How embracing the paranormal could produce a deeper meaning of life

Researcher Joshua Cutchin is one of the leading voices of today’s paranormal community who are calling for a vast reconsideration of strange and unusual experiences. Those experiences include spirit visitations, Sasquatch sightings, Unidentified Aerial Phenomena and even alien abductions.

Despite decades of reports of anomalous phenomena, no conclusive evidence has yet been accepted for the existence of aliens, cryptids or ghosts. However, millions of people continue to have inexplicable, personal contact with these beings and many more. Cutchin, taking a cue from longtime investigator Jacques Vallée, began wondering if something deeper may be at play.

His latest book is called “Ecology of Souls: A New Mythology of the Paranormal.” It’s a highly-researched investigation into the intersection of grief, death and the phenomena itself.

While the book outlines a thread of profound meaning between these experiences, a new work by Detroit artist Renee Willoughby seeks a similar understanding through music. “Her Shape is Light” explores Willoughby’s journey to begin a relationship with her mother, who passed away in 1992. A tape release for the sound project will take place at Ghost Light in Hamtramck on Friday, Feb. 10 at 8 p.m.

Cutchin and Willoughby joined CultureShift to talk about finding renewed meaning in life through a new view on the paranormal. Hear their conversation using the audio player above.