Vivid mental scenery

I'm trying to figure out how I should interpret an experience I've had a few times, or what it represents.

Here's what happens:

I'm laying in the dark in a tent in the mountains after a busy day hiking around, I'll be relaxed with my eyes closed, but I'm clearly awake though very physically (but not mentally) exhausted. I'll be thinking about the scenery of the day in general, and a richly detailed landscape will appear in front of me. It's not just a mental image, it's like I'm there looking at the landscape.. it looks absolutely real, like being in a photograph.

It's not a dream, and I'm not in sleep paralysis. It fades after a few seconds, and it's only happened a few times.

Is it hynagogic or what? Anybody have any thoughts?

Thanks!

I'd say it's HIs. When I was a kid, I was often at horse camps during the summer. Always, on the first night, I would see images of horses, like they were really there. Come to think about it, it has happened this fall when I was in the mountains, gathering blueberries. When I closed my eyes, I would see blueberries.

HIs, I'm pretty sure. :) Maybe they just get so vivid when it's something you've seen all day (and not much else).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Luminous

HIs, I'm pretty sure. :) Maybe they just get so vivid when it's something you've seen all day (and not much else).

---

Thanks. :)

My waking hynagogics are usually limited to auditory (voices), and I get these frequently when I'm relaxed and nearing sleep. I can see where the visual might also get in on the action. It makes we wonder if some people who claim to have a "photographic" memory might have ready access to vivid, memory-based, on-demand hypnagogic visuals?

Funny you mention that...because I've had this phenomenon happen to me basically all my life. Very often, when I go hiking and see a sight that takes my breath away, I will think about it later that same night when I'm about to fall asleep..and will see the exact same image very vividly for some seconds..

Always thought it was normal HI about something that my memory was struck by...but that's a good point you bring up!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Flavour of Night

It makes we wonder if some people who claim to have a "photographic" memory might have ready access to vivid, memory-based, on-demand hypnagogic visuals?

---

I think you might be on to something there, that really makes sense.

I suppose if you tried to train the technique then you might gain a photographic memory too...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Barns

I suppose if you tried to train the technique then you might gain a photographic memory too...

---

I tried and tried, and all I ended up with was a pornographic memory. :laughhard:

Sometimes I get vivid imagery when trying to go to sleep, it's like there is a landscape behind my eyes, and my thoughts are floating around the room. Sometimes, I might see the landscape from inside of my eyelids, but it isn't as clear as a photograph.

I have a photographic memory. Its not that useful. You just end up remembering everything really vividly, not only the important things. You just end up with more memories to dig through in your head.

Where did I put those awesome photos from that hot threesome last year? Are they under this stack of photos of my freeway exit? Maybe behind this crate of photos of my bathroom wall...