benNov 23, 2022
does anyone else have #aphantasia? I learned, only this year, that people can "see" things in their heads. I don't have any real endgame on asking this, but find myself curious. #refractive
Show threadDebbie NNov 24, 2022
@ben Same. I dream vividly, lucid dreams too, but i cant make an image when I'm awake. I have good spatial memory, see: https://theconversation.com/aphantasia-explained-some-people-cant-form-mental-pictures-162445
And I'm sure I read there's a link btwn Aphantasia and #migraineaura
Aphantasia explained: some people can't form mental pictures

People with aphantasia, when asked to form an image in their minds, will report they cannot “see” anything.

The Conversation
Show threadbenNov 24, 2022
@deborahjnoel fascinating. I’ve never felt a connection between spacial reactions and visual. I have what I consider a sense of space, like proprioception but… external. I rarely recall my dreams, but even in sleep I tend to *feel* things rather than see things. I was trying to describe it to a friend recently, and the closest I got was likening it to knowing you have something in the cupboard. I couldn’t see the image but I know I have oatmeal at home.
Show threadDebbie NJan 11, 2023
@ben Did you hear the recent podcast on aphantasia from The Curious Cases?
Show threadben
@deborahjnoel I was entirely unaware of this. Queuing it up now. This is an excellent tip. Thank you.
Jan 11, 2023 at 4:56pmWeb
Show threadDebbie NJan 11, 2023
@ben tell me what you think! :)
Show threadbenJan 11, 2023
@deborahjnoel additionally, i have subscribed to this podcast. i was quite unaware of it and can say that it about *a third of the way* fills the “Answer Me This” shaped hole that Helen and Olly left in my life when they ended the show.
Show threadbenJan 11, 2023
@deborahjnoel okay. So, the take is as follows:
1. I presume that this was *wildly* interesting to “phantasic” individuals who had no idea about aphantasia.
2. I liked the angel/devil analogy, but I’ve mostly been explaining it like smell to people. I know what cinnamon buns smell like, but I cannot summon the smell.
3. I’ve been polling all the people I know about internal monologue, because I’m not sure anymore about the idea after the host said they have a meta-commentarylogue
Show threadDebbie NJan 11, 2023
@ben I got a bit frustrated with them at that point! I have a monologue, but I can't "hear" it. I associated that with "hearing things" which is definitely not what you want. Same as seeing things. I know what reality is. I wonder how those who claim to "see" can concentrate on words if there are images floating around... As you say, so many questions :/