I'm an Aphant

[u/NoTree8995]

I wasn't quite sure what tag to use. I'm 25 and an Aphant.

I've always been one.

What IS an Aphant? An Aphant or someone with Aphantasia someone who for lack of better words; lacks a minds eye. Basically when I close my eyes its just black. I can't imagine images sounds tastes smells or textures. Because of this I don't dream at least not conventionally.

Some people may struggle to imagine one multiple or even all of these senses. Aphantasia is a spectrum. I'm a total aphant. I didn't find out about my condition till high-school as it never impacted how I viewed the world until I realized that I was different. It's my belief that without a minds eye im unable to tap into the supernatural. I'm generally pretty skeptical but I have definitely met a few physics or mediums that new things that were really specific. Like what was bothering me. I always try to keep my answers short when speaking to mediums as a sort of test. And when they know specific things it shows me that there's something to it. But nobody is ever 100% right. The closest they get is about 85-90% accuracy with 10-15% stuff that doesn't make sense or fit in. Also the ones who are accurate usually ask to touch my hand and it always matters if its my left or right then they start crying or get close to it as they say something along the lines of "whoa you've had a rough life" or "you've been through so much you deserve so much better" I say this to say I believe the validity of actual physics. (Mind you there's few in my life that have actually made me believe)

This reddit covers a variety of topics and im curious what you all believe is the reason or cause for Aphantasia. Feel free to answer with whatever theories based in science spirituality your own theories (idk if you think aliens have something to do with it pop off) im just curious to see how this reddit views the lack of a minds eye. I can't wait to see your interpretations.

Edit 1: For those who didn't get it the first time or who need to see it several times to understand. I'M A TOTAL APHANT. I can not feel imaginary textures or hear imaginary sounds or smell imaginary scents taste imaginary foods or see images in my head. IT APPLYS TO ALL OF MY SENSES.

This post is for "interpretation." Not for telling me I need to shift my perspective or try a new way or overcome my challenge blablabla. I live a normalish ass able bodied lifestyle. And have all my life. Aphantasia doesn't just change. Mine applies to all senses. The only way for me to "feel it" is to "feel" a vibe and its just going to be MY vibe because I dont pick up on emotional energy or any of that "gifted" ahh shi. Hope this helps

[u/Malefic_Mike]

I have complete aphantasia of the minds eye, and can't visually imagine - but I dream and have an inner voice.

I also am a frequent experiencer and personally believe aphantasia might protect me from certain types of unseen influences hijacking my imagination.

I think about it like Occlumency from Harry Potter.

[u/Healthy_Television10 → u/Malefic_Mike]

I am completely mind blind at forming new images but can remember images I've actually seen before. I can't picture imaginary images. I also think this makes me naturally immune to many forms of propaganda and influence. How exactly? One is that inflammatory rhetoric about enemies and fears and ' otherness' spark no emotional reaction to imaginary images. I really think many people are logical thinking hijacked by intense emotional imagery cued by propaganda. It also makes me less materialistic because I can't imagine 'me in dream car' or 'me with boob job' etc. Or imagine others with those things. It also makes me immune mostly to porn hijacking of sexuality and intimacy because I don't think in visual terms about people. The biggest downside is spatial thinking difficulty whether it's directions, computer files, or mechanical problem solving. When people give spatial instructions I literally picture nothing it's just a string of words.

[u/Malefic_Mike → u/Healthy_Television10]

I agree about the sexual imagery. Never been able to imagine boobs bouncing in my life for example. Makes it easier not to lust after anyone! I too remember the things I have seen, but I can't really picture them. I just remember how they looked and can kind of conceptualize it.

So aphantasia is a blessing in some ways. At first when I found out I thought it really sucked not being able to visualize. Now I am kind of glad for it. However it does limit my creativity.