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#migraine — Public Fediverse posts

Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #migraine, aggregated by home.social.

  1. About 4 million Australians living with migraine, revised figures reveal

    Having lived with migraine since childhood, Michelle Irving is used to “hardcore” pain. But 10 years ago, she…
    #NewsBeep #News #Health #AU #Australia #AustralianInstituteofHealthandWelfare #Migraine #NeurologicalConditions
    newsbeep.com/au/899819/

  2. About 4 million Australians living with migraine, revised figures reveal

    Having lived with migraine since childhood, Michelle Irving is used to “hardcore” pain. But 10 years ago, she…
    #NewsBeep #News #Health #AU #Australia #AustralianInstituteofHealthandWelfare #Migraine #NeurologicalConditions
    newsbeep.com/au/899819/

  3. Navigating Suffering with Buddhist Wisdom

    Navigating chronic illness and disability is challenging at times, often requiring us to confront unexpected setbacks and emotional hurdles. Discovering unique ways to cope, build resilience, and remain mindful is key to healing and mental well-being.

    During meditation this morning, I realized that I can view my neurological disorders through the lens of the Four Noble Truths. This perspective offers a unique approach, allowing me not only to confront my struggles but also to embrace them as integral parts of my journey. I have often used the pain I experience as a path to understanding; however, I have not yet applied the Noble Truths as a process to work through health issues. By examining the nature of suffering and acknowledging its presence in my life, I can begin to explore the deeper causes behind it, leading me to cultivate mindfulness and compassion, both for myself and others who endure similar challenges. Recognizing that there is a path out of suffering encourages me to actively seek solutions and cultivate a more balanced state of being.

    The four noble truths of Buddhism help us to see life through a different perspective and gain clarity on why we suffer and how to alleviate this. By understanding these fundamental principles, we begin to recognize the nature of suffering, which is an inherent part of the human experience. This realization encourages us to confront our pain rather than avoid it. The first truth identifies suffering as an unavoidable aspect of life, while the second truth explores the origins of this suffering, rooted in attachment and desire. The third noble truth offers hope, revealing that liberation from suffering is achievable, and the fourth truth provides a practical path through the Eightfold Path, guiding us on how to cultivate mindfulness, ethical conduct, and mental discipline to ultimately foster a more compassionate and fulfilled existence. Embracing these truths can transform our perception of life, allowing us to navigate our challenges with wisdom and resilience.

    The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha): Life includes dissatisfaction, suffering, and pain. This encompasses obvious suffering (birth, sickness, death) and subtle dissatisfaction (impermanence, lack of fulfillment).
    The Truth of the Cause of Suffering (Samudaya): Suffering is caused by craving, grasping, or thirsting for pleasure, existence, or non-existence. This stems from ignorance about the true nature of reality.
    The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha): It is possible to end suffering and achieve a state of liberation known as Nirvana. This occurs by letting go of cravings and attachment.
    The Truth of the Path (Magga): The way to end suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes cultivating right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

    ~from Lion’s Roar

    On The Path Of Truth

    Now, to apply this to my physical health issues, I can begin with the first noble truth of suffering. Obviously, the pain I experience can be considered suffering, manifesting itself in both a physical and emotional burden that weighs heavily on my daily life. Move on to the second noble truth – the cause of suffering could be the dysregulation of my nervous system, which might lead to heightened sensitivity to pain and an inability to process discomfort in a healthy way. On the other hand, I could look at the cause of my suffering as my intense desire to avoid pain, which creates a cycle of fear and anxiety that exacerbates my condition. By viewing physical pain as only suffering, I am missing the point of the pain, for it can also be a valuable teacher, offering insights into my body’s limits and encouraging me to explore alternative healing methods, mindfulness practices, and ultimately, a deeper understanding of my own well-being.

    Photo by Summer Stock on Pexels.com

    Heeding the Messenger

    Pain indicates a problem with the body’s balance. If I view pain as a messenger, I immediately alleviate some suffering, as the second noble truth reminds us that suffering is due to wanting or craving things to be other than they are. This perspective shift is not merely a change in thought but a profound transformation in my relationship with my own experience of discomfort. By embracing pain as a guide rather than an adversary, I can begin to uncover underlying issues that may be affecting my well-being. I recognize that every ache and pang carries vital information about my physical state, urging me to pay attention, to adjust, and perhaps to heal. This mindful awareness opens a pathway to understanding the intelligence of my body within the message of pain, enabling me to respond with compassion rather than resistance, and thus fostering a deeper connection with myself.

    Releasing Suffering

    The third noble truth explains how to remove suffering by eliminating craving. When I view pain as the intelligence of my body, the craving drops away, and the message becomes clearer, revealing insights I might have otherwise overlooked. In this way, I become an active listener to my body’s wisdom, fostering a deeper connection with myself. The pain indicates energies that should be cleared out, shifted, and realigned; it serves as a guiding signal that I need to pause, slow down, and be more in tune with my own physicality and emotional landscape. It urges me to explore the underlying causes of my discomfort rather than shying away from it. When I stop demanding the pain vanish, I allow myself to truly experience this moment, embracing instead of resisting, and I stop abandoning myself in the moments it appears, cultivating compassion and understanding for my own journey through discomfort and healing.

    Discovering Truth

    This softening, this release of craving, naturally leads to the Fourth Noble Truth: the path of liberation. With this shift in perspective, I find that I am no longer tied to the identity of my disability; instead, I embrace a broader definition of self that transcends physical limitations. I am no longer a person in pain but a vibrant entity filled with potential and possibility. I recognize that I am body, mind, and spirit, a flowing intelligence that is deeper than I can imagine, expressing itself in myriad ways that I begin to understand when I take the time to settle, quiet my mind, and listen deeply. This internal dialogue reveals an inherent intelligence that guides me, enabling my life to become expansive, interconnected, and richly textured. Through this journey of self-discovery, I uncover facets of my being that bring joy and fulfillment, creating a tapestry of existence that is not defined by suffering but rather illuminated by resilience and hope.

    Walking The Path

    The shift in my relationship with pain opens naturally into the eightfold path, not as a set of rules, but as a way of living that grows from this new understanding. When I listen to my body’s wisdom, right view becomes clarity, right intention becomes gentleness, and right mindfulness becomes a simple act of staying with myself. The path becomes a lived expression of liberation, a way of moving through the world with presence, compassion, and integrity. In this way, the Fourth Noble Truth is not an ending, but an invitation, a reminder that freedom is something I practice with each breath, each choice, each moment I refuse to abandon myself.

    Sometimes, we all need a gentle reminder of our truth, of the inherent sacredness that resides within us. In the midst of our hectic and hurried lives, it’s so easy to lose sight of our innate worth and our unique place in the vast cosmos. Yet, when we take a moment to pause and truly embrace each experience, we open ourselves to the wonder that surrounds us, awakening our senses and rejuvenating our spirit. Consider giving yourself the gift of stillness and sacredness throughout your day by journeying inward, as we connect with the infinite through the soothing practices of meditation and affirmations.

    #4NobleTruths #8FoldPath #anxiety #awareness #balance #buddha #buddhist #buddhistWisdom #challenges #disability #eightFoldPath #experience #flow #fourNobleTruths #healing #healingMigraine #learning #lifeLessons #lupus #meditaion #meditation #mentalHealth #mentalWellness #migraine #mindful #mindfulness #moments #neurologicalDisorders #practice #resilience #wisdom
  4. Navigating Suffering with Buddhist Wisdom

    Navigating chronic illness and disability is challenging at times, often requiring us to confront unexpected setbacks and emotional hurdles. Discovering unique ways to cope, build resilience, and remain mindful is key to healing and mental well-being.

    During meditation this morning, I realized that I can view my neurological disorders through the lens of the Four Noble Truths. This perspective offers a unique approach, allowing me not only to confront my struggles but also to embrace them as integral parts of my journey. I have often used the pain I experience as a path to understanding; however, I have not yet applied the Noble Truths as a process to work through health issues. By examining the nature of suffering and acknowledging its presence in my life, I can begin to explore the deeper causes behind it, leading me to cultivate mindfulness and compassion, both for myself and others who endure similar challenges. Recognizing that there is a path out of suffering encourages me to actively seek solutions and cultivate a more balanced state of being.

    The four noble truths of Buddhism help us to see life through a different perspective and gain clarity on why we suffer and how to alleviate this. By understanding these fundamental principles, we begin to recognize the nature of suffering, which is an inherent part of the human experience. This realization encourages us to confront our pain rather than avoid it. The first truth identifies suffering as an unavoidable aspect of life, while the second truth explores the origins of this suffering, rooted in attachment and desire. The third noble truth offers hope, revealing that liberation from suffering is achievable, and the fourth truth provides a practical path through the Eightfold Path, guiding us on how to cultivate mindfulness, ethical conduct, and mental discipline to ultimately foster a more compassionate and fulfilled existence. Embracing these truths can transform our perception of life, allowing us to navigate our challenges with wisdom and resilience.

