People generally find it difficult to maintain emotional stability. They vary a lot, from sadness to joy, from depression to euphoria, from good spirits to discouragement. These emotions are not always associated with everyday life. Is it something to do with mediumship?

 No doubt about it! That (manic-depressive psychosis), an inexplicable diversification of emotional states, is associated with the nature of the spirits who approach us, of the influences we suffer.

The souls of the dead?

Yes, disembodied men, freed from matter, but imprisoned by human interest. They remain among us and influence, motivate and even direct us. In Question 459 of The Spirits' Book, the spiritual mentors who responded to Kardec report that this influence is so intense that it is not uncommon for them to direct us.

Why do they do that? What is their purpose?

The motives of these spirits are in accordance with their own condition. There are those who are perplexed and want help; there are those who take pleasure in tying down the incarnated; there are those who exercise vengeance; there are those who are attached to vices and desire intermediaries to satisfy themselves....

¿How can we distinguish our thinking from that which is inspired by a disincarnate?

It is difficult in principle, because the mental flow of the spirits with whom we associate is expressed in our minds as if they were our thoughts, something of our intimacy.

Does that mean that both thoughts and emotions may simply reflect what is happening with the approaching Spirit?

Exactly, but the question of attunement needs to be considered. Generally these entities are compatible with our way of being, tendencies and ideas.

According to this principle, would it be possible, for example, for a spirit to drive someone to suicide who never intended to take the initiative?

Yes, if the discarnate succeeds in inducing in the person the desire to kill himself, he would certainly be in sympathy with that idea, he admits it and comes to accept it.

How can we overcome these negative influences, enabling us to receive only good influences?

In question 469 of The Spirits' Book, Kardec asks the same question. The mentor proclaims, incisively: By practising the Good and putting your trust in God...We have there a precious compass to free us from negative influences.

How does it work?

Trust in God sustains the balance of emotions in difficult situations, avoiding the depressive states that make us vulnerable to lower influences; the practice of the Good brings us in tune with the sources of Life, empowering the unfailing protection of spiritual benefactors.