During a conversation with my family over dinner, they began sharing memories of past family vacations, each taking turns to share the vivid images they had of these moments in their minds. I listened attentively, my curiosity piqued by their descriptions. As a person with aphantasia, or the inability to visualize, I marveled at their ability to see things so clearly, while I had to rely on my other senses to remember the experience.
Living with aphantasia is a unique experience that is not often understood or even recognized by those who don’t experience it. For me, it means that I don’t see images when I’m told a story or read a book. I can’t close my eyes and picture the faces of loved ones or the places I’ve visited. Instead, I focus on the words and try to understand the emotions conveyed through them.
One way I’ve learned to cope with my aphantasia is by embracing my other senses. I appreciate the way certain foods taste, the sound of music, and the feel of a warm hug more than the average person might. I’ve learned to appreciate the power of language, and I use it to create a mental picture that is unique to me.
For those of us with aphantasia, it’s important to recognize that we are not alone. There are ways to cope with this condition, and we can find comfort in the fact that there is a community of people who understand what we’re going through. Together, we can support each other and work towards finding a cure for aphantasia. Until then, let’s continue to enjoy the world through our unique perspective and appreciate the things that make us who we are.