    The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha): Life includes dissatisfaction, suffering, and pain. This encompasses obvious suffering (birth, sickness, death) and subtle dissatisfaction (impermanence, lack of fulfillment).
    The Truth of the Cause of Suffering (Samudaya): Suffering is caused by craving, grasping, or thirsting for pleasure, existence, or non-existence. This stems from ignorance about the true nature of reality.
    The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha): It is possible to end suffering and achieve a state of liberation known as Nirvana. This occurs by letting go of cravings and attachment.
    The Truth of the Path (Magga): The way to end suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes cultivating right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

    ~from Lion’s Roar

    On The Path Of Truth

    Now, to apply this to my physical health issues, I can begin with the first noble truth of suffering. Obviously, the pain I experience can be considered suffering, manifesting itself in both a physical and emotional burden that weighs heavily on my daily life. Move on to the second noble truth – the cause of suffering could be the dysregulation of my nervous system, which might lead to heightened sensitivity to pain and an inability to process discomfort in a healthy way. On the other hand, I could look at the cause of my suffering as my intense desire to avoid pain, which creates a cycle of fear and anxiety that exacerbates my condition. By viewing physical pain as only suffering, I am missing the point of the pain, for it can also be a valuable teacher, offering insights into my body’s limits and encouraging me to explore alternative healing methods, mindfulness practices, and ultimately, a deeper understanding of my own well-being.

    Photo by Summer Stock on Pexels.com

    Heeding the Messenger

    Pain indicates a problem with the body’s balance. If I view pain as a messenger, I immediately alleviate some suffering, as the second noble truth reminds us that suffering is due to wanting or craving things to be other than they are. This perspective shift is not merely a change in thought but a profound transformation in my relationship with my own experience of discomfort. By embracing pain as a guide rather than an adversary, I can begin to uncover underlying issues that may be affecting my well-being. I recognize that every ache and pang carries vital information about my physical state, urging me to pay attention, to adjust, and perhaps to heal. This mindful awareness opens a pathway to understanding the intelligence of my body within the message of pain, enabling me to respond with compassion rather than resistance, and thus fostering a deeper connection with myself.

    Releasing Suffering

    The third noble truth explains how to remove suffering by eliminating craving. When I view pain as the intelligence of my body, the craving drops away, and the message becomes clearer, revealing insights I might have otherwise overlooked. In this way, I become an active listener to my body’s wisdom, fostering a deeper connection with myself. The pain indicates energies that should be cleared out, shifted, and realigned; it serves as a guiding signal that I need to pause, slow down, and be more in tune with my own physicality and emotional landscape. It urges me to explore the underlying causes of my discomfort rather than shying away from it. When I stop demanding the pain vanish, I allow myself to truly experience this moment, embracing instead of resisting, and I stop abandoning myself in the moments it appears, cultivating compassion and understanding for my own journey through discomfort and healing.

    Discovering Truth

    This softening, this release of craving, naturally leads to the Fourth Noble Truth: the path of liberation. With this shift in perspective, I find that I am no longer tied to the identity of my disability; instead, I embrace a broader definition of self that transcends physical limitations. I am no longer a person in pain but a vibrant entity filled with potential and possibility. I recognize that I am body, mind, and spirit, a flowing intelligence that is deeper than I can imagine, expressing itself in myriad ways that I begin to understand when I take the time to settle, quiet my mind, and listen deeply. This internal dialogue reveals an inherent intelligence that guides me, enabling my life to become expansive, interconnected, and richly textured. Through this journey of self-discovery, I uncover facets of my being that bring joy and fulfillment, creating a tapestry of existence that is not defined by suffering but rather illuminated by resilience and hope.

    Walking The Path

    The shift in my relationship with pain opens naturally into the eightfold path, not as a set of rules, but as a way of living that grows from this new understanding. When I listen to my body’s wisdom, right view becomes clarity, right intention becomes gentleness, and right mindfulness becomes a simple act of staying with myself. The path becomes a lived expression of liberation, a way of moving through the world with presence, compassion, and integrity. In this way, the Fourth Noble Truth is not an ending, but an invitation, a reminder that freedom is something I practice with each breath, each choice, each moment I refuse to abandon myself.

    Sometimes, we all need a gentle reminder of our truth, of the inherent sacredness that resides within us. In the midst of our hectic and hurried lives, it’s so easy to lose sight of our innate worth and our unique place in the vast cosmos. Yet, when we take a moment to pause and truly embrace each experience, we open ourselves to the wonder that surrounds us, awakening our senses and rejuvenating our spirit. Consider giving yourself the gift of stillness and sacredness throughout your day by journeying inward, as we connect with the infinite through the soothing practices of meditation and affirmations.

    #4NobleTruths #8FoldPath #anxiety #awareness #balance #buddha #buddhist #buddhistWisdom #challenges #disability #eightFoldPath #experience #flow #fourNobleTruths #healing #healingMigraine #learning #lifeLessons #lupus #meditaion #meditation #mentalHealth #mentalWellness #migraine #mindful #mindfulness #moments #neurologicalDisorders #practice #resilience #wisdom
  5. Navigating Suffering with Buddhist Wisdom

    Navigating chronic illness and disability is challenging at times, often requiring us to confront unexpected setbacks and emotional hurdles. Discovering unique ways to cope, build resilience, and remain mindful is key to healing and mental well-being.

    During meditation this morning, I realized that I can view my neurological disorders through the lens of the Four Noble Truths. This perspective offers a unique approach, allowing me not only to confront my struggles but also to embrace them as integral parts of my journey. I have often used the pain I experience as a path to understanding; however, I have not yet applied the Noble Truths as a process to work through health issues. By examining the nature of suffering and acknowledging its presence in my life, I can begin to explore the deeper causes behind it, leading me to cultivate mindfulness and compassion, both for myself and others who endure similar challenges. Recognizing that there is a path out of suffering encourages me to actively seek solutions and cultivate a more balanced state of being.

    The four noble truths of Buddhism help us to see life through a different perspective and gain clarity on why we suffer and how to alleviate this. By understanding these fundamental principles, we begin to recognize the nature of suffering, which is an inherent part of the human experience. This realization encourages us to confront our pain rather than avoid it. The first truth identifies suffering as an unavoidable aspect of life, while the second truth explores the origins of this suffering, rooted in attachment and desire. The third noble truth offers hope, revealing that liberation from suffering is achievable, and the fourth truth provides a practical path through the Eightfold Path, guiding us on how to cultivate mindfulness, ethical conduct, and mental discipline to ultimately foster a more compassionate and fulfilled existence. Embracing these truths can transform our perception of life, allowing us to navigate our challenges with wisdom and resilience.

    The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha): Life includes dissatisfaction, suffering, and pain. This encompasses obvious suffering (birth, sickness, death) and subtle dissatisfaction (impermanence, lack of fulfillment).
    The Truth of the Cause of Suffering (Samudaya): Suffering is caused by craving, grasping, or thirsting for pleasure, existence, or non-existence. This stems from ignorance about the true nature of reality.
    The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha): It is possible to end suffering and achieve a state of liberation known as Nirvana. This occurs by letting go of cravings and attachment.
    The Truth of the Path (Magga): The way to end suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes cultivating right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

    ~from Lion’s Roar

    On The Path Of Truth

    Now, to apply this to my physical health issues, I can begin with the first noble truth of suffering. Obviously, the pain I experience can be considered suffering, manifesting itself in both a physical and emotional burden that weighs heavily on my daily life. Move on to the second noble truth – the cause of suffering could be the dysregulation of my nervous system, which might lead to heightened sensitivity to pain and an inability to process discomfort in a healthy way. On the other hand, I could look at the cause of my suffering as my intense desire to avoid pain, which creates a cycle of fear and anxiety that exacerbates my condition. By viewing physical pain as only suffering, I am missing the point of the pain, for it can also be a valuable teacher, offering insights into my body’s limits and encouraging me to explore alternative healing methods, mindfulness practices, and ultimately, a deeper understanding of my own well-being.

    Photo by Summer Stock on Pexels.com

    Heeding the Messenger

    Pain indicates a problem with the body’s balance. If I view pain as a messenger, I immediately alleviate some suffering, as the second noble truth reminds us that suffering is due to wanting or craving things to be other than they are. This perspective shift is not merely a change in thought but a profound transformation in my relationship with my own experience of discomfort. By embracing pain as a guide rather than an adversary, I can begin to uncover underlying issues that may be affecting my well-being. I recognize that every ache and pang carries vital information about my physical state, urging me to pay attention, to adjust, and perhaps to heal. This mindful awareness opens a pathway to understanding the intelligence of my body within the message of pain, enabling me to respond with compassion rather than resistance, and thus fostering a deeper connection with myself.

    Releasing Suffering

    The third noble truth explains how to remove suffering by eliminating craving. When I view pain as the intelligence of my body, the craving drops away, and the message becomes clearer, revealing insights I might have otherwise overlooked. In this way, I become an active listener to my body’s wisdom, fostering a deeper connection with myself. The pain indicates energies that should be cleared out, shifted, and realigned; it serves as a guiding signal that I need to pause, slow down, and be more in tune with my own physicality and emotional landscape. It urges me to explore the underlying causes of my discomfort rather than shying away from it. When I stop demanding the pain vanish, I allow myself to truly experience this moment, embracing instead of resisting, and I stop abandoning myself in the moments it appears, cultivating compassion and understanding for my own journey through discomfort and healing.

