I once swam to the depths of a river in Thailand before a splendid waterfall. I was the only tourist who wore silly-looking goggles. When I started swimming to the surface there was a rush of light. Near-solid streaks came towards me.
That same light I saw today while I was driving. Winter skies broken by streaks of sunlight, but the sun was not at all visible. Just the brilliance, and how I was left gasping for breath.