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I'm similar. For me, I can get a "flash", but it immediately morphs into another shapeless shape.. constantly morphs, in fact. Try this neat trick I just disc

I'm similar. For me, I can get a "flash", but it immediately morphs into another shapeless shape.. constantly morphs, in fact. Try this neat trick I just discovered: Try to visualize colors. Close your eyes, and just try to picture a red, then a green, then a blue. I never realized I could do this, and it actually requires a good bit of concentration. But it's super satisfying, especially given my aphantasia. I really can "see" the color like it's right there. How's your "inner ear"? Can you hear music perfectly? I can.

JshWright 5y ago
This was one of the things that convinced me aphantasia is real (and that it's how my brain works). I was concentrating very hard, trying to visualize _anything_ and suddenly managed to imagine a green blob. I can occasionally visualize purple as well. It's so incredibly vivid though... It makes me genuinely sad to realize most people can do that (and so much more) at will. I don't "hear" any more than I "see" in my brain.
- shaunxcode 5y ago
  I definitely have aphantasia - it makes meditating both easier and more difficult. I don’t get to traverse beautifully intricate mandalas but I can very easily engage in focused metta without distraction. On occasion I will see a blue light that fades in and out.
- bobsmooth 5y ago
  Keep practising. Try imagining the blob turning into simple shapes. Try to imagine what the blob would look like from the other side.
  - JshWright 5y ago
    I have, trust me. Most nights lying in bed I'll spend at least a little time doing exactly that, with little change (that's how I figured out I could make it purple though)
    - bobsmooth 5y ago
      Don't do it when you're trying to fall asleep, do it when you're bored and have nothing else to do. I think I'm really good at visualizing because I spent most recesses by myself imagining I had friends.
deleted 5y ago
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NateEag 5y ago
I just tried your suggestion, but at least on a first attempt I can't get anything to appear. Thanks for the idea, though! My inner ear is nothing compared to a good composer's, but it's waaaaay better than my mind's eye, I think mostly due to years of heavy musical practice routines. There was one memorable occasion when I was able to page through a set of flute/clarinet duets and actually hear in my head how they sounded based on sightreading the scores mentally. I was playing a lot back then and doubt I could do it now. Two monophonic instruments also helped - I can recall individual voices or instruments fairly well, but whole arrangements much at all.
- NateEag 5y ago
  not whole arrangements, is what I meant to type.

JshWright 5y ago

This was one of the things that convinced me aphantasia is real (and that it's how my brain works). I was concentrating very hard, trying to visualize _anything_ and suddenly managed to imagine a green blob. I can occasionally visualize purple as well. It's so incredibly vivid though... It makes me genuinely sad to realize most people can do that (and so much more) at will. I don't "hear" any more than I "see" in my brain.

shaunxcode 5y ago
I definitely have aphantasia - it makes meditating both easier and more difficult. I don’t get to traverse beautifully intricate mandalas but I can very easily engage in focused metta without distraction. On occasion I will see a blue light that fades in and out.
bobsmooth 5y ago
Keep practising. Try imagining the blob turning into simple shapes. Try to imagine what the blob would look like from the other side.
- JshWright 5y ago
  I have, trust me. Most nights lying in bed I'll spend at least a little time doing exactly that, with little change (that's how I figured out I could make it purple though)
  - bobsmooth 5y ago
    Don't do it when you're trying to fall asleep, do it when you're bored and have nothing else to do. I think I'm really good at visualizing because I spent most recesses by myself imagining I had friends.

deleted 5y ago

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NateEag 5y ago

I just tried your suggestion, but at least on a first attempt I can't get anything to appear. Thanks for the idea, though! My inner ear is nothing compared to a good composer's, but it's waaaaay better than my mind's eye, I think mostly due to years of heavy musical practice routines. There was one memorable occasion when I was able to page through a set of flute/clarinet duets and actually hear in my head how they sounded based on sightreading the scores mentally. I was playing a lot back then and doubt I could do it now. Two monophonic instruments also helped - I can recall individual voices or instruments fairly well, but whole arrangements much at all.

NateEag 5y ago
not whole arrangements, is what I meant to type.