    Discovering Truth

    This softening, this release of craving, naturally leads to the Fourth Noble Truth: the path of liberation. With this shift in perspective, I find that I am no longer tied to the identity of my disability; instead, I embrace a broader definition of self that transcends physical limitations. I am no longer a person in pain but a vibrant entity filled with potential and possibility. I recognize that I am body, mind, and spirit, a flowing intelligence that is deeper than I can imagine, expressing itself in myriad ways that I begin to understand when I take the time to settle, quiet my mind, and listen deeply. This internal dialogue reveals an inherent intelligence that guides me, enabling my life to become expansive, interconnected, and richly textured. Through this journey of self-discovery, I uncover facets of my being that bring joy and fulfillment, creating a tapestry of existence that is not defined by suffering but rather illuminated by resilience and hope.

    Walking The Path

    The shift in my relationship with pain opens naturally into the eightfold path, not as a set of rules, but as a way of living that grows from this new understanding. When I listen to my body’s wisdom, right view becomes clarity, right intention becomes gentleness, and right mindfulness becomes a simple act of staying with myself. The path becomes a lived expression of liberation, a way of moving through the world with presence, compassion, and integrity. In this way, the Fourth Noble Truth is not an ending, but an invitation, a reminder that freedom is something I practice with each breath, each choice, each moment I refuse to abandon myself.

    Sometimes, we all need a gentle reminder of our truth, of the inherent sacredness that resides within us. In the midst of our hectic and hurried lives, it’s so easy to lose sight of our innate worth and our unique place in the vast cosmos. Yet, when we take a moment to pause and truly embrace each experience, we open ourselves to the wonder that surrounds us, awakening our senses and rejuvenating our spirit. Consider giving yourself the gift of stillness and sacredness throughout your day by journeying inward, as we connect with the infinite through the soothing practices of meditation and affirmations.

    #4NobleTruths #8FoldPath #anxiety #awareness #balance #buddha #buddhist #buddhistWisdom #challenges #disability #eightFoldPath #experience #flow #fourNobleTruths #healing #healingMigraine #learning #lifeLessons #lupus #meditaion #meditation #mentalHealth #mentalWellness #migraine #mindful #mindfulness #moments #neurologicalDisorders #practice #resilience #wisdom
  6. Navigating Suffering with Buddhist Wisdom

    Navigating chronic illness and disability is challenging at times, often requiring us to confront unexpected setbacks and emotional hurdles. Discovering unique ways to cope, build resilience, and remain mindful is key to healing and mental well-being.

    During meditation this morning, I realized that I can view my neurological disorders through the lens of the Four Noble Truths. This perspective offers a unique approach, allowing me not only to confront my struggles but also to embrace them as integral parts of my journey. I have often used the pain I experience as a path to understanding; however, I have not yet applied the Noble Truths as a process to work through health issues. By examining the nature of suffering and acknowledging its presence in my life, I can begin to explore the deeper causes behind it, leading me to cultivate mindfulness and compassion, both for myself and others who endure similar challenges. Recognizing that there is a path out of suffering encourages me to actively seek solutions and cultivate a more balanced state of being.

    The four noble truths of Buddhism help us to see life through a different perspective and gain clarity on why we suffer and how to alleviate this. By understanding these fundamental principles, we begin to recognize the nature of suffering, which is an inherent part of the human experience. This realization encourages us to confront our pain rather than avoid it. The first truth identifies suffering as an unavoidable aspect of life, while the second truth explores the origins of this suffering, rooted in attachment and desire. The third noble truth offers hope, revealing that liberation from suffering is achievable, and the fourth truth provides a practical path through the Eightfold Path, guiding us on how to cultivate mindfulness, ethical conduct, and mental discipline to ultimately foster a more compassionate and fulfilled existence. Embracing these truths can transform our perception of life, allowing us to navigate our challenges with wisdom and resilience.

    The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha): Life includes dissatisfaction, suffering, and pain. This encompasses obvious suffering (birth, sickness, death) and subtle dissatisfaction (impermanence, lack of fulfillment).
    The Truth of the Cause of Suffering (Samudaya): Suffering is caused by craving, grasping, or thirsting for pleasure, existence, or non-existence. This stems from ignorance about the true nature of reality.
    The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha): It is possible to end suffering and achieve a state of liberation known as Nirvana. This occurs by letting go of cravings and attachment.
    The Truth of the Path (Magga): The way to end suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes cultivating right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

    ~from Lion’s Roar

    On The Path Of Truth

    Now, to apply this to my physical health issues, I can begin with the first noble truth of suffering. Obviously, the pain I experience can be considered suffering, manifesting itself in both a physical and emotional burden that weighs heavily on my daily life. Move on to the second noble truth – the cause of suffering could be the dysregulation of my nervous system, which might lead to heightened sensitivity to pain and an inability to process discomfort in a healthy way. On the other hand, I could look at the cause of my suffering as my intense desire to avoid pain, which creates a cycle of fear and anxiety that exacerbates my condition. By viewing physical pain as only suffering, I am missing the point of the pain, for it can also be a valuable teacher, offering insights into my body’s limits and encouraging me to explore alternative healing methods, mindfulness practices, and ultimately, a deeper understanding of my own well-being.

    Photo by Summer Stock on Pexels.com

    Heeding the Messenger

    Pain indicates a problem with the body’s balance. If I view pain as a messenger, I immediately alleviate some suffering, as the second noble truth reminds us that suffering is due to wanting or craving things to be other than they are. This perspective shift is not merely a change in thought but a profound transformation in my relationship with my own experience of discomfort. By embracing pain as a guide rather than an adversary, I can begin to uncover underlying issues that may be affecting my well-being. I recognize that every ache and pang carries vital information about my physical state, urging me to pay attention, to adjust, and perhaps to heal. This mindful awareness opens a pathway to understanding the intelligence of my body within the message of pain, enabling me to respond with compassion rather than resistance, and thus fostering a deeper connection with myself.

    Releasing Suffering

    The third noble truth explains how to remove suffering by eliminating craving. When I view pain as the intelligence of my body, the craving drops away, and the message becomes clearer, revealing insights I might have otherwise overlooked. In this way, I become an active listener to my body’s wisdom, fostering a deeper connection with myself. The pain indicates energies that should be cleared out, shifted, and realigned; it serves as a guiding signal that I need to pause, slow down, and be more in tune with my own physicality and emotional landscape. It urges me to explore the underlying causes of my discomfort rather than shying away from it. When I stop demanding the pain vanish, I allow myself to truly experience this moment, embracing instead of resisting, and I stop abandoning myself in the moments it appears, cultivating compassion and understanding for my own journey through discomfort and healing.

    Discovering Truth

    This softening, this release of craving, naturally leads to the Fourth Noble Truth: the path of liberation. With this shift in perspective, I find that I am no longer tied to the identity of my disability; instead, I embrace a broader definition of self that transcends physical limitations. I am no longer a person in pain but a vibrant entity filled with potential and possibility. I recognize that I am body, mind, and spirit, a flowing intelligence that is deeper than I can imagine, expressing itself in myriad ways that I begin to understand when I take the time to settle, quiet my mind, and listen deeply. This internal dialogue reveals an inherent intelligence that guides me, enabling my life to become expansive, interconnected, and richly textured. Through this journey of self-discovery, I uncover facets of my being that bring joy and fulfillment, creating a tapestry of existence that is not defined by suffering but rather illuminated by resilience and hope.

    Walking The Path

    The shift in my relationship with pain opens naturally into the eightfold path, not as a set of rules, but as a way of living that grows from this new understanding. When I listen to my body’s wisdom, right view becomes clarity, right intention becomes gentleness, and right mindfulness becomes a simple act of staying with myself. The path becomes a lived expression of liberation, a way of moving through the world with presence, compassion, and integrity. In this way, the Fourth Noble Truth is not an ending, but an invitation, a reminder that freedom is something I practice with each breath, each choice, each moment I refuse to abandon myself.

    Sometimes, we all need a gentle reminder of our truth, of the inherent sacredness that resides within us. In the midst of our hectic and hurried lives, it’s so easy to lose sight of our innate worth and our unique place in the vast cosmos. Yet, when we take a moment to pause and truly embrace each experience, we open ourselves to the wonder that surrounds us, awakening our senses and rejuvenating our spirit. Consider giving yourself the gift of stillness and sacredness throughout your day by journeying inward, as we connect with the infinite through the soothing practices of meditation and affirmations.

    #4NobleTruths #8FoldPath #anxiety #awareness #balance #buddha #buddhist #buddhistWisdom #challenges #disability #eightFoldPath #experience #flow #fourNobleTruths #healing #healingMigraine #learning #lifeLessons #lupus #meditaion #meditation #mentalHealth #mentalWellness #migraine #mindful #mindfulness #moments #neurologicalDisorders #practice #resilience #wisdom
  7. Navigating Suffering with Buddhist Wisdom

    Navigating chronic illness and disability is challenging at times, often requiring us to confront unexpected setbacks and emotional hurdles. Discovering unique ways to cope, build resilience, and remain mindful is key to healing and mental well-being.

    During meditation this morning, I realized that I can view my neurological disorders through the lens of the Four Noble Truths. This perspective offers a unique approach, allowing me not only to confront my struggles but also to embrace them as integral parts of my journey. I have often used the pain I experience as a path to understanding; however, I have not yet applied the Noble Truths as a process to work through health issues. By examining the nature of suffering and acknowledging its presence in my life, I can begin to explore the deeper causes behind it, leading me to cultivate mindfulness and compassion, both for myself and others who endure similar challenges. Recognizing that there is a path out of suffering encourages me to actively seek solutions and cultivate a more balanced state of being.

