Dancing Paisleys

When I close my eyes, I'm greeted by brilliant colors swirling in intricate patterns, like dancing paisleys performing just for me. Each vision feels breathtakingly beautiful, a fleeting piece of art I wish I could hold onto forever. But as soon as I open my eyes, it’s gone—only to be replaced by a new, vibrant display the next time I drift into this colorful world. I often lose myself in these visions, my mind joining in the dance until I gently slip into sleep.

These mesmerizing lights and patterns are known as phosphenes—small, flickering lights or swirls created by the electrical activity of the retina. Phosphenes are a natural part of how our eyes process visual information, even when they’re closed. For some people, particularly those with vision impairments, these visions take on even deeper and more personal meanings. Some describe a “visual tinnitus,” an internal landscape of shifting colors and shapes that fill the spaces left by lost sight.

Whether you have full vision or not, these "dancing paisleys" offer a glimpse into the mystery of the mind’s ability to create beauty, even in darkness.