The Lost Cemetery of Negativism: A reminder to be more positive

Where do negative energies go to die? On a trip to Baguio a few months ago, my family and I stopped by The Lost Cemetery, also know as the Cemetery of Negativism. It’s the cemetery where negativism is buried, where the burden of negativity is put six feet under.

“NEGATIVISM is man’s greatest self-imposed infliction, his most limiting factor, his heaviest burden.
No more, for here is buried the world’s negativism for all time,
Those who rest here have died not in vain — but for you a stern reminder
— as you leave this hill, remember that the rest of your life be more positive.
Have a good day — treat today like it’s your last, though it’s the first day of the rest.
— CJH”

There are a bunch of tombstones scattered around the grounds, each marked with a short description of how the victim “died” of negativity. Take a look at this black dog named Just Kant Shakit who died of being a tad too passive.

Maybe he let life pass him by. Maybe he was too passive-aggressive. Maybe he just let the world stomp on him and didn’t say a thing about it. There’s a difference after all between being passive and being undisturbed by things around you. This tombstone is a reminder that a life of apathy, one void of enthusiasm, can be bad for you. You probably knew that already, but hey, when was the last time you were reminded about it? That’s what the Cemetery of Negativism is here to do.

Do you know of anyone who seems to be always in misery? Mental or emotional distress can be crippling. “Born in gloom. Died without bloom.” How depressing is that? I think that it’s all right to wallow in sadness for a little while. But before the well of your sadness becomes too deep, climb out. Reach out. Get your gloom done with before it consumes you.

Ah, this is the dog who filled his life with regrets. “Lived wondering why. Died for no reason.” If you keep looking back, how can you move forward? Dwelling on the past can be stifling. True, there may be things we wish we could have done differently. Perhaps we look back with a sense of longing, even distress. But life goes on, right? Before regrets turn to anguish or a prolonged case of wretchedness, remember Why Didn’t I? dog. As a line from the musical RENT goes, “Forget regret or life is yours to miss.”

There are more tombstones to visit at the Cemetery of Negativism. You can tour the whole cemetery in 15 minutes, but allow yourself some moments of reflection. The hill makes for a nice stroll anyway, with the chilly Baguio air to keep you company. The Lost Cemetery or Cemetery of Negativism is part of Camp John Hay’s Historical Core. It’s included in the area’s P20 entrance fee.

Make time for this hill in your itinerary when you go to Baguio. Bring your negatron and negastar friends! If you want to reflect on your own, that will do too. Then leave all negativity behind you. Baguio’s crisp, fresh air will invigorate you and the greens of the pine trees will calm you. You’ll be armed with a renewed sense of positivity, a rejuvenated vigor for life! At the very least this cemetery will remind you that life is here to be lived, life is here to be enjoyed.

Hi! I'm Toni Tiu, and I've been blogging at at Wifely Steps since 2003. This started as a blog to help newly weds adjust to married life. It has evolved into a home and parenting blog. I write about things close to my heart -- good eats, good reads, family, marriage, and the little things that make everyday happy.