    The four noble truths of Buddhism help us to see life through a different perspective and gain clarity on why we suffer and how to alleviate this. By understanding these fundamental principles, we begin to recognize the nature of suffering, which is an inherent part of the human experience. This realization encourages us to confront our pain rather than avoid it. The first truth identifies suffering as an unavoidable aspect of life, while the second truth explores the origins of this suffering, rooted in attachment and desire. The third noble truth offers hope, revealing that liberation from suffering is achievable, and the fourth truth provides a practical path through the Eightfold Path, guiding us on how to cultivate mindfulness, ethical conduct, and mental discipline to ultimately foster a more compassionate and fulfilled existence. Embracing these truths can transform our perception of life, allowing us to navigate our challenges with wisdom and resilience.

    The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha): Life includes dissatisfaction, suffering, and pain. This encompasses obvious suffering (birth, sickness, death) and subtle dissatisfaction (impermanence, lack of fulfillment).
    The Truth of the Cause of Suffering (Samudaya): Suffering is caused by craving, grasping, or thirsting for pleasure, existence, or non-existence. This stems from ignorance about the true nature of reality.
    The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha): It is possible to end suffering and achieve a state of liberation known as Nirvana. This occurs by letting go of cravings and attachment.
    The Truth of the Path (Magga): The way to end suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes cultivating right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

    ~from Lion’s Roar

    On The Path Of Truth

    Now, to apply this to my physical health issues, I can begin with the first noble truth of suffering. Obviously, the pain I experience can be considered suffering, manifesting itself in both a physical and emotional burden that weighs heavily on my daily life. Move on to the second noble truth – the cause of suffering could be the dysregulation of my nervous system, which might lead to heightened sensitivity to pain and an inability to process discomfort in a healthy way. On the other hand, I could look at the cause of my suffering as my intense desire to avoid pain, which creates a cycle of fear and anxiety that exacerbates my condition. By viewing physical pain as only suffering, I am missing the point of the pain, for it can also be a valuable teacher, offering insights into my body’s limits and encouraging me to explore alternative healing methods, mindfulness practices, and ultimately, a deeper understanding of my own well-being.

    Photo by Summer Stock on Pexels.com

    Heeding the Messenger

    Pain indicates a problem with the body’s balance. If I view pain as a messenger, I immediately alleviate some suffering, as the second noble truth reminds us that suffering is due to wanting or craving things to be other than they are. This perspective shift is not merely a change in thought but a profound transformation in my relationship with my own experience of discomfort. By embracing pain as a guide rather than an adversary, I can begin to uncover underlying issues that may be affecting my well-being. I recognize that every ache and pang carries vital information about my physical state, urging me to pay attention, to adjust, and perhaps to heal. This mindful awareness opens a pathway to understanding the intelligence of my body within the message of pain, enabling me to respond with compassion rather than resistance, and thus fostering a deeper connection with myself.

    Releasing Suffering

    The third noble truth explains how to remove suffering by eliminating craving. When I view pain as the intelligence of my body, the craving drops away, and the message becomes clearer, revealing insights I might have otherwise overlooked. In this way, I become an active listener to my body’s wisdom, fostering a deeper connection with myself. The pain indicates energies that should be cleared out, shifted, and realigned; it serves as a guiding signal that I need to pause, slow down, and be more in tune with my own physicality and emotional landscape. It urges me to explore the underlying causes of my discomfort rather than shying away from it. When I stop demanding the pain vanish, I allow myself to truly experience this moment, embracing instead of resisting, and I stop abandoning myself in the moments it appears, cultivating compassion and understanding for my own journey through discomfort and healing.

    Discovering Truth

    This softening, this release of craving, naturally leads to the Fourth Noble Truth: the path of liberation. With this shift in perspective, I find that I am no longer tied to the identity of my disability; instead, I embrace a broader definition of self that transcends physical limitations. I am no longer a person in pain but a vibrant entity filled with potential and possibility. I recognize that I am body, mind, and spirit, a flowing intelligence that is deeper than I can imagine, expressing itself in myriad ways that I begin to understand when I take the time to settle, quiet my mind, and listen deeply. This internal dialogue reveals an inherent intelligence that guides me, enabling my life to become expansive, interconnected, and richly textured. Through this journey of self-discovery, I uncover facets of my being that bring joy and fulfillment, creating a tapestry of existence that is not defined by suffering but rather illuminated by resilience and hope.

    Walking The Path

    The shift in my relationship with pain opens naturally into the eightfold path, not as a set of rules, but as a way of living that grows from this new understanding. When I listen to my body’s wisdom, right view becomes clarity, right intention becomes gentleness, and right mindfulness becomes a simple act of staying with myself. The path becomes a lived expression of liberation, a way of moving through the world with presence, compassion, and integrity. In this way, the Fourth Noble Truth is not an ending, but an invitation, a reminder that freedom is something I practice with each breath, each choice, each moment I refuse to abandon myself.

    Sometimes, we all need a gentle reminder of our truth, of the inherent sacredness that resides within us. In the midst of our hectic and hurried lives, it’s so easy to lose sight of our innate worth and our unique place in the vast cosmos. Yet, when we take a moment to pause and truly embrace each experience, we open ourselves to the wonder that surrounds us, awakening our senses and rejuvenating our spirit. Consider giving yourself the gift of stillness and sacredness throughout your day by journeying inward, as we connect with the infinite through the soothing practices of meditation and affirmations.

    #4NobleTruths #8FoldPath #anxiety #awareness #balance #buddha #buddhist #buddhistWisdom #challenges #disability #eightFoldPath #experience #flow #fourNobleTruths #healing #healingMigraine #learning #lifeLessons #lupus #meditaion #meditation #mentalHealth #mentalWellness #migraine #mindful #mindfulness #moments #neurologicalDisorders #practice #resilience #wisdom
  8. CW: What is an Ecology of Protections?

    What is an Ecology of Protections?

    In our paper, we illustrate how social media and information infrastructures can be imagined as an ecosystem of agents interacting through processes (policies) and behaviors (actions of users and automations).

    This ecosystem model makes it possible to understand how our current protections for photosensitive users are inadequate, allowing for multiple vectors of accidental and malicious exposure to dangerous flashing content.

    [Image 1: Narrative Description of Diagram:

    Platform Executives and Marketing Clients have a cyclical revenue relationship.

    Platform Executives influence Platform Designers and Developers.

    WCAG guidelines are meant to support Designers/Developers, but may not always be followed.

    Marketing Clients sometimes create flashing content.

    Non-sensitive users who are unaware of photosensitivity may also create and share and circulate flashing content, which can lead to accidental exposure for Photosensitive Users.

    When Non-sensitive Users who are aware of photosensitivity are exposed to flashing content, they may warn photosensitive users.

    Non-sensitive Users who are aware of photosensitivity may also intentionally or maliciously expose sensitive users.

    If any user attempts to report a flashing graphic, reporting features do not have appropriate categories, and platform developers are never notified of the problem.

    Sensitive users may also experience resets or overrides to their safety settings on major app updates.]

    A more robust ecology of protections centers the photosensitive user, even though they are not "the majority", providing them with multiple layers which they can control to protect themselves from exposures when other policies and community norms fail.

    [Image 2: Narrative description of the aggregate re-world map.

    The photosensitive user is protected from ambient, accidental, and malicious exposure by a dual layer of protection by device level settings and app level settings.

    If a developer update overrides app-level settings, the device level settings correct this.

    Users who are aware of photosensitivity are able to educate other users to prevent circulation of dangerous content.

    Advertisers and other users may still create and share flashing content, but an enforcement body can punish advertisers and platforms for creating or failing to prevent the circulation of flashing content.

    Users are able to report dangerous content to both the platform and to regulatory bodies.

    Malicious attacks are met with suspension or bans.]

    Such a nested system of protections can prevent ambient, accidental, and malicious exposure to dangerous flashing media. Establishing these features and community norms may further protect all users from psychologically harmful content.

    It is important to note that such provisions rely on centering user safety over corporate interests which rely on non-vonsensual auto-play to hook user attention and manipulate purchasing behavior. To this I say, get more creative. Or maybe... stop being a predator.

    Additionally, the central layer of protection requires implementation by OS developers to provide an optional postprocess filter which can inturrupt dangerous luminance shifts at the pixel buffer level. Other research attempts to classify and predict dangerous flashes through ML techniques, but this is not necessary. A always-on simple algorithmic edit to the next array of pixels provides fail-safe protection at a minor aesthetic expense - a ghost or trailing effect.

    [Image 3: An original sequence of frames which flash between pure black and pure white.

    A flash detection mask is calculated and a pixel-attenuation filter is loaded.

    In the final sequence, each frame is attenuated by the detection mask and filter, producing the impression of a flash without the actual danger.]

    Image 3 demonstrates the proposed filter applied to a full screen blink sequence. Between-frame calculations of flash detection using South et al.’s algorithm would produce a full white mask for each frame, indicating that each frame change was dangerous and needed to be adjusted. In other examples, the calculated mask would identify specific regions for pixel filtering. The mask could then be applied to a calculation which adjusts how much the next frame transitions between the previous frame and the intended next frame. In the example here, frame 2 becomes frame B, which is two plus the mask (Δ1), multiplied by a fraction (q). Frame 3 becomes frame C, which is the original frame 3 plus the calculated difference between frames 2 and 3 (Δ2), minus the pixel values in frame B. The first flashing sequence is significantly faded, and over time the flashing sequence averages out to show level changes without strobing.

