Accidental mindfulness?

While countless self-help gurus preach the virtues of ‘living in the moment’, many of us aphants find ourselves already here – not by choice, but by nature.

For years, mindfulness advocates have been selling the idea of ‘being present’ as if it’s a superpower. 

I think aphants have a headstart in this race to ‘now’.

Research suggests that vivid mental imagery plays a crucial role in what scientists call ‘mental time travel’ – our ability to relive past experiences or imagine future scenarios in detail. But for those of us with aphantasia, this mental DeLorean is perpetually parked.

As an aphant, I’ve often found myself puzzled by friends who seem to live more in their memories or fantasies than in the present. While they’re reliving last summer’s beach trip in vivid detail, I’m noticing the warmth of the sun on my face right now.

This forced presentness isn’t just about missing out on mental vacation slideshows. It might be shaping how we approach life in subtle yet powerful ways. Ever notice how you’re quick to adapt to new situations? Or how you’re less likely to dwell on past embarrassments? Your aphantasia might be playing a role.

Of course, being tethered to the present isn’t always a walk in the park. Some of you have told me that planning for the future or learning from the past can be trickier when you can’t vividly imagine scenarios. But perhaps this challenge is also an opportunity – to develop unique strategies that don’t rely on mental imagery.

So next time you hear someone extolling the virtues of ‘mindfulness’ or ‘living in the now’, remember: you might already be halfway there, courtesy of your aphantasia. The real question is, how can we leverage this natural tendency to enrich our lives?

How has your aphantasia influenced your relationship with the present moment? Do you find yourself more ‘here and now’ than your visualizing peers? 

If you have a few minutes to spare, complete this survey on your orientation toward time.