The Japanese Secret to A Long and Happy Life

Today is Easter Sunday! Again Happy Easter to ALL

Easter, is also called Pascha or Resurrection Sunday. It is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD.

I feel is a perfect day for a book review about the Japanese Secret for a long and Happy Life- IKIGAI 

by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles

The Japanese word “ikigai” means a “life purpose” or “raison d'être.” Ikigai refers to defining your personal meaning of life in relation to your talents, passions, and profession, as well as what you can give to the wider world.

 1. The core of the book lies in discovering the intersection of your passion, mission, vocation, and profession. Visualize it as a Venn diagram where these four elements overlap, creating your unique purpose in life.

2. Don't wait for grand gestures to find fulfillment. Embrace the small, daily joys and rituals that bring meaning to your life. Whether it's savoring a cup of tea, tending to your garden, or connecting with loved ones, these seemingly insignificant moments contribute to your overall well-being.

3. In today's fast-paced world, slowing down is a radical act of self-care. Practice mindfulness, savor your meals, and appreciate the beauty in everyday moments. This deliberate pace fosters calmness and reduces stress, contributing to a longer and happier life.

4. Regular physical activity, even gentle movement like walking or gardening, is crucial for both physical and mental well-being. Combine it with a healthy diet rich in fresh, whole foods to fuel your body and mind. Remember, what you eat nourishes not just your body but also your spirit.

5. Strong social connections are vital for happiness and longevity. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who uplift and inspire you. Nurture your relationships, engage in meaningful conversations, and cultivate a sense of belonging.

6. Don't dwell on the past or worry about the future. Embrace the present moment with all its beauty and challenges. Practice gratitude for what you have, find joy in simple things, and make the most of each day.

7. Lifelong learning keeps your mind sharp and your spirit young. Pursue new hobbies, read interesting books, and engage in stimulating conversations. Embrace curiosity and never stop exploring the world around you.

8. Striving for flawlessness can lead to stress and dissatisfaction. Embrace imperfection and learn to appreciate the beauty of the "wabi-sabi" – the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in the imperfect and impermanent.

9. Flow is a state of complete absorption in an activity, where time seems to fly and you lose yourself in the moment. Identify activities that bring you into flow and make them a regular part of your life.

10. Life is about more than just accumulating possessions. Focus on leaving a positive impact on the world around you. Be kind, be compassionate, and make a difference in the lives of others. This is the true mark of a life well-lived.

BOOK: https://amzn.to/3S6Y1Lv

My poem for the Day:

Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

Work like you don't need money,

Love like you've never been hurt,

And dance like no one's watching.

Another good Book for teenagers to read...

Meanwhile Here's another Easter Greeting from Me:

See you all at our Easter Sunday Brunch!

Easter Sunday Brunch- Happy Easter to All

While taking photos of the spring blooms in our Courtyard,  I found 17 Easter Eggs including one Golden Egg in the THD Courtyard last Wednesday Morning. I submitted my Golden egg to the Front Desk, and I was told I earned a ticket for a lottery of Unknown Prizes not to exceed I Million Dollars. I was informed that there are 2 golden eggs, so my chance of winning a prize is 50%. 

Here are photos of the 18 Easter Eggs, I found,

  

Easter Egg Hunting reminds me of My late son, David E III employment with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) during the Clinton- Gore Administration (1993-2000)💥.  Here's a paragraph about David E, I wrote on our experiences with Easter Egg Hunting in the Lawn of the White House.

💥https://clintonwhitehouse4.archives.gov/WH/Accomplishments/additional.html

"During David's E.  time of employment with OMB 💥we received annual Christmas cards from the White House as well as special invitations to special events such as the Easter Egg Hunting in the lawn of the White House and during Christmas Parties for OMB employees. Receiving Annual White House Christmas Cards from 1993 to 2000 and being invited to the Lawn Parties in the White House is an experience in our life, we( The David Balleza Katague Family) will never forget." 

