News for hackers. Stuff that matters.

A comment on Aphantasia. Parent comment

Re:Aphantasia by JshWright on Saturday November 27, 2021 @10:07PM (#29365832)
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.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Aphantasia by shaunxcode on Saturday November 27, 2021 @10:14PM (#29365866)
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.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Aphantasia by bobsmooth on Saturday November 27, 2021 @11:03PM (#29366075)
Keep practising. Try imagining the blob turning into simple shapes. Try to imagine what the blob would look like from the other side.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Aphantasia by JshWright on Sunday November 28, 2021 @12:07AM (#29366331)
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)
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Aphantasia by bobsmooth on Sunday November 28, 2021 @12:26AM (#29366419)
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.
[ Parent | on HN ]