What is Reality?

When was the last time you asked yourself, "What is reality?" I've often asked myself that question.

The established norm would tell you that what you can touch, taste, see, hear and smell is reality; but, can we see the air?  Can we smell it, or taste it?  I know I know, you can smell stuff in the air, but that is not the air itself.  We also cannot see ultraviolet light, but it's there, and prolonged exposure to it will have a negative impact on us.  So, with that in mind, what is real?

If unseen, unfelt, non-tasting, non-smelling and un-heard things can be real, what is the difference between people that can see "real" people and people that most of us cannot see?  Are they delusional? Or are they living a different kind of reality?  One that the majority of us are not capable of living.

"Normal" society for a long time deemed these people to be mentally unstable, to be polite.  Now it is more socially accepted to be able to see, hear, and even smell and feel unseen presences.  In fact, some people even pay good money to go to a person with such intangible talents so that they can seek help regarding a recently departed loved one.

Personally, I have never been able to live in that alternate reality, or delusion as some people still like to call it.  I admit, there have been times where I thought I felt something out of the norm, but, I'm not sure whether it is something 'out there' or just a figment of my imagination.

It is tough to determine whether people who claim they can see spirits or ghosts or whatever you want to call them, are delusional or have an actual ability to see the unseen.  Because of all the hype in the last few years regarding the paranormal on television, it has allowed people whom would normally be considered delusional, to come forward and be open about their gift.  But this raises a dilemma; what if some of these people who have come forward are actually delusional?  And because now they are more socially accepted, they are not getting help that could potentially save their lives.

I know I'm being a bit dramatic, but think about this.  I have met some people whom I would deem delusional, not gifted, but others praise them for what they can apparently see.  What happens if this new found acceptance of the paranormal; or as I like to call it, 'A FAD'; goes away?  What are these people going to do?  Even if the popularity of the paranormal dwindles, it has set a precedence that has forever changes the way people view this issue.  Now, people are unsure whether someone might be delusional or not, and what's worse, they don't want to be the ones to suggest it.

Is it right to let someone go through life being delusional?  Would you not think that at some point, this delusion might get worse and affect the person's quality of life?  Not to mention the quality of life of that person's family!  It's tough, I know, but we have to come to terms with the fact that in some cases, maybe even most, these people might be delusional and do need to seek help; for their sake and the sake of their family and friends.

I'll tell you, delusion can destroy a family.  I've seen it first hand.  And what's worse is that the person I'm referring to right now thinks he's completely normal, and that everyone else is delusional.  He has used the guise of the paranormal as a means to justify his delusion.  Saying that he sees dark entities and the like.

So, ask yourself again, "What is Reality?"