Ghostly Encounters

To some, who might have actually seen a ghost, it can be a daunting experience trying to get someone to believe them. There are those skeptics who would debunk the very existence of ghostly figures and things that go bump in the night, citing that these are only figments of one's imagination or a distortment caught in one's peripheral view perhaps. However, anyone who has ever experienced paranormal apparitions or encounters, would have a hard time agreeing with the skeptics. And it is odd, that anyone who has ever seen a ghost, feels a need to convince these very debunkers, that they truly do exist, if not for their own peace of mind. After all, spiritual apparitions aren't something we all see every day, and some may never get to experience them at all.

I am one of those who have experienced the paranormal. It was about a month after the death of my mother. My husband and I were visiting my sister, who at the time, was living across the street from our parent's house (now my father's, as my mother had since passed away). Upon our departure, I happened to glance over to my father's house, quite surprised at what I was seeing in the open doorway. I had to take a second look, wondering if the light of the sun was playing tricks, as it hovered the western sky. Or could it have been wishful thinking on my part, still feeling grief over the loss? Possibly it was even just memories coming to the forefront of my mind.

I gave all these possibilities thought, in that instant moment, before asking both my husband and my sister to look across the street (only to be triply sure), not telling them what I wanted them to look at. They both witnessed the same ghostly figure, describing that it looked exactly like my mother, and even what she had been wearing. My sister was never one to give much thought to these things, as they did startle her. The sight of our dearly departed mother did in fact startle her very much. I suppose it would have been harder for her to grasp such an experience as she couldn't help but see the house every day as she walked out of her own. However, this would be the one and only sighting.

But it was good to know that I was not the only one experiencing this paranormal vision. As well, it was proof to me that ghosts do exist and no one would ever be able to convince me otherwise, being I had two witnesses alongside of me.

This would not be the only supernatural experience that I was to experience. At one time I kept a clock that didn't work, only because it matched the decor of my room. It hadn't worked for years, but I still liked it and couldn't see myself throwing it out. One morning, I was awakened around 4 AM by the clock's ticking. It continued to tick for approximately ten minutes, and then it never ticked again. If it had only been the clock and that one instance, I might have just put this all out of my mind, but there was yet one other occurrence. My sisters and I were each given a small music box. We believe that our mother might have purchased them for later gifts, before her passing. At no particular time, these music boxes would all start to play their music, without being wound or even without opening the lids. I like to think that possibly my mother was around to let us know she was watching over us still.

I have always been interested in the paranormal and ghostly things for much of my life. I can't help but believe that there are other realms and that ghosts do indeed still walk amongst us. I also have the uncanny ability to predict when something is about to happen, especially to someone who is close to me in some way, soon before it actually does. I can't really say that this is a "gift", as the events are usually of a sad or negative nature. But on several occasions, I was given information before the event. It doesn't come to me in audible words or visions or dreams, but more like a wave of knowledge that goes right through me at a split second. It's as if someone just told me a secret that I must keep. Then of course, these events come to pass. This has happened to me on no less than five occasions (including before my own mother passed away).

However, some don't always get calm and unassuming encounters. After much study, both doing my own research and watching television programs on the topic, as well as my own thoughts/experiences on the matter, I have come to the conclusion that there might be a number of reasons why ghosts makes themselves known and why some encounters might not seem so friendly. Some people are extremely sensitive (some might call them psychic. I believe that there are varying degrees of psychic ability) to the energy around them. All things, as we know, are made up of energy, and that would include spiritual entities.

There are usually three reasons why spirits will sometimes show themselves. The first reason might be that they either don't see the tunnel of light, therefore going towards it, or they won't, possibly out of their own fear of being judged by God for a life that wasn't so forthright. They remain here in limbo. The second reason is that they have some unfinished business on earth and might be trying to get in touch with humans to rectify some wrong that was done. In this instance, they are in search of humans who are "sensitive" and perceptive to their presence, who might be able to help them. The last reason being that they just come by to visit from time to time. I believe that they are sometimes able to pass from one realm to another, possibly to let their loved ones know that they have made it safely to the other side.

As for the more unfriendly encounters, I believe that not all ghosts are kind and gentle, just as not all people are kind and gentle. When the unkind die, they are more likely to be the ones that refuse to go to the light for fear of judgment. So they linger here, still holding onto the meanness of their ways. It's possible that sensitive people can pick up on their cruel energy, negative energy sometimes being stronger than positive, calm energy. These souls may just want to be left alone, to remain in their misery, holding onto their hatefulness, thus creating some havoc in order to keep people away.

As with any encounter, especially with the unkind spirits, it's probably best to let professionals deal with them. They know how to talk to the spirits, figuring out their purpose and/or to have them move forward. The average person is not able to cope and handle the more unkind spirits.

Lastly, these are not things to delve into for entertainment sake. Although the subject matter can be interesting, alluring and maybe even exciting, there is always the possibility of encountering something that you just aren't (physically or emotionally) equipped to handle. Whether you have only one or the occasional experience, or you believe that you have some form of ability or gift, be sure to educate yourself on such things first. From personal experience, I can say they do exist.

** notation: Some will chide, that if someone has the gift of psychic ability, then why can't they pick winning lottery numbers for themselves? Well, here's one answer to that question. Someone with the ability cannot use that gift for themselves. It just doesn't work that way. They are not able to see into their own futures. I believe that to have the gift, in which ever form or level, it is for the sole purpose of helping others. After all, a gift is something you "give" to others, not keep for yourself. Hopefully that clears that up for some people!