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Theme: Stories

Discover personal journeys and unique strategies with our specialized selection of Community Stories at Aphantaisa Network. Dive deep into the experiences of individuals who live with aphantasia and learn firsthand about their unique perspectives and coping mechanisms. Every story offers a window into a world without mental imagery, providing both support and insight for everyone in our community. Join the conversation and share your own story today!

Ekphrasis
Stories
Ekphrasis: The Ancient Art of Evoking Vivid Mental Images
Did the ancient Greeks know some people can’t create mental images? The forgotten history of ekphrasis challenges our assumptions about imagination and offers surprising insights into our image-saturated world.
Jennifer McDougall
on August 1, 2024
Without a Mind's Eye
Stories
Writing Fantasy Without a Mind’s Eye
Aphantasia, living without a mind's eye, doesn't hinder creativity. Despite my inability to visualize, I wrote and published a fantasy novel, proving creativity thrives in unique ways.
Frank Schutz
on June 11, 2024
Intrusive Thoughts WIthout Imagery
Stories
Intrusive Thoughts Without Imagery
People with aphantasia can’t visualize, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have intrusive thoughts. Intrusive thoughts without imagery can be a whole-body, terrifying experience.
Liana M Scott
on May 13, 2024
Eclipsing Aphantasia
Stories
Eclipsing Aphantasia: A Journey of Discovery and Memory from the 1963 Solar Eclipse
In July 1963, Alice Grebanier's observation of a total solar eclipse marked a pivotal moment in her life. This event, merging scientific discovery with profound reflections on memory and emotion, showcases how moments of discovery can eclipse the limitations of memory recall in aphantasia.
on April 8, 2024
Memories without imagery
Stories
Memories Without Imagery—Remembering Outside the Lines
People with aphantasia may struggle with memory recall. This may be because our memories are image-free. But, just because we can't see our memories, does that mean we don't have them? The ability to visualize is not a prerequisite for remembering rich experiences.
Diane Currie Richardson
on March 18, 2024
differences
Stories
How Our Invisible Differences Can Enrich a Marriage
Whether you’re an aphant or a visualizer, marriage, or any loving partnership, is about commitment. Among other things, commitment means respecting each other’s differences and working through them lovingly.
Frank Schutz
on February 19, 2024
no mental imagery
Stories
How Aphantasia Can Make You Seem Insensitive
We’re not — aphants don’t see the world the way most people do. Our brains work differently.
Mark Farrar
on February 5, 2024
Understanding Your Aphant
Stories
Understanding Your Aphant
How do you support someone when they suddenly realize they've been blind their whole life? What about when it's a blindness most of the world has never heard of and many don't believe exists? It's called aphantasia. Let's talk.
Tammy Cardwell
on January 15, 2024
i have aphantasia
Stories
I Have Aphantasia: My Brain Is Different, and That’s Totally Fine
Many people dread the “what’s the most interesting thing about you” icebreaker question—but not me. I always have the perfect answer, "I have Aphantasia."
Lara Wellman
on December 18, 2023
opposites attract, marriage
Stories
Do Opposites Attract? Exploring Aphantasia and Hyperphantasia in Marriage
When I learned that I had aphantasia and that my husband of 40 years has hyperphantasia, it gave the idea “opposites attract” a whole new meaning.
Liana M Scott
on November 20, 2023