    This effect may look strange, but photosensitive users already use "unaesthetic" filters to limit the overall brightness of their devices. Such filters may even enable content creators to change their aesthetic choices to eliminate ghosting which would indicate a safer content for all.

    dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/366

    #ASSETS2024 #GraphicsProgramming #TechnologyPolicy #Migraine #Epilepsy #photosensitivity #photophobia

  9. CW: What is an Ecology of Protections?

    What is an Ecology of Protections?

    In our paper, we illustrate how social media and information infrastructures can be imagined as an ecosystem of agents interacting through processes (policies) and behaviors (actions of users and automations).

    This ecosystem model makes it possible to understand how our current protections for photosensitive users are inadequate, allowing for multiple vectors of accidental and malicious exposure to dangerous flashing content.

    [Image 1: Narrative Description of Diagram:

    Platform Executives and Marketing Clients have a cyclical revenue relationship.

    Platform Executives influence Platform Designers and Developers.

    WCAG guidelines are meant to support Designers/Developers, but may not always be followed.

    Marketing Clients sometimes create flashing content.

    Non-sensitive users who are unaware of photosensitivity may also create and share and circulate flashing content, which can lead to accidental exposure for Photosensitive Users.

    When Non-sensitive Users who are aware of photosensitivity are exposed to flashing content, they may warn photosensitive users.

    Non-sensitive Users who are aware of photosensitivity may also intentionally or maliciously expose sensitive users.

    If any user attempts to report a flashing graphic, reporting features do not have appropriate categories, and platform developers are never notified of the problem.

    Sensitive users may also experience resets or overrides to their safety settings on major app updates.]

    A more robust ecology of protections centers the photosensitive user, even though they are not "the majority", providing them with multiple layers which they can control to protect themselves from exposures when other policies and community norms fail.

    [Image 2: Narrative description of the aggregate re-world map.

    The photosensitive user is protected from ambient, accidental, and malicious exposure by a dual layer of protection by device level settings and app level settings.

    If a developer update overrides app-level settings, the device level settings correct this.

    Users who are aware of photosensitivity are able to educate other users to prevent circulation of dangerous content.

    Advertisers and other users may still create and share flashing content, but an enforcement body can punish advertisers and platforms for creating or failing to prevent the circulation of flashing content.

    Users are able to report dangerous content to both the platform and to regulatory bodies.

    Malicious attacks are met with suspension or bans.]

    Such a nested system of protections can prevent ambient, accidental, and malicious exposure to dangerous flashing media. Establishing these features and community norms may further protect all users from psychologically harmful content.

    It is important to note that such provisions rely on centering user safety over corporate interests which rely on non-vonsensual auto-play to hook user attention and manipulate purchasing behavior. To this I say, get more creative. Or maybe... stop being a predator.

    Additionally, the central layer of protection requires implementation by OS developers to provide an optional postprocess filter which can inturrupt dangerous luminance shifts at the pixel buffer level. Other research attempts to classify and predict dangerous flashes through ML techniques, but this is not necessary. A always-on simple algorithmic edit to the next array of pixels provides fail-safe protection at a minor aesthetic expense - a ghost or trailing effect.

    [Image 3: An original sequence of frames which flash between pure black and pure white.

    A flash detection mask is calculated and a pixel-attenuation filter is loaded.

    In the final sequence, each frame is attenuated by the detection mask and filter, producing the impression of a flash without the actual danger.]

    Image 3 demonstrates the proposed filter applied to a full screen blink sequence. Between-frame calculations of flash detection using South et al.’s algorithm would produce a full white mask for each frame, indicating that each frame change was dangerous and needed to be adjusted. In other examples, the calculated mask would identify specific regions for pixel filtering. The mask could then be applied to a calculation which adjusts how much the next frame transitions between the previous frame and the intended next frame. In the example here, frame 2 becomes frame B, which is two plus the mask (Δ1), multiplied by a fraction (q). Frame 3 becomes frame C, which is the original frame 3 plus the calculated difference between frames 2 and 3 (Δ2), minus the pixel values in frame B. The first flashing sequence is significantly faded, and over time the flashing sequence averages out to show level changes without strobing.

    This effect may look strange, but photosensitive users already use "unaesthetic" filters to limit the overall brightness of their devices. Such filters may even enable content creators to change their aesthetic choices to eliminate ghosting which would indicate a safer content for all.

    dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/366

    #ASSETS2024 #GraphicsProgramming #TechnologyPolicy #Migraine #Epilepsy #photosensitivity #photophobia

  10. CW: What is an Ecology of Protections?

    What is an Ecology of Protections?

    In our paper, we illustrate how social media and information infrastructures can be imagined as an ecosystem of agents interacting through processes (policies) and behaviors (actions of users and automations).

    This ecosystem model makes it possible to understand how our current protections for photosensitive users are inadequate, allowing for multiple vectors of accidental and malicious exposure to dangerous flashing content.

    [Image 1: Narrative Description of Diagram:

    Platform Executives and Marketing Clients have a cyclical revenue relationship.

    Platform Executives influence Platform Designers and Developers.

    WCAG guidelines are meant to support Designers/Developers, but may not always be followed.

    Marketing Clients sometimes create flashing content.

    Non-sensitive users who are unaware of photosensitivity may also create and share and circulate flashing content, which can lead to accidental exposure for Photosensitive Users.

    When Non-sensitive Users who are aware of photosensitivity are exposed to flashing content, they may warn photosensitive users.

    Non-sensitive Users who are aware of photosensitivity may also intentionally or maliciously expose sensitive users.

    If any user attempts to report a flashing graphic, reporting features do not have appropriate categories, and platform developers are never notified of the problem.

    Sensitive users may also experience resets or overrides to their safety settings on major app updates.]

    A more robust ecology of protections centers the photosensitive user, even though they are not "the majority", providing them with multiple layers which they can control to protect themselves from exposures when other policies and community norms fail.

    [Image 2: Narrative description of the aggregate re-world map.

    The photosensitive user is protected from ambient, accidental, and malicious exposure by a dual layer of protection by device level settings and app level settings.

    If a developer update overrides app-level settings, the device level settings correct this.

    Users who are aware of photosensitivity are able to educate other users to prevent circulation of dangerous content.

    Advertisers and other users may still create and share flashing content, but an enforcement body can punish advertisers and platforms for creating or failing to prevent the circulation of flashing content.

    Users are able to report dangerous content to both the platform and to regulatory bodies.

    Malicious attacks are met with suspension or bans.]

    Such a nested system of protections can prevent ambient, accidental, and malicious exposure to dangerous flashing media. Establishing these features and community norms may further protect all users from psychologically harmful content.

    It is important to note that such provisions rely on centering user safety over corporate interests which rely on non-vonsensual auto-play to hook user attention and manipulate purchasing behavior. To this I say, get more creative. Or maybe... stop being a predator.

    Additionally, the central layer of protection requires implementation by OS developers to provide an optional postprocess filter which can inturrupt dangerous luminance shifts at the pixel buffer level. Other research attempts to classify and predict dangerous flashes through ML techniques, but this is not necessary. A always-on simple algorithmic edit to the next array of pixels provides fail-safe protection at a minor aesthetic expense - a ghost or trailing effect.

    [Image 3: An original sequence of frames which flash between pure black and pure white.

    A flash detection mask is calculated and a pixel-attenuation filter is loaded.

    In the final sequence, each frame is attenuated by the detection mask and filter, producing the impression of a flash without the actual danger.]

    Image 3 demonstrates the proposed filter applied to a full screen blink sequence. Between-frame calculations of flash detection using South et al.’s algorithm would produce a full white mask for each frame, indicating that each frame change was dangerous and needed to be adjusted. In other examples, the calculated mask would identify specific regions for pixel filtering. The mask could then be applied to a calculation which adjusts how much the next frame transitions between the previous frame and the intended next frame. In the example here, frame 2 becomes frame B, which is two plus the mask (Δ1), multiplied by a fraction (q). Frame 3 becomes frame C, which is the original frame 3 plus the calculated difference between frames 2 and 3 (Δ2), minus the pixel values in frame B. The first flashing sequence is significantly faded, and over time the flashing sequence averages out to show level changes without strobing.

    This effect may look strange, but photosensitive users already use "unaesthetic" filters to limit the overall brightness of their devices. Such filters may even enable content creators to change their aesthetic choices to eliminate ghosting which would indicate a safer content for all.

    dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/366

    #ASSETS2024 #GraphicsProgramming #TechnologyPolicy #Migraine #Epilepsy #photosensitivity #photophobia

  11. CW: What is an Ecology of Protections?

    What is an Ecology of Protections?

    In our paper, we illustrate how social media and information infrastructures can be imagined as an ecosystem of agents interacting through processes (policies) and behaviors (actions of users and automations).

    This ecosystem model makes it possible to understand how our current protections for photosensitive users are inadequate, allowing for multiple vectors of accidental and malicious exposure to dangerous flashing content.

    [Image 1: Narrative Description of Diagram:

    Platform Executives and Marketing Clients have a cyclical revenue relationship.

    Platform Executives influence Platform Designers and Developers.

    WCAG guidelines are meant to support Designers/Developers, but may not always be followed.

