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Synesthesia: A Gift of the Senses

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Editor’s Note

Happy Friday! We have a special treat for you today. Jadon Lau, an intern at Bold Blind Beauty and July’s Man In Motion, has written an article that we think you’ll enjoy.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the senses is synesthesia. Our Bold Blind Beauty On A.I.R Podcast team decided to explore the senses earlier this year. If you haven’t had the chance to listen to the episodes yet, we have listed them below for your convenience.

We hope you find Jadon’s thorough article on synesthesia enjoyable. If you’d like to discuss this topic further, please join our Facebook group and share your thoughts.

Imagine a world where you can hear colors, taste shapes, and feel sounds. This is the world of synesthesia, a neurological condition that causes people to experience one sense in response to another.

For example, a person with grapheme-color synesthesia might see the number 7 as the color blue, or a person with sound-color synesthesia might see the sound of a trumpet as the color red. There are many different types of synesthesia, and each person’s experience is unique.

In the short story below, we meet a young girl named Alice who has synesthesia. Alice’s synesthesia allows her to see colors when she hears music, and she uses this ability to create beautiful paintings.

The Girl Who Saw Colors

A woman with luminous face paint and headphones made more vibrant with a neon light and a dark red background.

Alice was always a bit different from the other kids. She didn’t just hear music, she saw it too. When she listened to her favorite song, she would see a swirling vortex of colors in her mind’s eye. The colors were always changing, depending on the music.

Alice’s synesthesia was a gift, but it could also be a curse. Sometimes, the colors were so intense that they were overwhelming. And sometimes, the colors would be so different from what other people were hearing that Alice felt like she was on her own.

But Alice learned to embrace her synesthesia. She used it to create beautiful paintings that captured the essence of music. She also used it to connect with other people who had synesthesia.

Alice’s story is a reminder that synesthesia is a gift. It can be a way to see the world in a new and beautiful way. It can also be a way to connect with other people who share your unique experience.

What is Synesthesia?

Synesthesia is a neurological condition that causes people to experience one sense in response to another. For example, a person with grapheme-color synesthesia might see the number 7 as the color blue, or a person with sound-color synesthesia might see the sound of a trumpet as the color red.

There are many different types of synesthesia, and each person’s experience is unique. Some of the most common types of synesthesia include:

  • Grapheme-color synesthesia: Seeing colors when you see letters or numbers.
  • Sound-color synesthesia: Seeing colors when you hear music or other sounds.
  • Flavor-color synesthesia: Tasting colors when you eat or smell certain foods.
  • Touch-color synesthesia: Feeling colors when you touch certain objects.

Synesthesia is not a mental illness, and it does not have any negative effects on a person’s health or well-being. In fact, many people with synesthesia find that it is a positive experience that enhances their creativity and perception of the world.

The Science of Synesthesia

Diagnostic form with diagnosis Synesthesia and pills.

The exact cause of synesthesia is not fully understood, but it is thought to be caused by increased connectivity between different areas of the brain. This connectivity allows people with synesthesia to experience multiple senses simultaneously.

There is some evidence that synesthesia may be hereditary. Studies have shown that people with synesthesia are more likely to have family members with synesthesia.

Living with Synesthesia

Living with synesthesia can be a unique and interesting experience. Some people with synesthesia find that it enhances their creativity and perception of the world. Others find that it can be overwhelming or confusing.

There is no one-size-fits-all experience of synesthesia. Each person’s experience is unique. If you think you might have synesthesia, there are a few things you can do to learn more.

  • You can talk to your doctor about your symptoms.
  • You can do some research online or in books about synesthesia.
  • You can join a support group for people with synesthesia.

Conclusion

Synesthesia is a fascinating neurological condition that allows people to experience the world in a new and different way. If you think you might have synesthesia, there is no need to be afraid or ashamed. Synesthesia is not a mental illness, and it does not have any negative effects on your health or well-being. In fact, many people with synesthesia find that it is a positive experience that enhances their creativity and perception of the world.

I hope you enjoyed this blog article about synesthesia. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to join us in our Facebook group to continue the discussion.

Jadon’s Bio

Author photo is a headshot of Jadon wearing a white dress shirt.

Jadon is going into his junior year of college. He has a passion for creative writing and helping others. Jadon is pursuing a career in life coaching and he uses his experience in creative writing to spread positivity and love.

Connecting With Jadon

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Image Descriptions:

  • The header is a dynamic multicolored modern abstract swirls.
  • A woman with luminous face paint and headphones made more vibrant with a neon light and a dark red background.
  • Diagnostic form with diagnosis Synesthesia and pills.
  • Author photo is a headshot of Jadon wearing a white dress shirt.
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