General discussion

   –Cap’n Casper

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So, you’ve investigated a site. . . now what can you learn?

That is the ultimate question, but it all depends on what you’re trying to find. Some approach the investigation with the purpose of ‘making contact’ with someone who has passed into the ‘beyond’, others hope to find for themselves proof of the existence of such things, and still others are unsure of that which they seek. There are as many motives as people seeking answers, so the answer to this question tends to be a personal matter.

Have you ever asked yourself ‘why am I doing this?’ or ‘what do I seek?’ ? If not, now is as good a time as any. Without knowing our motivations, how can we direct our studies? It is vitally important that everyone answer to their goals, preferably in written form. While it may seem silly, this will add weight to your intentions and serve as a concrete reminder lest you be swayed by public opinion.

For me, learning something from every investigation is a must. This education can come in many forms, and is not always immediately apparent. We recently attended an investigation here in the Kansas City area, and upon review of the voluminous amounts of data collected, I ask myself: ‘what is all of this telling me?’ The answer to my question, of course, is tempered by my goals and intentions. In some cases, my realizations stem from my personal subjective experiences. Other times they are a result of the data that I collect. Regardless of the source, these are all important impressions and each time we ponder such things, a new piece of the puzzle begins to form in our minds.

Open-mindedness is another crucial aspect of paranormal research. Even the most ardent skeptic can (and should) be open-minded. This is not a state of gullibility, but of allowing possibilities. To shut out a potential answer is to have preconceived notions and intentions, which is to be rigid. Rigidity inhibits progress, and to be without progress is to stagnate. Remember that while we have a grasp of our own personal reality, we do not possess intimate knowledge of the whole of reality itself (which really does not exist, anyway) nor are we wholly aware of the elements of another’s reality. To some, the concept of multiple ‘realities’ may at first seem to be a sharp deviation from scientific thought. This is a prime example of the point at which we must be open in our thinking and operate from a flexible and allowing perspective.  

In all our endeavors, the key is to learn always. Even if it seems some trivial part of the big picture, we will find out that no piece is truly insignificant. Start with what you think you know, and forget it. Then, allow yourself to experience and observe the reality that presents itself to you. Promise yourself never to be rigid, but always open and honestly curious. As you begin to piece together the experience, be sincere and the answers you seek will follow.