    Marketing Clients sometimes create flashing content.

    Non-sensitive users who are unaware of photosensitivity may also create and share and circulate flashing content, which can lead to accidental exposure for Photosensitive Users.

    When Non-sensitive Users who are aware of photosensitivity are exposed to flashing content, they may warn photosensitive users.

    Non-sensitive Users who are aware of photosensitivity may also intentionally or maliciously expose sensitive users.

    If any user attempts to report a flashing graphic, reporting features do not have appropriate categories, and platform developers are never notified of the problem.

    Sensitive users may also experience resets or overrides to their safety settings on major app updates.]

    A more robust ecology of protections centers the photosensitive user, even though they are not "the majority", providing them with multiple layers which they can control to protect themselves from exposures when other policies and community norms fail.

    [Image 2: Narrative description of the aggregate re-world map.

    The photosensitive user is protected from ambient, accidental, and malicious exposure by a dual layer of protection by device level settings and app level settings.

    If a developer update overrides app-level settings, the device level settings correct this.

    Users who are aware of photosensitivity are able to educate other users to prevent circulation of dangerous content.

    Advertisers and other users may still create and share flashing content, but an enforcement body can punish advertisers and platforms for creating or failing to prevent the circulation of flashing content.

    Users are able to report dangerous content to both the platform and to regulatory bodies.

    Malicious attacks are met with suspension or bans.]

    Such a nested system of protections can prevent ambient, accidental, and malicious exposure to dangerous flashing media. Establishing these features and community norms may further protect all users from psychologically harmful content.

    It is important to note that such provisions rely on centering user safety over corporate interests which rely on non-vonsensual auto-play to hook user attention and manipulate purchasing behavior. To this I say, get more creative. Or maybe... stop being a predator.

    Additionally, the central layer of protection requires implementation by OS developers to provide an optional postprocess filter which can inturrupt dangerous luminance shifts at the pixel buffer level. Other research attempts to classify and predict dangerous flashes through ML techniques, but this is not necessary. A always-on simple algorithmic edit to the next array of pixels provides fail-safe protection at a minor aesthetic expense - a ghost or trailing effect.

    [Image 3: An original sequence of frames which flash between pure black and pure white.

    A flash detection mask is calculated and a pixel-attenuation filter is loaded.

    In the final sequence, each frame is attenuated by the detection mask and filter, producing the impression of a flash without the actual danger.]

    Image 3 demonstrates the proposed filter applied to a full screen blink sequence. Between-frame calculations of flash detection using South et al.’s algorithm would produce a full white mask for each frame, indicating that each frame change was dangerous and needed to be adjusted. In other examples, the calculated mask would identify specific regions for pixel filtering. The mask could then be applied to a calculation which adjusts how much the next frame transitions between the previous frame and the intended next frame. In the example here, frame 2 becomes frame B, which is two plus the mask (Δ1), multiplied by a fraction (q). Frame 3 becomes frame C, which is the original frame 3 plus the calculated difference between frames 2 and 3 (Δ2), minus the pixel values in frame B. The first flashing sequence is significantly faded, and over time the flashing sequence averages out to show level changes without strobing.

    This effect may look strange, but photosensitive users already use "unaesthetic" filters to limit the overall brightness of their devices. Such filters may even enable content creators to change their aesthetic choices to eliminate ghosting which would indicate a safer content for all.

    dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/366

    #ASSETS2024 #GraphicsProgramming #TechnologyPolicy #Migraine #Epilepsy #photosensitivity #photophobia

  12. CW: What is an Ecology of Protections?

    What is an Ecology of Protections?

    In our paper, we illustrate how social media and information infrastructures can be imagined as an ecosystem of agents interacting through processes (policies) and behaviors (actions of users and automations).

    This ecosystem model makes it possible to understand how our current protections for photosensitive users are inadequate, allowing for multiple vectors of accidental and malicious exposure to dangerous flashing content.

    [Image 1: Narrative Description of Diagram:

    Platform Executives and Marketing Clients have a cyclical revenue relationship.

    Platform Executives influence Platform Designers and Developers.

    WCAG guidelines are meant to support Designers/Developers, but may not always be followed.

    Marketing Clients sometimes create flashing content.

    Non-sensitive users who are unaware of photosensitivity may also create and share and circulate flashing content, which can lead to accidental exposure for Photosensitive Users.

    When Non-sensitive Users who are aware of photosensitivity are exposed to flashing content, they may warn photosensitive users.

    Non-sensitive Users who are aware of photosensitivity may also intentionally or maliciously expose sensitive users.

    If any user attempts to report a flashing graphic, reporting features do not have appropriate categories, and platform developers are never notified of the problem.

    Sensitive users may also experience resets or overrides to their safety settings on major app updates.]

    A more robust ecology of protections centers the photosensitive user, even though they are not "the majority", providing them with multiple layers which they can control to protect themselves from exposures when other policies and community norms fail.

    [Image 2: Narrative description of the aggregate re-world map.

    The photosensitive user is protected from ambient, accidental, and malicious exposure by a dual layer of protection by device level settings and app level settings.

    If a developer update overrides app-level settings, the device level settings correct this.

    Users who are aware of photosensitivity are able to educate other users to prevent circulation of dangerous content.

    Advertisers and other users may still create and share flashing content, but an enforcement body can punish advertisers and platforms for creating or failing to prevent the circulation of flashing content.

    Users are able to report dangerous content to both the platform and to regulatory bodies.

    Malicious attacks are met with suspension or bans.]

    Such a nested system of protections can prevent ambient, accidental, and malicious exposure to dangerous flashing media. Establishing these features and community norms may further protect all users from psychologically harmful content.

    It is important to note that such provisions rely on centering user safety over corporate interests which rely on non-vonsensual auto-play to hook user attention and manipulate purchasing behavior. To this I say, get more creative. Or maybe... stop being a predator.

    Additionally, the central layer of protection requires implementation by OS developers to provide an optional postprocess filter which can inturrupt dangerous luminance shifts at the pixel buffer level. Other research attempts to classify and predict dangerous flashes through ML techniques, but this is not necessary. A always-on simple algorithmic edit to the next array of pixels provides fail-safe protection at a minor aesthetic expense - a ghost or trailing effect.

    [Image 3: An original sequence of frames which flash between pure black and pure white.

    A flash detection mask is calculated and a pixel-attenuation filter is loaded.

    In the final sequence, each frame is attenuated by the detection mask and filter, producing the impression of a flash without the actual danger.]

    Image 3 demonstrates the proposed filter applied to a full screen blink sequence. Between-frame calculations of flash detection using South et al.’s algorithm would produce a full white mask for each frame, indicating that each frame change was dangerous and needed to be adjusted. In other examples, the calculated mask would identify specific regions for pixel filtering. The mask could then be applied to a calculation which adjusts how much the next frame transitions between the previous frame and the intended next frame. In the example here, frame 2 becomes frame B, which is two plus the mask (Δ1), multiplied by a fraction (q). Frame 3 becomes frame C, which is the original frame 3 plus the calculated difference between frames 2 and 3 (Δ2), minus the pixel values in frame B. The first flashing sequence is significantly faded, and over time the flashing sequence averages out to show level changes without strobing.

    This effect may look strange, but photosensitive users already use "unaesthetic" filters to limit the overall brightness of their devices. Such filters may even enable content creators to change their aesthetic choices to eliminate ghosting which would indicate a safer content for all.

    dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/366

    #ASSETS2024 #GraphicsProgramming #TechnologyPolicy #Migraine #Epilepsy #photosensitivity #photophobia

  13. Yesterday, my students presented our work at the ACM ASSETS conference. "Not Only Annpying. But Dangerous": Devising an Ecology of Protections for Photosensitive Social Media Users" dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/366

    In this study, we investigate prior work, conduct survey inquiries, and use co-design methods to explore how social media design choices influence exposure to dangerous flashing content which can trigger seizures, migraines, nausea, and disorientation for photosensitive users.

    Through our analysis, we identify the current ecosystem of flashing content on the Internet, and propose a more robust ecology of protections, including on-device graphics filters that directly edit pixels buffers to prevent flashing before it occurs.

    First, existing WCAG guidelines against auto-play of media need to be enforced. Second, users should have device level control over animation that may trigger flashing, and this control shpuld not be able to be reset by platforms that try to enforce autoplay to support their own ad revenue. Third, other users need to be aware of what makes content dangerous, so thay they may stop circulating it and causing accidental exposure. Fourth, creators need to know what makes content dangerous, and how they can test for danger, to prevent them from creating dangerous media in the first place. This includes corporate creators, like movie studios, whose ads for acrion movies have been a recent source of autoplaying strobing content in movie trailors posted via ad platforms. Fifth, platforms, including GIF libraries, but also all social platforms, need to implement reporting mechanisms specifically for flashing content which can remove that content from circulation. Sixth, there should be actual penalties for platforms and creators that do not react to, correct, and remove dangerous content, or who force auto-play on users.

    And seventh, device manufacturers and operating system developers need to create on-device filters that eliminate flashing through simple real time post-processing. Machine Learning classification and prediction algorithms ARE NOT NECESSARY. We can do this with simple math. Yes it may sometimes look weird. But also people won't be dying in their sleep.

    This work is very important to me, and I've been working on it (on the side) since 2017. I wasn't allowed to pursue it fully as a graduate student. As faculty, I still had to string the project together on wishes. And I'm still looking for a collaborator to work on the implementation, though if industry would just get their shit together and do it themselves, that'd be great.

