When investigating the paranormal, it is essential that we put aside our emotions and be objective if we want to discover the truth, says guest writer JAIMIE LEE-BARRON
The importance of remaining objective during investigations
As human beings, our emotions are incredibly strong and complex and are an important part of who we are. We carry these emotions with us everywhere and influence almost everything we do.
However, when it comes to research or research, it is crucial to manage our personal feelings to avoid clouding our judgment and drawing biased conclusions. Instead, we should strive to find out the truth.
When we embark on any research, we inevitably have biases – whether we believe in something or not – that can influence our approach and the observations we make. This phenomenon, known as “confirmation bias,” must always be kept in mind to remain grounded.
Most parapsychologists, but not all, can be described as “skeptical believers.” They suspect something is happening but aren’t sure what, which prompts them to apply the scientific method to arrive at a working hypothesis. To do this effectively, you must keep emotions in check and provide the clarity necessary for sound judgment and logical conclusions through critical analysis of facts and evidence.
To illustrate the power of emotions and their influence on our mental and physical states, consider a moving scene from a movie or TV show, such as the death of Dobby the House Elf in Harry Potter. Many people felt deeply moved by this fictional event, and some even cried as Harry cradled Dobby’s body on the windswept beach. Despite being a complete fantasy with non-existent characters, this scene touches our hearts and shows the power of our emotions.
Emotions allow us to empathize and sympathize with both reality and ‘unreality’. While this is helpful in our daily lives, it is harmful when we examine something in an objective manner. Panic, excitement, and fear are powerful stimuli that can blind us to the truth that is often staring us in the face. Our work will sometimes expose us to these emotions, but maintaining a calm, clear approach is essential to maintaining the integrity of our research.
In short: staying calm, focused and objective is crucial. By controlling our emotions and avoiding interference with our expectations and imagination, we can ensure the integrity of our work and increase our chances of discovering the truth.
Based in Greater Manchester, JAIMIE LEE-BARRON is a Christian parapsychologist and ordained minister with specialist training in the healing ministry of Deliverance.