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I just discovered something today. I have aphantasia. What's that, you ask? Well, before I go into that, let's try something. I'd like you to imagine an apple. A red apple, with a little green leaf to the left. Close your eyes, try to see the apple I just described in your mind's eye, then open it and scroll down.
Which image did you see?
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I see #5. I see nothing. I know I am thinking of an apple, but I can't actually see it. I just see a dark, black void. I did not realise until today that this is apparently not normal. Mr Milo, Young Lady and Young Man all see #2. Young Lady says it started out looking like #1, but as I added more details, it looked more like #2.
I've tried it out many times, with many objects, but I really can't see a picture of anything in my mind's eye. I can give accurate(ish) directions of where to find things based of memory (The soy sauce is on the counter between the stove and the oven. It is on a small, white lazy susan with the oil and other sauces and condiments, and is in a Kikkoman bottle with a red pouring cap.) Thinking of my childhood home, or the children's preschool back in Singapore, I know what I'm thinking of, and could describe it to you, but I do not see a picture of it. In my mind, I can pull out memories in terms of what happened, the objects and people there, but again, no visual imagery.
For me, visualisation must be so different from those who actually can see pictures in their mind's eye. If I were to visualise a sunset, for example, it's like reading a book - words describing the scene, for example, the sun low on the horizon over the ocean, the sky red and orange, the cool breeze, a feeling of peace and calm, but no actual visual. Reading must be so much richer for those who can actually see pictures in their head! Wow! That may explain why I skipped all the descriptive travelling bits Lord of the Rings Trilogy. They went on for a bit too long, in my estimation. The space battles in my son's imagination must be so exciting. I'd imagine it's like watching actual movies playing.
The inability to actually see a picture in my head doesn't seem to affect my visual-spatial sense. I still have a relatively good sense of direction. I am able to rotate objects mentally, can put together IKEA furniture without instructions most of the time, and when I do need them, can understand them without frustration.
Some interesting articles if you'd like to know more about aphantasia:
I am just absolutely fascinated by the fact that people can actually see in pictures, both still and moving. I only really wish I had that ability so that I don't have to refer to photographs when thinking of loved ones, especially those who are on the other side of the world, and Mum.
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