Exploring the Dream of Playing the Piano: A Personal Journey

It's a common trend these days to categorize our interests as hobbies, work, or other activities. However, some of these so-called 'hobbies' hold a deeper meaning and can sometimes be more than just a fleeting interest. For instance, my passion for understanding scientific discoveries, such as the origin of the universe, and the reasons behind the extinction of dinosaurs, has always been significant. I yearn for a world where socialism reigns, one that is not dominated by modern corporate ideologies. We are indeed a long way from creating a perfect society, but as Marx once espoused, 'workers of the world unite.'

Despite this, there was a particular hobby that I cherished, and nearly embraced with the same passion as these fundamental questions. When playing the piano came into my life, it was like breathing in a fresh, vibrant melody after a long and arid period. I remember my grandparents’ organ, a close relative to the piano. While they were not the same, they shared a similar setup with multiple rows of keys and were both technically wind and string instruments. Modern electric organs were synthesised, offering a closer experience to playing a traditional piano.

I was captivated by the rich, soothing quality of piano music. The thought of being able to create that same harmonious ambiance myself appealed to me deeply. It seemed like a perfect fit for someone who loved music. Yet, my journey towards mastering this art was short-lived, marked by a significant limitation that I couldn't overcome. Little did I know then that my challenge had a profound connection to something called aphantasia.

Aphantasia is a neurological condition characterized by the inability to form mental images. Interestingly, it also involves a lack of visual and auditory imagery, including inner voices and sounds. Even more recently, I realized that most people think differently from me—some without these mental cues. While I can appreciate the beauty of music, imagine the challenge of trying to duplicate a tune without being able to visualize the keys or hear the notes in my mind. This newfound understanding has provided a deeper insight into my unique experience, and it highlights the importance of recognizing and acknowledging these differences.

Another pursuit I had was maintaining regular contact with acquaintances. However, after a month of constant communication, I received no response from the other side. Despite my best efforts, the lack of reciprocation led to my eventual withdrawal. This experience taught me the importance of understanding boundaries and recognizing when it's necessary to step back gracefully.

While my journey with the piano was short, it served as a reminder of how different our individual paths can be, and how important it is to embrace and understand those differences.