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Post by Michelle on Apr 7, 2008 1:07:20 GMT -5
How do you all deal with family members that don't like the paranormal? When we had our last investigation, my parents, uncle, and sister asked where it was and what happened. I told them I couldn't tell them anything because of the code of conduct and client confidentiality. They all laughed at me (well my mom and uncle) because I refused to tell them anything. lol So, now my uncle thinks I'm doing weird things. Ugh!
How do you deal with people that don't believe in the things you do, such as ghost investigation? My grandmother and aunt actually YELLED at me saying, "they don't bother you, so why are you bothering them. Let the ghosts rest in peace." I felt like telling them all my personal experiences from childhood after they told me that. They DO bother me. Especially when I don't want to be bothered with.
I want to help people with this, so I think I AM helping people and not bothering anyone. Thanks for letting me vent.
PS....I hope I stuck this in the right forum.
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Post by impintraining on Apr 7, 2008 5:30:25 GMT -5
I think if someone actually said that to me "they don't bother you, so why are you bothering them?" I would probably have to respond, "I wasn't bothering you... and yet that didn't stop you any, did it?"
Is it really going to come to this? Will we see protestors outside our investigations insisting humane treatment towards the living-impaired?
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Post by froglover on Apr 7, 2008 6:47:15 GMT -5
Oh Man, Imp you are great for a quiet man!!!! You can respond that we all share our ideas and experinces with each other and that it is not just strictly paranormal but other topics as well... I would like to think that we are all pretty good friends as well...
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Post by yukstir on Apr 7, 2008 9:23:50 GMT -5
Well Michelle, here's another guys opinion and we're all entitled to our opinions even your grandparents though it seems a bit boxed. "They", refering to spirits, ghosts or whatever are not bothering "you" per se but they are bothering other people. Using the Reading case as an example, the Mom is worried about the wellfare of her children because of what she perceived going on and wanted to make sure it was safe for the next family coming in with kids so they would not have to go through what she did. And we are not there to "bother them", we are there to observe and document and to help clients who need help. If you had a live person in your house that you didn't know, I'm sure you would want to know who they were. Just cause they're dead doesn't mean they have special rights to be in someone else's house and not be checked out. But we're also respectful at the same time because in some cases, maybe it was their house. And maybe they need help to. I have heard your grandmother's words before and I think there is a general idea out there that "ghost hunters" are just out there checking out cemetaries and other creepy places for the thrill and big scare, take the new 13 show being talked about. I'd like to think that this group is better than that and actually want to help people understand what's happening so they're not so scared. And I think we do. Someone has to help these families. Let your grandmother know we're doing this to help and learn not to use spirits as entertainment and maybe she would understand the living side of the client's concerns.
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Post by spriskeptic on Apr 7, 2008 12:19:48 GMT -5
Hey Michelle,
Well, I have to say that just about everybody has family members or friends that have opinions along those lines. And because of this I have to say that my involvement here is not common knowledge in my family and only somewhat so at work.
When I am called out, I do not deny what I do and I either try to find a way to have the person accept paranormal investigating or have them drop the convesation.
Tell them the reasons why you do what we do (if you feel the convesation is worth it) and feel free to discuss our group, investigation equipment, techniques and variety of beliefs. Just refrain from giving specifics about our clients names or the location of their homes.
You can also have them visit us here, on the boards or have them check out the website. We are very proud of its look, feel and content. And our messageboard community is tip top.
As for whether or not you are bothering spirits:
First, as a general rule we do not "provoke" a spirits participation, rather we "evoke." That is we ask for participation, we don't tell them they have to interact with us.
Secondly, as Mark stated the enitities in question have either bothered someone else or at least raised some questions to their minds.
Thirdly, we did not just show up and say, "We heard you had a ghost and we'd like like to get some photos thank you." We were invited, in fact in some cases we are very very strongly invited.
Our clients are looking for someone to help them understand what is going on in their homes and businesses. Whether it's malicious or benevolent, they want help to find out what it is, and in many cases just want to talk to people who understand what they are talking about and don't count them as crazy because of it.
As you are aware, most times we find no physical eveidence. The help that the client recieves from SPRI often comes in the form of a sympathetic ear and a compassionate voice.
We are all trying to understand paranormal activity, but SPRI has made the choice to help others along the way.
Good luck,
Tom.
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Mark A
Junior Member
They're heeeere!!
Posts: 89
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Post by Mark A on Apr 7, 2008 14:51:48 GMT -5
Hey, Michelle -
Don't let your relatives get you down. Remember that although your friends and acquaintances can be annoying at times, it takes family to REALLY piss you off!
I agree with the others that what serious paranormal investogators do is ultimately of value to society. Galileo Galilei, arguably one of the most brilliant men of all time, spent the last years of his life under house arrest after the Catholic Church and its Inquisition convicted him of heresy.
His crime against God? Publishing a book stating that the Earth revolves around the Sun. So the next time someone gives you crap about your hobby, remember that everything in life is nothing more than a matter of perspective. :-)
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Post by Michelle on Apr 7, 2008 16:48:25 GMT -5
Thank you all for your great responses.
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Post by Rick on Apr 7, 2008 19:21:58 GMT -5
Being the perosn of faith here, here is what I say: there are people who have spiritual problems. They may be experiancing demonic activitry or repression of some sort, who is going to help them?
Rick
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Post by Michelle on Apr 7, 2008 20:52:38 GMT -5
That's very true.
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Post by starfire on Apr 7, 2008 22:20:44 GMT -5
Above, Mark said, "If you had a live person in your house that you didn't know, I'm sure you would want to know who they were. Just cause they're dead doesn't mean they have special rights to be in someone else's house and not be checked out."
I totally agree. Your house/home is supposed to be your "fortress", a place where you feel safe and secure. If anyone or anything was in my home, I feel that I certainly have a right to know about them and why they are there... and if I can't figure it out on my own, I'd be extremely grateful to people who could help me understand. If I didn't want the "visitor/resident" there, for whatever reason, it would be my right to ask them to leave - and if they can't for some reason, I'd want to help them "move on" so to speak. If they won't, a more forceful nudge - a parapsychology police force would be great.
Don't get me wrong, if I had a gentle spirit in residence that meant no harm and I knew this, I probably would let things be - but if I had something that scared my daughter and liked to be disruptive, well - there's the door. I've done house cleansings for people and it can be "wierd" - but the bottom line is that everyone has the right to feel secure in their home.
If there weren't people willing to do this for others - to help them out - let them know that they aren't crazy and that it will be ok, what would they do?
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Post by skepticmind on Apr 8, 2008 3:59:47 GMT -5
Michelle
You are going to have such a great time. What an experience. I am so jealous. Maybe Maybe Maybe! Kenny and I will take a trip to Europe.
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Post by Michelle on Apr 8, 2008 14:06:20 GMT -5
Thanks Jennifer. I'll be sure to take a lot of pictures. I can't take my camcorder because I broke it apart trying to get a tape out of it. Oops. lol I figure I might never get a chance to go if I don't take this chance to go in college.
Staci, I agree. My house is my safe place so I don't want anything coming in.
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