Using pictures in our minds, also known as visual imagery, is a robust method our brains use to understand complicated ideas or situations. However, we might find ourselves lost or confused if we need help to form these mental images.

 

We naturally use pictures to help make sense of things. For example, when reading a book, we imagine what the characters look like, their surroundings, and their actions. These images help us follow the story and connect with the characters. With this mental imagery, the deck is easier to follow or disjointed.

 

Imagining things also helps us solve problems and make plans. For example, suppose you’re planning a car journey. It would help if you started by picturing the route, the roads, and the landmarks. If you can’t ‘see’ the way in your mind, you might need help understanding where you’re going and how to get there, which can lead to confusion.

 

Furthermore, creating mental images can help us remember things. When we visualize something, we’re giving our brains an extra hook to hang onto that information, making it easier to remember later. Without these mental pictures, remembering can become more challenging and lead to confusion.

 

It’s fascinating how sometimes people think they cannot visualize things but do it without noticing. Yet, visualizing is so profoundly connected to how we feel and understand the world around us that we often do it naturally.

 

Take this for example: if I tell you not to think about a pink elephant, the first thing that will likely pop into your mind is an image of a pink elephant; this is just one example of visualization being part of our thought process. Similarly, when we hear or read a story, we often picture the characters and events in our minds, even if we don’t intentionally try to. Also, even if someone says they can’t visualize, they can still understand and interpret their surroundings, which usually involves some level of mental imagery. For example, they can understand descriptions of a room’s layout or directions to a particular place.

 

Dreams are another example of unconscious visualization. Some people who think they can’t form mental images during the day might have vivid, visual dreams at night, which suggests that they can visualize things but might only sometimes be aware of them.

 

In conclusion, creating images in our minds is crucial in understanding complex ideas and remembering information. If we can do this, we can make sense of things and become transparent.

The ability to form mental pictures is a natural part of our thinking process. So even if you think you can’t visualize things, you’re likely doing it without realizing it. Furthermore, this natural skill helps us understand and interpret the world around us, making things less confusing and easier to grasp.