Aura Lee, Sunshine Came Along With Thee

Aura, in my person, is a sensory disturbance that might begin with seeing blue, silver or white sparks fluttering about, or prismatic effects presenting throughout my field of view; along with tingling in my forearms and/or left-side palsy; and nausea; along with word slurring and/or word loss. Aura, in my person, presents as a silent migraine (no pain associated) and is an affect of overstimulation. Most, if not all, of the associated symptoms usually resolve within an hour of onset with rest.

I made the aura simulation image by superimposing a photo of the light at sunset refracted through the beveled glass in my front door and onto my entry wall over the top of a photo of Grace and Ellie an a walk in the woods.

Migraine with aura increases the risk of stroke—because of this, addressing other stroke risk factors and avoiding certain medications has been an important part of my professionally directed medical treatment protocol. If your symptoms have an immediate onset, last longer than 60 minutes or do not completely resolve, medical attention is required—contact your physician immediately. Otherwise, if you would like more information on migraine and aura, visit the American Migraine Foundation website: bit.ly/MigraineDisorders

It took me time to recognize the symptoms as a warning sign from my nervous system, and then respect my new limitations and boundaries. Ultimately, I’d learn to use the shit I was in as fertilizer and cultivate a better lifestyle for myself. It’s been quite a journey this transition from a life once lived as a metaphorical hunter to a life new lived as a metaphorical farmer. Patience is my reward and I am satisfied with it.

Wishing you wellness. :-)