    #ASSETS2024 #accessibility #Epilepsy #migraine #photophobia #photosensitivity #NEISVoid #graphicsProgramming

  14. Yesterday, my students presented our work at the ACM ASSETS conference. "Not Only Annpying. But Dangerous": Devising an Ecology of Protections for Photosensitive Social Media Users" dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/366

    In this study, we investigate prior work, conduct survey inquiries, and use co-design methods to explore how social media design choices influence exposure to dangerous flashing content which can trigger seizures, migraines, nausea, and disorientation for photosensitive users.

    Through our analysis, we identify the current ecosystem of flashing content on the Internet, and propose a more robust ecology of protections, including on-device graphics filters that directly edit pixels buffers to prevent flashing before it occurs.

    First, existing WCAG guidelines against auto-play of media need to be enforced. Second, users should have device level control over animation that may trigger flashing, and this control shpuld not be able to be reset by platforms that try to enforce autoplay to support their own ad revenue. Third, other users need to be aware of what makes content dangerous, so thay they may stop circulating it and causing accidental exposure. Fourth, creators need to know what makes content dangerous, and how they can test for danger, to prevent them from creating dangerous media in the first place. This includes corporate creators, like movie studios, whose ads for acrion movies have been a recent source of autoplaying strobing content in movie trailors posted via ad platforms. Fifth, platforms, including GIF libraries, but also all social platforms, need to implement reporting mechanisms specifically for flashing content which can remove that content from circulation. Sixth, there should be actual penalties for platforms and creators that do not react to, correct, and remove dangerous content, or who force auto-play on users.

    And seventh, device manufacturers and operating system developers need to create on-device filters that eliminate flashing through simple real time post-processing. Machine Learning classification and prediction algorithms ARE NOT NECESSARY. We can do this with simple math. Yes it may sometimes look weird. But also people won't be dying in their sleep.

    This work is very important to me, and I've been working on it (on the side) since 2017. I wasn't allowed to pursue it fully as a graduate student. As faculty, I still had to string the project together on wishes. And I'm still looking for a collaborator to work on the implementation, though if industry would just get their shit together and do it themselves, that'd be great.

    #ASSETS2024 #accessibility #Epilepsy #migraine #photophobia #photosensitivity #NEISVoid #graphicsProgramming

  15. Yesterday, my students presented our work at the ACM ASSETS conference. "Not Only Annpying. But Dangerous": Devising an Ecology of Protections for Photosensitive Social Media Users" dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/366

    In this study, we investigate prior work, conduct survey inquiries, and use co-design methods to explore how social media design choices influence exposure to dangerous flashing content which can trigger seizures, migraines, nausea, and disorientation for photosensitive users.

    Through our analysis, we identify the current ecosystem of flashing content on the Internet, and propose a more robust ecology of protections, including on-device graphics filters that directly edit pixels buffers to prevent flashing before it occurs.

    First, existing WCAG guidelines against auto-play of media need to be enforced. Second, users should have device level control over animation that may trigger flashing, and this control shpuld not be able to be reset by platforms that try to enforce autoplay to support their own ad revenue. Third, other users need to be aware of what makes content dangerous, so thay they may stop circulating it and causing accidental exposure. Fourth, creators need to know what makes content dangerous, and how they can test for danger, to prevent them from creating dangerous media in the first place. This includes corporate creators, like movie studios, whose ads for acrion movies have been a recent source of autoplaying strobing content in movie trailors posted via ad platforms. Fifth, platforms, including GIF libraries, but also all social platforms, need to implement reporting mechanisms specifically for flashing content which can remove that content from circulation. Sixth, there should be actual penalties for platforms and creators that do not react to, correct, and remove dangerous content, or who force auto-play on users.

    And seventh, device manufacturers and operating system developers need to create on-device filters that eliminate flashing through simple real time post-processing. Machine Learning classification and prediction algorithms ARE NOT NECESSARY. We can do this with simple math. Yes it may sometimes look weird. But also people won't be dying in their sleep.

    This work is very important to me, and I've been working on it (on the side) since 2017. I wasn't allowed to pursue it fully as a graduate student. As faculty, I still had to string the project together on wishes. And I'm still looking for a collaborator to work on the implementation, though if industry would just get their shit together and do it themselves, that'd be great.

    #ASSETS2024 #accessibility #Epilepsy #migraine #photophobia #photosensitivity #NEISVoid #graphicsProgramming

  16. Yesterday, my students presented our work at the ACM ASSETS conference. "Not Only Annpying. But Dangerous": Devising an Ecology of Protections for Photosensitive Social Media Users" dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/366

    In this study, we investigate prior work, conduct survey inquiries, and use co-design methods to explore how social media design choices influence exposure to dangerous flashing content which can trigger seizures, migraines, nausea, and disorientation for photosensitive users.

    Through our analysis, we identify the current ecosystem of flashing content on the Internet, and propose a more robust ecology of protections, including on-device graphics filters that directly edit pixels buffers to prevent flashing before it occurs.

    First, existing WCAG guidelines against auto-play of media need to be enforced. Second, users should have device level control over animation that may trigger flashing, and this control shpuld not be able to be reset by platforms that try to enforce autoplay to support their own ad revenue. Third, other users need to be aware of what makes content dangerous, so thay they may stop circulating it and causing accidental exposure. Fourth, creators need to know what makes content dangerous, and how they can test for danger, to prevent them from creating dangerous media in the first place. This includes corporate creators, like movie studios, whose ads for acrion movies have been a recent source of autoplaying strobing content in movie trailors posted via ad platforms. Fifth, platforms, including GIF libraries, but also all social platforms, need to implement reporting mechanisms specifically for flashing content which can remove that content from circulation. Sixth, there should be actual penalties for platforms and creators that do not react to, correct, and remove dangerous content, or who force auto-play on users.

    And seventh, device manufacturers and operating system developers need to create on-device filters that eliminate flashing through simple real time post-processing. Machine Learning classification and prediction algorithms ARE NOT NECESSARY. We can do this with simple math. Yes it may sometimes look weird. But also people won't be dying in their sleep.

    This work is very important to me, and I've been working on it (on the side) since 2017. I wasn't allowed to pursue it fully as a graduate student. As faculty, I still had to string the project together on wishes. And I'm still looking for a collaborator to work on the implementation, though if industry would just get their shit together and do it themselves, that'd be great.

    #ASSETS2024 #accessibility #Epilepsy #migraine #photophobia #photosensitivity #NEISVoid #graphicsProgramming

  17. Yesterday, my students presented our work at the ACM ASSETS conference. "Not Only Annpying. But Dangerous": Devising an Ecology of Protections for Photosensitive Social Media Users" dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/366

    In this study, we investigate prior work, conduct survey inquiries, and use co-design methods to explore how social media design choices influence exposure to dangerous flashing content which can trigger seizures, migraines, nausea, and disorientation for photosensitive users.

    Through our analysis, we identify the current ecosystem of flashing content on the Internet, and propose a more robust ecology of protections, including on-device graphics filters that directly edit pixels buffers to prevent flashing before it occurs.

    First, existing WCAG guidelines against auto-play of media need to be enforced. Second, users should have device level control over animation that may trigger flashing, and this control shpuld not be able to be reset by platforms that try to enforce autoplay to support their own ad revenue. Third, other users need to be aware of what makes content dangerous, so thay they may stop circulating it and causing accidental exposure. Fourth, creators need to know what makes content dangerous, and how they can test for danger, to prevent them from creating dangerous media in the first place. This includes corporate creators, like movie studios, whose ads for acrion movies have been a recent source of autoplaying strobing content in movie trailors posted via ad platforms. Fifth, platforms, including GIF libraries, but also all social platforms, need to implement reporting mechanisms specifically for flashing content which can remove that content from circulation. Sixth, there should be actual penalties for platforms and creators that do not react to, correct, and remove dangerous content, or who force auto-play on users.

    And seventh, device manufacturers and operating system developers need to create on-device filters that eliminate flashing through simple real time post-processing. Machine Learning classification and prediction algorithms ARE NOT NECESSARY. We can do this with simple math. Yes it may sometimes look weird. But also people won't be dying in their sleep.

    This work is very important to me, and I've been working on it (on the side) since 2017. I wasn't allowed to pursue it fully as a graduate student. As faculty, I still had to string the project together on wishes. And I'm still looking for a collaborator to work on the implementation, though if industry would just get their shit together and do it themselves, that'd be great.

    #ASSETS2024 #accessibility #Epilepsy #migraine #photophobia #photosensitivity #NEISVoid #graphicsProgramming

  18. How do people use ring lights on web-cams and not just want to pull their eyes out?

    I never feel like I need to use the one on mine, but decided to try it today for our lab meeting, and my eyes just wanted to bug out of my head. And that was on the "warm" setting!

    I normally don't think I have #photophobia from my #migraine , but I can't do this, and I keep my external monitor on a brightness of 0.

  19. How do people use ring lights on web-cams and not just want to pull their eyes out?

    I never feel like I need to use the one on mine, but decided to try it today for our lab meeting, and my eyes just wanted to bug out of my head. And that was on the "warm" setting!

    I normally don't think I have #photophobia from my #migraine , but I can't do this, and I keep my external monitor on a brightness of 0.

