THE VIEW FROM RIZAL
Dr. Jun Ynares
A number of readers and friends have expressed their opinion that the apparent rampant and collective “woes” and difficulties facing the nation at this point is due to August being the “Ghost Month.”
They pointed to the surge in COVID-19 infections due to the reported rapid spread of the virus’ Delta variant which pushed the national government to place most of the country under heightened levels of community quarantine. They explained that enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) measures and its modified version (MECQ) have restricted economic activities once more, exposing small enterprises to the possibility of closure and large numbers of families to the specter of hunger.
Equating the “Ghost Month” to bad luck, believers of this concept also pointed to the sudden pullout of the boxing foe of Senator Manny Pacquiao, possibly watering down the excitement of international boxing afficionados in the bout slated next week. They said August is not an opportune month for such major initiatives.
They pointed out, too, to the escalating political conflict in the country, triggered by the recent incident where large number of people from several communities in the National Capital Region and in Antipolo as well flocked to vaccination on “walk-in” basis because of the fake news which spread earlier. The destructive ruse was fueled by certain individuals whose motives for causing the chaos are being questioned by several local government leaders.
Add to these setbacks the fact that August, 2021 began with heavy “Habagat” rains which caused massive flooding and which submerged homes in many parts of Central Luzon. As if these were not enough, an earthquake measuring more than magnitude seven hit Davao Oriental and surrounding areas dawn of Thursday last week. Just hours before that, the public market of Teresa, Rizal was gutted by fire.
Viewed with pessimistic eyes, these developments may lead one to a conclusion that the country is wrapped in the miseries cast upon us by ghosts.
The belief has its origins in the influence of our Chinese grandparents and ancestors.
It will be recalled that, for the Chinese, August is the 7th month in the lunar calendar.
The traditional belief was that on first day of this month, the supposed “gates of hell” open and the spirits of those who have lived less-than-good lives are let loose. These spirits are the “ghosts” who wreak havoc and bad luck on the living.
These “ghosts” supposedly return to “hell” on the last day of the month.
While some would dismiss this tradition of sorts, we respect it.
However, we prefer to view the month of August – ghost or no ghost – with a positive mindset.
My peers in the medical profession say that having a positive outlook in life is “healthy.” They refer to studies which show that those who are optimistic have “a significantly lower risk of dying” from certain diseases, such as, infections, stroke, cancer, heart and respiratory diseases.
They offer many advice on how to develop an optimistic outlook in life. Here are my top three favorite tips among the many that we have heard from those who subscribe to this principle.
First, practice gratitude.
Second, focus on the good things.
Third, give yourself permission to laugh.
Many years ago, I decided that I will begin and end the day by saying “thank you” to people and to Creator of the Universe. It was difficult at first because it seemed that there was nothing to be thankful for. However, gratitude has power. It opens our eyes to the discovery of the many things – big and small – that have been presented to us as “gifts” every day. These include our good health, our “daily bread,” our friends and family, our energy, our jobs and mission.
The sense of gratitude has become even more important during this time of the pandemic. I learned to be thankful for every person added to the list of Filipinos who have been vaccinated, or who have recovered from COVID-19. I am grateful for every single dose of the vaccine of whatever brand which arrives in our country and which find their way to our local governments.
I also discovered that when one focuses on the “good things,” one is sure to find them.
During these difficult times, I found many Filipinos whose heroic determination to survive transformed them into innovative and creative entrepreneurs. The “good things” can also be found in the Filipino’s spirit of generosity which even the cruelest virus has not dampened.
For example, just last week, business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan announced that the conglomerate he heads will build a Center for Sports Excellence in Antipolo. The site of the planned center is the First Pacific Leadership Academy, a long-time corporate citizen of the Pilgrimage Capital of the Philippines.
The center will entail a major financial investment on the part of the Pangilinan group. The investment will be worth it because the Center will discover, train and nurture future sports heroes in the mold of our Olympic Gold medalist, Hidilyn Diaz.
The August announcement by Mr. Pangilinan provides the bright ray of sunshine we all need during this “Ghost Month.”
His action is also one solid proof that there are “good things” we can focus on in August.
As for “giving ourselves permission to laugh,” there are a lot of laughable materials circulating in social media today. Mostly, these materials are the mud that political personalities are now hurling. Read them and have a good laugh.
*For feedback, please email it to [email protected] or send it to Block 6 Lot 10 Sta. Barbara 1 cor. Bradley St., Mission Hills Subd., Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City, Rizal.