How you think inside

Your inner mental world — whether you think in a running inner voice, vivid mental pictures, both, or quiet abstract concepts.

A popular self-reflection sparked by viral discussions of the 'inner monologue' and the 'mind's eye' (and aphantasia, its absence). People genuinely differ in how they experience their own thoughts — there's no better or worse way. (Popular 'inner monologue / mind's eye' self-reflection (cognitive-science discourse, incl. aphantasia))

Groups

• An inner monologue — You think in words — a running inner voice narrating your thoughts.
• A vivid mind's eye — You think in pictures — rich mental images play out as you imagine.
• Words and pictures — You experience both — an inner voice and vivid imagery working together.
• Quiet and abstract — You think in concepts, ideas and feelings, with little inner voice or imagery.
• Patterns and movement — You think in shapes, structures, and how things connect and move.

Related topics

• The Four Tendencies (Gretchen Rubin)
• Introvert, Extrovert or Ambivert
• Left-brained or Right-brained
• Mindset (Fixed vs Growth)
• Optimist or pessimist
• Grit (perseverance & passion)
• Main character energy
• Self-esteem & confidence

All topics on ArtaQuest