Alright. You all know the scene from , "A Beautiful Mind," when Russell Crow is seeing numbers abstractly floating around him and angles, degrees and other mathmatical measurements in every day objects. Well, I can't say it is exactly like that, but I have always assumed everyone saw the world in a similar way, in one form or another- until I had a conversation with a Paul a few years ago or so.
I see words as someone is speaking to me. Yes, as you are talking, I see actual letters with punctuation and all coming from your mouth. People also have a color to me. I haven't figured out what different colors mean (certain personalities aren't necessarily the same color) and not everyone has one. Thanks to all the modern advancements with information and Jenni's interest, I just found out that this is a type of Synesthesia.
Synesthesia is a neurological phenomenon in which activation of one sensory processing system (e.g., numbers or written language) leads to the automatic engagement of a second, distinct sensory processing system (e.g., color) to create a "crossed" sensory perception. It is caused by an increased connectivity between relevant brain regions and 1 out of every 23 people have some form of synesthesia.
Basically I can give Paul a medical explanation for being so sensitive (Hello! Sensory overload!)...
And now I can classify myself, among many things, as a Synesthete. Unlike the "A Beautiful Mind" movie I started with, I do not hear voices, see people that are not really there, and most importantly- I am not a genius or even close. So, what I am saying? Today I say, "Thank you Science for making me normal!"
Well, 1 out of 23 people ain't bad! And maybe- no, probably- after you read this... you will feel normal too!
3 comments:
I am glad I was a part of making you feel normal. You really are one of a kind though. That is why people love ya.
Hi Sarah, I have a list of all the blogs of yours that I need to comment on, because there are quite a few. I think that's why we're friends- we think a lot alike sometimes! I'm so glad you posted this b/c when people talk to me, I imagine myself typing their words on the computer keypad! I wasn't sure what this was called, and Brian thought I was crazy when I told him this a few years ago. So, now I don't feel so abnormal. Seriously, it takes a long time for me to get what someone is saying b/c it takes a lot longer to "type" in my head than to just listen I'm sure! Thanks for doing the research for me though.
So, I told my hubby about this and he said that he has heard of it and that it is actually something that you can train yourself to see. Not the words, but the glow around people. I thought that was interesting. Some people just have the skill automatically like you do (you genius thing, you), but I guess if someone wanted to learn how, they could! Cool huh?
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