  20. How do people use ring lights on web-cams and not just want to pull their eyes out?

    I never feel like I need to use the one on mine, but decided to try it today for our lab meeting, and my eyes just wanted to bug out of my head. And that was on the "warm" setting!

    I normally don't think I have #photophobia from my #migraine , but I can't do this, and I keep my external monitor on a brightness of 0.

  21. How do people use ring lights on web-cams and not just want to pull their eyes out?

    I never feel like I need to use the one on mine, but decided to try it today for our lab meeting, and my eyes just wanted to bug out of my head. And that was on the "warm" setting!

    I normally don't think I have #photophobia from my #migraine , but I can't do this, and I keep my external monitor on a brightness of 0.

  22. How do people use ring lights on web-cams and not just want to pull their eyes out?

    I never feel like I need to use the one on mine, but decided to try it today for our lab meeting, and my eyes just wanted to bug out of my head. And that was on the "warm" setting!

    I normally don't think I have #photophobia from my #migraine , but I can't do this, and I keep my external monitor on a brightness of 0.

  23. Navigating Suffering with Buddhist Wisdom

    Navigating chronic illness and disability is challenging at times, often requiring us to confront unexpected setbacks and emotional hurdles. Discovering unique ways to cope, build resilience, and remain mindful is key to healing and mental well-being.

    During meditation this morning, I realized that I can view my neurological disorders through the lens of the Four Noble Truths. This perspective offers a unique approach, allowing me not only to confront my struggles but also to embrace them as integral parts of my journey. I have often used the pain I experience as a path to understanding; however, I have not yet applied the Noble Truths as a process to work through health issues. By examining the nature of suffering and acknowledging its presence in my life, I can begin to explore the deeper causes behind it, leading me to cultivate mindfulness and compassion, both for myself and others who endure similar challenges. Recognizing that there is a path out of suffering encourages me to actively seek solutions and cultivate a more balanced state of being.

    The four noble truths of Buddhism help us to see life through a different perspective and gain clarity on why we suffer and how to alleviate this. By understanding these fundamental principles, we begin to recognize the nature of suffering, which is an inherent part of the human experience. This realization encourages us to confront our pain rather than avoid it. The first truth identifies suffering as an unavoidable aspect of life, while the second truth explores the origins of this suffering, rooted in attachment and desire. The third noble truth offers hope, revealing that liberation from suffering is achievable, and the fourth truth provides a practical path through the Eightfold Path, guiding us on how to cultivate mindfulness, ethical conduct, and mental discipline to ultimately foster a more compassionate and fulfilled existence. Embracing these truths can transform our perception of life, allowing us to navigate our challenges with wisdom and resilience.

    The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha): Life includes dissatisfaction, suffering, and pain. This encompasses obvious suffering (birth, sickness, death) and subtle dissatisfaction (impermanence, lack of fulfillment).
    The Truth of the Cause of Suffering (Samudaya): Suffering is caused by craving, grasping, or thirsting for pleasure, existence, or non-existence. This stems from ignorance about the true nature of reality.
    The Truth of the Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha): It is possible to end suffering and achieve a state of liberation known as Nirvana. This occurs by letting go of cravings and attachment.
    The Truth of the Path (Magga): The way to end suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes cultivating right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

    ~from Lion’s Roar

    On The Path Of Truth

    Now, to apply this to my physical health issues, I can begin with the first noble truth of suffering. Obviously, the pain I experience can be considered suffering, manifesting itself in both a physical and emotional burden that weighs heavily on my daily life. Move on to the second noble truth – the cause of suffering could be the dysregulation of my nervous system, which might lead to heightened sensitivity to pain and an inability to process discomfort in a healthy way. On the other hand, I could look at the cause of my suffering as my intense desire to avoid pain, which creates a cycle of fear and anxiety that exacerbates my condition. By viewing physical pain as only suffering, I am missing the point of the pain, for it can also be a valuable teacher, offering insights into my body’s limits and encouraging me to explore alternative healing methods, mindfulness practices, and ultimately, a deeper understanding of my own well-being.

    Photo by Summer Stock on Pexels.com

    Heeding the Messenger

    Pain indicates a problem with the body’s balance. If I view pain as a messenger, I immediately alleviate some suffering, as the second noble truth reminds us that suffering is due to wanting or craving things to be other than they are. This perspective shift is not merely a change in thought but a profound transformation in my relationship with my own experience of discomfort. By embracing pain as a guide rather than an adversary, I can begin to uncover underlying issues that may be affecting my well-being. I recognize that every ache and pang carries vital information about my physical state, urging me to pay attention, to adjust, and perhaps to heal. This mindful awareness opens a pathway to understanding the intelligence of my body within the message of pain, enabling me to respond with compassion rather than resistance, and thus fostering a deeper connection with myself.

    Releasing Suffering

    The third noble truth explains how to remove suffering by eliminating craving. When I view pain as the intelligence of my body, the craving drops away, and the message becomes clearer, revealing insights I might have otherwise overlooked. In this way, I become an active listener to my body’s wisdom, fostering a deeper connection with myself. The pain indicates energies that should be cleared out, shifted, and realigned; it serves as a guiding signal that I need to pause, slow down, and be more in tune with my own physicality and emotional landscape. It urges me to explore the underlying causes of my discomfort rather than shying away from it. When I stop demanding the pain vanish, I allow myself to truly experience this moment, embracing instead of resisting, and I stop abandoning myself in the moments it appears, cultivating compassion and understanding for my own journey through discomfort and healing.

    Discovering Truth

    This softening, this release of craving, naturally leads to the Fourth Noble Truth: the path of liberation. With this shift in perspective, I find that I am no longer tied to the identity of my disability; instead, I embrace a broader definition of self that transcends physical limitations. I am no longer a person in pain but a vibrant entity filled with potential and possibility. I recognize that I am body, mind, and spirit, a flowing intelligence that is deeper than I can imagine, expressing itself in myriad ways that I begin to understand when I take the time to settle, quiet my mind, and listen deeply. This internal dialogue reveals an inherent intelligence that guides me, enabling my life to become expansive, interconnected, and richly textured. Through this journey of self-discovery, I uncover facets of my being that bring joy and fulfillment, creating a tapestry of existence that is not defined by suffering but rather illuminated by resilience and hope.

    Walking The Path

    The shift in my relationship with pain opens naturally into the eightfold path, not as a set of rules, but as a way of living that grows from this new understanding. When I listen to my body’s wisdom, right view becomes clarity, right intention becomes gentleness, and right mindfulness becomes a simple act of staying with myself. The path becomes a lived expression of liberation, a way of moving through the world with presence, compassion, and integrity. In this way, the Fourth Noble Truth is not an ending, but an invitation, a reminder that freedom is something I practice with each breath, each choice, each moment I refuse to abandon myself.

    Sometimes, we all need a gentle reminder of our truth, of the inherent sacredness that resides within us. In the midst of our hectic and hurried lives, it’s so easy to lose sight of our innate worth and our unique place in the vast cosmos. Yet, when we take a moment to pause and truly embrace each experience, we open ourselves to the wonder that surrounds us, awakening our senses and rejuvenating our spirit. Consider giving yourself the gift of stillness and sacredness throughout your day by journeying inward, as we connect with the infinite through the soothing practices of meditation and affirmations.

    #4NobleTruths #8FoldPath #anxiety #awareness #balance #buddha #buddhist #buddhistWisdom #challenges #disability #eightFoldPath #experience #flow #fourNobleTruths #healing #healingMigraine #learning #lifeLessons #lupus #meditaion #meditation #mentalHealth #mentalWellness #migraine #mindful #mindfulness #moments #neurologicalDisorders #practice #resilience #wisdom
  24. CW: photophobia, sun exposure

    My #photophobia is real today. Was outside yesterday in the sun chatting with friends for about an hour. Wore FL-41 lenses as always, but my fairer-than-fair skin burned.

    Today any light brighter than our dim interior lights is physically painful even with the lenses on, and my brain feels like scrambled eggs. Not sure if this is because of the sun exposure from yesterday or related to last week's #migraine. Either way, camping out with blackout curtains today.

  25. CW: photophobia, sun exposure

    My is real today. Was outside yesterday in the sun chatting with friends for about an hour. Wore FL-41 lenses as always, but my fairer-than-fair skin burned.

    Today any light brighter than our dim interior lights is physically painful even with the lenses on, and my brain feels like scrambled eggs. Not sure if this is because of the sun exposure from yesterday or related to last week's . Either way, camping out with blackout curtains today.

  26. CW: photophobia, sun exposure

    My #photophobia is real today. Was outside yesterday in the sun chatting with friends for about an hour. Wore FL-41 lenses as always, but my fairer-than-fair skin burned.

    Today any light brighter than our dim interior lights is physically painful even with the lenses on, and my brain feels like scrambled eggs. Not sure if this is because of the sun exposure from yesterday or related to last week's #migraine. Either way, camping out with blackout curtains today.

  27. CW: photophobia, sun exposure

    My #photophobia is real today. Was outside yesterday in the sun chatting with friends for about an hour. Wore FL-41 lenses as always, but my fairer-than-fair skin burned.

    Today any light brighter than our dim interior lights is physically painful even with the lenses on, and my brain feels like scrambled eggs. Not sure if this is because of the sun exposure from yesterday or related to last week's #migraine. Either way, camping out with blackout curtains today.