Stuck In The Box

Our Haunted Lives

Stuck in the Box

 As we all know the field of paranormal research is theory based. There is no proof positive. Therefore, in my opinion we should always do our best to be innovative and explore every avenue of possibility. However, after sitting back and doing some thinking I realized that thinking outside the box has been put on the back burner. We have become too reliant on our “devices” and continuously base opinions and conclusions on old theories without putting thought or effort into hypothesizing any new ones. If we continue on these paths it leaves us no room to advance our knowledge. While it is true we have found evidence to support some past theories I feel many of us have become to comfortable in our approach. We as a community of researchers should always be questioning the possibilities and pushing the envelope. This is why I firmly believe it is of absolute importance for groups/researchers to network with one another. Networking keeps us all on our toes and allows ample opportunity for growth amongst ourselves and as a whole regarding the paranormal research field.

But here lies the problem in my opinion.......Many groups/investigators keep to themselves because they fear their idea's will be “stolen”.This goes back to our ego's. Everyone has one including myself so let's not go on the defensive to quickly. We are all worried that someone else is going to take credit for that all important discovery our idea's may lead to. In turn we keep all these wonderful thoughts and idea's to ourselves or only amongst our groups. Believe me, I UNDERSTAND! I know first hand how frustrating it can be when someone takes your idea's,theories or words and try to pawn them off as their own. I was livid at the time but have since made peace with the situation. I look at it this way....If my intent is to truly support and aide in the advancement of this field then I MUST make my theories,idea's and opinions public. Ego’s need to be checked at the door. Certainly in being so open we run the risk of poser's taking credit for our hard work. But you also must remember those with such poor character and lack of morals to fraudulently pawn someone ease’s idea's off as their own will without doubt pay karma back at some point. Karma is natures little way of saying you only THINK you got away with it. As far as adapting techniques others have developed I would hope credit will be given where it is due. In the event that it is not.... look at it as flattery and know that others are out there testing out your theories,therefore possibly moving a step closer to proof positive. My point is that if we really want to aide in the advancement of paranormal research we must all take a very selfless approach. It’s not about MY idea or YOURS.....it's much bigger than that. We must not let our ego's hold us back from sharing all our wonderful idea's and thought's with the community as a whole. I simply cannot stress enough the importance of networking with others in the field. Not only will you learn new things but you'll also be inspiring others with your own techniques and approaches. Pay it forward, pass the knowledge and inspire others to think outside the box! If we continue to keep everything to ourselves and amongst only our own groups I fear we'll be trap within the box and will go no further than where we are at now in the field. I think we can all agree we have much to learn, so why not learn from each other.

I know I can speak for both myself and Angel when I say that by reaching out and networking not only have we grown as investigators/researchers but we have made some amazing friends. These friends over time have become like family to us,that in itself is a gift. Of course, along the way we have met people who are in this field for purely selfish reasons. But we've also learned from those experiences and turned it into something positive. You may not always like or agree with what other peoples opinions or ideas are. Take what you like,what makes sense to you and leave the rest behind. Everyone you meet can provide a learning experience for you.

A friend of mine Chris Baricko,founder of Ghost Hunters of CT has been working on organizing a “paranormal picnic”. His intent is to invite investigators/researchers from Connecticut and our surrounding states to get together,have some good eats, share idea's make some new friends and just have a day to enjoy and appreciate one another. I think this is a phenomenal idea and I've already given him my full support to make this a huge success. My hopes are that others will also take advantage of this opportunity and participate. For those who are not in our surrounding area and will be unable to attend I would encourage them to organize something similar in their own states and those nearby.

One person cannot do this alone. It has to be a group effort. Branch out,support others, share idea's and techniques and let's work together! Keeping everything to yourself will only keep you,your team and the field stagnant. Together we can find the answers we are all seeking.

Nicole Ortiz

CT Soul Seekers Paranormal Investigations