a completely digital book and, instead of just one photo per song, I could display a series of photos that would move with the music and still have the words play across the screen. So I took the ten most positive songs that I had written and produced- songs about peace, love, oneness, and beauty and joy and put them together each with multiple photos that I have taken around the world. The intention was (to create) a healing experience I worked on the project for about two years.

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As I listened to the music and watched the words and the photos flow past me, I had an interesting reaction. Initially, I wanted to know more – more about the locations where the photographs were taken, more about the portraits that appeared, more about the animals and the flowers, and more and more. Then, about ten minutes into the 36 minute DVD, I realized that I was missing the point of this experience. I was able to take a deep breath, sit back comfortably and enjoy the presentation in its totality. It was enough.

In order to help you understand what this Photosongbook is about, I will first elaborate on the individual components. Keep in mind that it is the intermingling of the various entities that makes the “book” so interesting.

Visually, there are a diverse number of techniques used. Photos have smooth transitions from one image to another,each lasting about 5 seconds. In other instances, the image is a panorama that is slowly scanned, with the focal point subtly altering as movement occurs. This is what happens in Peace, Love & Healing – a photo of a twisting roadway that has you actually moving along it, going up and down the hills and valleys. Then there are the lyrics which float gently across the screen, accurately solidifying the words that are being sung. There are a variety of fonts, sizes and colours used for the printed words, all harmoniously working with the audio-visuals. There are also two videos, Let the Love Back In and Possibilities, as part of the “book”, making it very easy to become physically involved with that which is being presented.

Aurally, the lyrics are very poetic and thought provoking. Mel sings most of the songs, the majority of which he has composed, with occasional back up voices. Guitar is the principal instrument, although there is enough variety in the instrumentals to keep the mood provocative. The songs cover multiple genres: folk, pop, blues and country, to name a few. In the final song, We Are One, Mel has friends join in. It would be difficult indeed to restrain yourself from moving with the music!

Overall, the scope of this piece is extensive. The seasons, the setting and the people portrayed are as diverse as our world. Blinders must be shed; horizons will be broadened as you immerse yourself in this experience. In each of our unique healing journeys, we work toward this state of pronoia, as defined by the goddess of the same name, by the Greeks and by our contemporaries.

In the credits that follow the songs, Dr. Borins expresses his gratitude to all those who assisted in bringing his vision to fruition. We, in turn, are grateful for having been able to experience this Photosongbook.

References :
http://www.bestthinking.com/articles/society_and_humanities/philosophy/philosophy_of_mind/pronoia-from-paranoia-to-feeling-good
www.deoxy.org/meme/Pronoia
www.earthlyreligion.com/pronoia/
www.melborinscreative.com/possibilities
www.pronoia.net/def.html

Special Note: In 2005, Dr Borins received special recognition from the GPPA for his outstanding contribution to the education of physicians in the field of Psychotherapy. He was presented the Theratree Award, which is discussed above.