Topic: Is it ok to talk about ghosts or spirits?

[patches]

So many times all you hear about are the bad experiences and we just don't give the good ones the same amount of coverage.

I'm not sure I agree with this, but I'll admit that I don't follow up on all of these things as much as some of you do.  My experience with the "general" population is that I seem to find more people who are apt to pass on stories about the helping spirits as opposed to the negative or scary ones.  I've always wondered if this may be the result of the stigma that still appears to be attached to talking about "ghosts", however, talking about a helping spirit would reaffirm their belief in a "guardian angel" and that's acceptable!!!  I really don't know, these are just my thoughts, so I would love to hear some feedback on this.   

[Jim]

I split this out of oneoldbear's "Apartment Ghost" topic in Ghost Stories because it should make for some good discussion.  Patti, feel free to change the subject on the first post if you like.
When I get a chance tonight to get my thoughts together,  I'll try to contribute to this topic.

[Dianna]

I can understand what you mean, Patti. I have had some negative experiences myself, but I have, also, had the good ones. Needless to say, I prefer ghosts over demons...

When it comes to sharing their thought abouts spirits, whether good or bad, I think that people think that if they mention the word ghosts that others are going to think they are ready for a psychiatric ward, complete with rubber room. I know that I tend to keep my thoughts to myself unless I am around like-minded people.

Spirits are all around us. We just need to open our minds and hearts to the endless possibilities that they can share with us. I am sure that the ghost of a loved one that appears to someone dying is a very welcome spirit. They can help the living pass over, without the fear that some experience that has no one to help them.

I think maybe the negative spirits get a lot more publicity because of horror movies and such. Leaves people with the impression that there is no such thing as a helping spirit or one that is not here to do harm...

[patches]

Actually, Jim, I thought the subject line was great, but then decided to add "spirits" to it because the general population I was referring to usually aren't apt to use the term "ghosts".  I guess the best way to explain what I'm trying to say is that they normally don't mention "seeing a ghost" as much as they talk about "feeling the presence of something", so they're obviously talking about a spirit, even if they don't call it that.  I've noticed that these accounts or stories tend to be of a more positive nature, as opposed to the negative.  These stories may be about "something" helping them, stopping or preventing them from doing something or going someplace that would have had dire consequences, etc.    Geesh, I hope this makes sense the way I've explained it.        

[patches]

Geesh, Dianna, it looks like you already knew what I was talking about before I explained why I added spirits to the subject line because you posted your response while I was typing mine.  You've mentioned somethings that I want to address; but, right now, I have to return a phone call and then run out to school.  I'll get back to you later today or tonight.      

[Bonnie]

 There are a lot of definitions for ghost and spirit. I think most people associate the term ghost with Casper, Halloween , or horror movies. Whereas the term spirit has more depth and can relate to numerous things.

As to good and bad spirits, it stands to reason that there would be both, fortunately I have only encountered good ones.

You are free to discuss either here. I am looking forward to your posts.

Bonnie

[patches]

I am sure that the ghost of a loved one that appears to someone dying is a very welcome spirit.  I am sure that the ghost of a loved one that appears to someone dying is a very welcome spirit. They can help the living pass over, without the fear that some experience that has no one to help them. 

Dianna, I'm sure this is certainly a source of great comfort; especially, if they interpret it as a sign that they will finally be reunited with a loved one who is waiting there for them.

I think most people associate the term ghost with Casper, Halloween , or horror movies. Whereas the term spirit has more depth and can relate to numerous things. 

Geesh, Bonnie, I guess I've always perceived a ghost as just something supernatural and good, instead of being anything that is scary or something that I should be afraid of encountering.  Of course, I guess this has a lot to do with my religion.  When I first learned to make the sign of the cross, we would cross ourself and say "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost", Amen!  Of course, some years ago they changed Holy Ghost to Holy "Spirit"!  I always wondered if that had anything to do with the rash of horror movies that was surfacing at the time  since the movies always seemed to dipict ghosts as something that was scary or something to be feared.      

As to good and bad spirits, it stands to reason that there would be both, fortunately I have only encountered good ones.

Bonnie, as far as I'm aware, I believe that I've only encountered good and friendly spirits who are there to help me in some way.  I don't know that I would really want to encounter a bad spirit,  so I sure hope it doesn't happen to me.   

[Jim]

I really don't think we have answered the question yet.  It does seem that there is more talk these days about ghost and spirits.  The proliferation of ghost hunting groups on the internet is a good indicator that more and more people are talking about their experiences.  Anyone have an opinion why? 

I've read some opinions that might be worth mentioning for conversational purposes.  Some of the experts think it is because everyone wants to get a picture of a ghost and with the digital cameras being somewhat affordable more people have the opportunity without the expense of film cameras.  Some of the "craze" was started by the Ghost Hunter show on SciFi.  Folks watch that and they want to do it to.

I made the statement that was quoted in the first post.  That statement was speaking to the things you see in the media and on the internet.  Almost every new show dealing with the paranormal investigates and reports on the negative aspect of the experience.  I've not seen the first media event that relates the positive.  That's probably because the negative can be so much more sensationalized and is so much more exciting to the general public.