“Ghost month na naman.”

This is what we often hear from people as August approaches. For some, August is a dreaded month. They feel that bad things are bound to happen around this time of year.

We understand that this belief is based on the fact that this is the seventh month of the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, a time when the “gates of the underworld” supposedly open and spirits of the deceased visit the world of the living.

Some, therefore, associate the month with misfortune, a perception reinforced by significant and often tragic historical events that occurred during this time. For example, one of the most defining tragedies in modern Philippine history took place on Aug. 21, 1983, when former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. was assassinated upon his return from exile. The event sparked widespread outrage and became a pivotal moment in our history.

Twelve years earlier, on Aug. 21, 1971, the Plaza Miranda bombing occurred during a Liberal Party rally in Manila, killing nine people and injuring nearly a hundred others, including several opposition leaders. The event heightened political tensions and remains one of the darkest episodes of that era.

August is also peak typhoon season in the Philippines. Over the decades, powerful storms have repeatedly struck during this month, bringing devastating rains, floods, landslides, and significant loss of life and property.

These natural disasters, alongside political violence and other difficult episodes, have led some to view August as an unlucky or particularly challenging period in our national experience.

Here is the other view. August also holds positive and inspiring moments in our history.

President Manuel L. Quezon, the Father of the National Language, was born on Aug. 19, 1878.

National Heroes Day is observed in August, honoring the bravery of those who fought for freedom.

The Philippine Revolution of 1896 also gained momentum in this month, reminding us of our people’s courage and aspiration for independence.

On Aug. 12, 1898, the Protocol of Peace was signed between the United States and Spain, effectively ending Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines and marking an important step on the long path toward full sovereignty.

So, why do such superstitious beliefs and associations persist?

Psychologists explain that the human mind is wired to seek patterns and a sense of control in uncertain situations. Stuart Vyse, a psychologist and author of “Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition,” notes that superstitious beliefs often arise as a way to reduce anxiety and create an illusion of control when events feel unpredictable.

This means that these tendencies are natural, yet they need not dictate how we approach the days ahead. The better and more empowering way to face August is with optimism, purpose, and practical wisdom. Research in positive psychology offers clear guidance.

Martin Seligman, a leading psychologist and founder of the positive psychology movement, has shown through extensive studies that optimism can be learned.

In his work “Learned Optimism,” Seligman demonstrates that people can challenge pessimistic explanations of events—viewing setbacks as temporary, specific, and changeable rather than permanent and pervasive.

This shift in thinking builds resilience, improves mental health, and leads to better outcomes in the face of difficulty. In practical terms, we can cultivate this optimistic approach in several ways.

Here are some suggestions experts offer. One, focus on preparation rather than fear; two, stay connected—spend time with family and neighbors, share stories of resilience, and support one another through small acts of kindness; three, keep productive routines, like working, studying, and pursuing goals instead of allowing the month to slow us down.

They also recommend practicing gratitude by noting daily blessings and progress, no matter how small. In addition, limit exposure to negative or fear-based talk about the month and instead highlight positive community activities and achievements.

These simple steps, grounded in psychological insight, help shift attention from what might go wrong to what we can actively improve.

Our choices, preparation, and collective effort matter far more than the calendar.

Let us meet August with energy and hope. By combining respect for heritage and the lessons of the past with a forward-looking, optimistic spirit grounded in psychological insight, we can transform August into a season of gratitude, resilience, and progress.

(The author is a Doctor of Medicine, an entrepreneur and the mayor of Antipolo City, former Rizal governor, and DENR assistant secretary, LLDA general manager. Email: [email protected])