 

A popular topic during our meal times conversation here at THD is, Are you being invited for Easter Dinner? Almost all of the seniors I talk to, gave me the popular answer, I am still waiting!      

Most of the Residents here have Relatives in the Surrounding Neighboring Cities around Walnut Creek. Every now and then, our relatives ( sons, daughters and in-laws) visits us when they are free. Our Children and Grand Children have busy lives, so personally, I am not expecting weekly communications with them. However, most of us seniors will be delighted if we get attention on Holidays, Like Easter, ThanksGiving and/or Christmas Holidays or at least during our Birthdays. 

Anyway, THD had a special Sunday Brunch ( see Menu above) for Easter Sunday, March 31 from 10:30 AM to 12:45PM. I am looking forward for the Brunch.  My Easter Greetings to All!     

Again, Happy Easter to All!!!

Meanwhile Here are some photos of the spring blooms at our Court Yard .

Do you the name of this flower? A trumpet Flower- ? beautiful light pink

It is in this CourtYard where I found the Golden Egg.  Purple Geranium..

Deep Breathing Meditation by Guest Writer- Phil Paris, MD

In response to my request for guest writers for my blogs, Fellow THD Resident and Bridge Buddy Dr. Phil Paris, M.D,  send me the following article. He wrote this article for his Saturday Meditation Group here at THD. Thanks a million Phil for this article.  I am sure a lot of my readers will find this relevant and useful in their daily lives. I will appreciate your comments if you find this article useful.💘

Breath meditation

One of the easiest ways to reduce stress is to focus your attention on your breath. It's a form of meditation that anyone can do. Only two things are required to make breath meditation work: 1) a continued focus for your mind. 2) Allow everyday thoughts to come and go as you focus on the breath. 

The mind can be a noisy, busy place. As you focus your attention, thoughts will often arise. Acknowledge the thoughts and let your attention slip from them. It is sometimes helpful to start meditating by silently counting your inhalations and exhalations: In (one), out (two), in (three), and so on. This gives you something to focus on besides those intruding thoughts.

Meditation History

Some archaeologists date meditation back to 5,000 BCE. But it wasn’t until the 20th century that it began to move beyond the realm of religion. Meditation began to be seriously studied for its medical benefits in the 1960s. Harvard Medical School professor Dr. Herbert Benson found that people meditating used less oxygen, lowered heart rates and produced brain waves that help with sleep. Benson went on to publish his findings in a book,The Relaxation Response. 

Meditation myths 

Myth #1: You have to practice at least 20 minutes every day. Do you have a minute? Great! Then you have time to meditate. Breathe in for five seconds, then breathe out for five seconds. That’s your warm-up. Then repeat for just one minute. It’s that simple.

Myth #2: You need to clear your mind. The goal of meditation is not to clear your mind of all thought. The goal is to return to the breath. Each time you discover your mind has wandered, return to your breath. 

Myth #3: It doesn’t do anything. Actually meditation does a whole lot. Research shows that meditation reduces the level of stress and inflammation in the body. Increased blood circulation gets more oxygen and nutrients to important organs in your body. Blood circulation increases in the brain during meditation with long-term benefits for the brain. Meditation has also been shown to reduce anxiety and depression.

Conclusion: Breath awareness is a type of mindful meditation that encourages mindful breathing.

Practitioners breathe slowly and deeply, counting their breaths or otherwise focusing on their breaths. The goal is to focus only on breathing and to ignore other thoughts that enter the mind.

There are 2 other types of Meditation besides Breath:

1. Loving-kindness meditation

Loving-kindness meditation is all about cultivating an attitude of love and kindness toward everything, even enemies and sources of stress.

2. Mindfulness meditation

Mindful meditation wants you to be fully aware of the moment you are living.

