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!

I used to think of myself as part of the “norm”—someone who wasn’t different. But over time, I began to realize that my dyslexia, my aphantasia, the way I process and express ideas, all pointed to a different kind of mind. Not broken. Not less. Just different. And in embracing that difference, I stopped seeing it as a deficit and started seeing it as a strength. It changed how I teach, how I connect with others, and most importantly, how I see myself.
As an artist with aphantasia, I create without mental images, relying on conceptual thinking and tactile exploration. My process transforms abstract ideas into tangible works, using recycled materials and collage to bring concepts to life. Without visual preconceptions, I embrace discovery, letting the journey shape my art and reimagining creativity as a dialogue with the world around me.
As a horror writer with aphantasia, I can’t visualize the creepy skulls I write about. Yet, I still describe vivid scenes by focusing on sounds, smells, and emotions. My imagination doesn’t need visuals to create gripping stories—character depth and atmosphere are my strengths.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We’re not — aphants don’t see the world the way most people do. Our brains work differently.