Chapter 1: My Skeptical Beginnings

I must confess that prior to my twenties, I was a firm non-believer in concepts like reincarnation and ghosts. My childhood was marked by a contentious relationship with the idea of God, where the burden of unverified beliefs weighed heavily on my mind.

Throughout my life, I oscillated between being devoted to God and fearing Him, waging an internal battle over the notion that it was divine will, rather than fate, that would dictate the timing of my demise. I often envied those who held strong convictions—whether the deeply religious, atheists, or scientists. Meanwhile, I found myself lost in philosophical quandaries about spirituality and existence, grappling with my beliefs.

I don’t aim to persuade anyone regarding their beliefs, but I must admit that my apprehension about death has intensified my concerns over the unknown and unexplainable.

My first brush with the supernatural came not from a haunting experience but rather from watching Casper on TV back in the 1960s. It wasn’t until a peculiar incident that I began to entertain the idea of spirits.

One night, I was abruptly awakened by what I thought was a piercing yelp from my eight-week-old puppy. Rushing to check on her, I found her sleeping soundly. After rubbing my eyes and noting the time—4 a.m.—I took her outside and returned to bed.

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The following morning, I received a chilling phone call: my grandfather had passed away at precisely 4 a.m. This revelation sent a shiver down my spine.

Rationally, I could dismiss it as a figment of my imagination—perhaps I had merely dreamt the yelp, or maybe no one else heard it. Nevertheless, I still can’t shake the sensation that my grandfather visited me that night, and that my puppy, Oreo, sensed his presence in a way only dogs can.

Stanley Coren, in his article for Psychology Today titled “Can Dogs Detect Ghosts, Spirits or Hallucinations?”, mentions that a survey of 1,000 U.S. pet owners revealed that 47 percent reported their dogs alerting them to impending bad news at some point.

From that moment on, I stopped taking the question of whether ghosts existed lightly. Until there is irrefutable evidence to the contrary, my curiosity remains piqued.

Chapter 2: A Surprising Encounter

Last year, I had another extraordinary experience with a spirit. With the help of my tech-savvy friend Richard, we attempted to make contact. As we sat in his office, I requested the spirit to say the word "catastrophe." To my astonishment, the tape recorder captured the word being repeated back to us.

The clarity of the voice was otherworldly; there was no one else in the room who could have spoken. Had I not witnessed it myself, I would be the first to remain skeptical. Yet, I find myself struggling to rationalize what seemed like a clear paranormal occurrence.

While I’m open to the idea of the deceased continuing to exist, I maintain a cautious stance regarding poltergeists, likely stemming from my limited exposure to such phenomena. This perspective contrasts with recent findings.

John E.L. Tenney, from the television show Ghost Stalkers, reported that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a notable increase in paranormal encounters. Many people have reported experiences ranging from typical knocks and footsteps to unusual occurrences like hearing whispered voices through their TVs or receiving texts from deceased loved ones.

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This rise in reported experiences is thought to stem from increased time spent at home, stress from the pandemic, and, for some, a yearning to connect with those they have lost.

Vaughan Bell’s article, “Ghost Stories: Visits from the Deceased,” in Science of the Occult, notes that grief hallucinations are a common reaction to loss, though rarely discussed due to fears of being deemed mentally unstable.

I find myself neither emotionally unbalanced (though some may disagree) nor grieving, yet I am convinced of what I heard. My curiosity often leads me to scientific explanations.

A study featured in Science Daily suggests that individuals who hear voices may have unique auditory processing skills. The research, led by Durham University and University College London, found that those who experience voice-hearing can detect subtle speech-like sounds more readily than those who do not.

While I may not have fully developed these unusual skills—I’ve only experienced the voice once—my friend engages in regular conversations with spirits and firmly believes in their existence.

What drives our beliefs? What ignites our skepticism?

Luke Taylor highlights that while belief in traditional religions is waning, faith in the supernatural remains robust. As I navigate adulthood, I’ve come to terms with my relationship with God. I still find myself alternating between love and fear of Him. Yet, my anxiety about death has evolved, particularly following my intriguing encounter with what I believe to be a spirit. Am I losing my mind? Or am I simply aligning with a growing trend in our society?