Have you ever wondered what it’s like to lack something that most people take for granted? As someone with aphantasia, I know this feeling all too well. But instead of dwelling on what we can’t do, let’s celebrate what we can.
One technique that has helped me is to focus on my other senses. While I can’t visualize mental images, I can still appreciate the sensation of touch, the taste of food, and the sounds around me. By paying attention to these other sensory details, I can form a rich picture of my surroundings without needing to “see” anything in my mind.
Another trick that has worked for me is to embrace abstraction. Instead of trying to visualize a concrete image, I might think about a concept or idea, like love or courage. By focusing on the feeling or essence of these concepts, I’m able to “see” them in a way that doesn’t rely on visual images.
Ultimately, I’ve learned that aphantasia isn’t a disability or a hindrance, but a unique perspective that allows us to appreciate the world in our own way. So let’s celebrate our differences, and remember that there are many ways to experience beauty and creativity, with or without mental imagery.