 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Are you afraid of ghosts and spirits? Okay, most of us are. I still experience a little fear about this now and then, since I'm human. But then it is always important to remember, this is largely societal. There are cultures, like the native americans, who are not at all afraid. In fact they embrace such concepts. I believe this is a much healthier way to live.
So on this page, let us explore many of our fears about ghosts and spirits. Perhaps, some light may be shed on the matter. And perhaps next time you face a darkened room, you may recognize if you are truly afraid, or if you've been told you should be afraid...
(If you have any opinions on this matter, please email me. I may post it for you here.) |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
There is a part of the human animal that acts out this part of itself everyday. Indeed wars and conflicts are created by fear, as are many other destructive occurences in our world. Largely, fear in humans does not serve any constructive purpose, save one---self preservation. Simply feeling fearful, will stop us in our tracks and make use re-evaluate the risk in a certain situation. This may save us and others as well. To fear danger, pain and death can stop us from being reckless and force us to be careful. This is a natural instinct towards self preservation, meant to keep the world's populations healthy. This also can be found in the animal kingdom where other species survive based on fear. Though they cannot intellectualize as we can, animals have some understanding that fear must be listened to, and therefore caution should be utilized. Self preservation through fear, can be a natural and good thing.
However, certain individuals in our society often use our fears against us. For instance, a huge industry selling guns and security systems, requires that fear is instilled into potential customers. These companies tell us essentially, buy this and you and your family will not die... Sadly, this tactic often works. Also the media doesn't help our situation, and with each sensationalist story told, people are reacting more defensively.
So, how does this relate to the fear of ghost and spirits? Let's examine how society has used similar tactics (purposely or not) to create other irrational fears about such phenomenon. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| Let's start at the beginning of our lives. At this time we are extremely sensitive to spiritual energies. These spirit energies are emitted by both "the living" and "the deceased". In very early childhood, we are all open and accept this as a natural state and do not fear it. However, as children age and become more involved in this world, they begin to lose this connection. There are at least a few reasons for this. For the purpose of this page, we will focus on the element of socialized irrational fear about the supernatural specifically. |
|
|
|
Whether purposely or not, we are introduced to irrational fear about the supernatural quite early on. By the time we begin our earliest schooling, we have already heard falsehoods about boogymen, demons, devils, witches, and ghosties. Each instance, with a few exceptions, such as Casper The Friendly Ghost, are indicated as evil. Anything of or from the spirit/unseen world can be considered dangerous and frightening, according to these sources. Persons around you are not necessarily meaning to train you in this way, but superstition, urban legends, and wives tales travel far in society. They can be accepted as fact to us. Sadly many religious upbringings, also preach that any curiosity about the spirit world is a sin and that hellfire awaits those who make the slightest human transgression in this matter. Campfire ghost stories are entertaining, and obvious to most as simply that. Some people in our lives, may find it amusing to frighten others with experiences they falsely claim to have had. This all leads to misinformation and fear about the actual world of the supernatural which largely does not live up to its scarier fictional self, in books, or movies.
So, is it any wonder when a person experiences something supernatural/paranormal, that they would almost always fear it, and think it to be from a malevolent source? Afterall, hasn't this person also heard all the stories about people supposedly being physically attacked, tormented and tortured by demons and ghosties (LOL)?? How is an everyday person supposed to react rationally, to a subject which is handled in an entirely irrational way in our society? The answer to that question is, often that person becomes afraid and shuts themselves off to anything and all things, even the positive, wonderful messages that they could possibly receive. There are too many stories and movies about people being harmed or worse by unseen forces. This I believe, becomes like a tape in our minds, that can be used as a faulty reference when we are faced with a supernatural/paranormal event. So we can go from an accepting state in childhood, to a state a fear and denial in adulthood. That is, unless we work against this consciously. |
|
|
|
Please continue reading about this subject :) |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|