Here's a video for your enjoyment :  TRY THIS 5 minutes Video!! 

https://youtu.be/he-tQOnDCWw?si=XqhplKiWSsqAWu7A

For more details read:

https://virtualwritingtutor.com/expressdev/vwtserver/public/listicle/194/the-3-best-meditation-types.html

Dr Phil Paris obtained his MD degree from Albert Einstein in the Bronx, NY.  After graduation from medical school, he volunteered as a doctor in the military.  On discharge from the Air Force, he enjoyed five years of his own medical practice.  Later he served as the physician in Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City as the physician in a treatment center for those suffering from opioid addiction. He did this for 20 years.  

💘Phil's article is perfect for Today's Good Friday Celebration. Good Friday, commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is a day of sorrow, penance, and fasting for Christians worldwide. Good Friday is preceded by Maundy Thursday and followed by Easter Sunday. The day is observed with prayers, fasting, and almsgiving, with many people attending religious services. Good Friday is a time for acts of charity and compassion, reflecting Jesus Christ's selfless love and sacrifice for humanity. 

Wanted Guest Writers-Variety is the Spice of Life

In the past, I have been honored by a few friends and relatives that consented to be GUEST Writers in my blogs. If you are reading this posting, consider it as an invitation to be a GUEST writer in my blogs. There will be no monetary reward.  However, you will be thankfully acknowledged and exposed and possibly received compliments from my over a million viewers all over the world, if they like your article. 

You can write on any topic, except politics, religion and sex.  These 3 topics usually attract attention and controversy. However, I feel majority of my readers wants articles that are simple, interesting and relevant. If you decide to guest write in my blogs, here are tips that will make your writing more effective.   

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2012/12/my-personal-tips-for-effective-blogging.html

I need guest writers to spice up my blogs. Writing is just like Food. No matter how good is your Writing or your Food,  you need variety to keep it from not boring and tasteless. A good analogy is our Food here at Newton's. The food is great, but partaking the same food every day is also boring, That is why, I have been suggesting to THD management to feature an International Dish at least once a month in our Dinner Menu. In my case, I indulged myself once a month with either Filipino Dishes, Dim Sum or Mexican Food. This gave variety to my meals and appreciate more of the Newton's Dishes afterwards.      

The links below are three articles written by my guest writers: These writers are excellent writers and I guarantee you will enjoy their articles.  

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2011/12/guest-article-from-susan-creamer-joy.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2014/04/guest-post-from-dodie-katague-author-of.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2020/12/my-guest-article-of-year-biden-trump.html

Last but not least, here's an article I wrote in 2011 about Taking a Break from My Writing Activities. it is a must read, if you enjoy my articles in my blogs. 

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2011/12/taking-break-fom-my-writing-activities.html

Here's another article I wrote that attracted a lot of attention because of its Title- I am a Man But Gave Birth to Two Sons.

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2011/12/i-am-man-but-gave-birth-to-two-sons.html

I was a Primary Care Giver to a Loved One with Parkinson Disease

Our Golden Wedding Anniversary Portrait- Chateau Du Mer Conference Hall, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines, 2007  

My spouse( Macrine Nieva Jambalos Katague) for over 63 years passed away in August 10, 2020 after being diagnosed with Parkinson Disease in 2010.  Yesterday would have been her 88th Birthday.

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2021/08/celebrating-macrines-waksi-one-year.html

I was her Primary Care-Giver but we had hired several Home Care Aid Assistants, Physical Therapists and Home HEALTH Nurses and other home care workers to take care of my wife physical needs as the disease progressed.  Most of the services were not covered by my Federal Medical Insurance, so the expenses of her care were from my private savings/funds after my retirement from the Food and Drug Administration in 2002. 

The first five years ( Stages 1 and 2) was tolerable and our life was more or less normal except for our travel annually to our second home, Chateau Du Mer, Boac, Marinduque. Philippines.   Her symptoms were manageable with the medications that was prescribed to her. But she needed assistance with her daily living activities.  In Marinduque, we were able to get hired help 8 to 16 hours per day at my expense. But here in the US, we felt we can afford only an 8 hour help, so the rest of the day, I was the Primary Care Giver with the help of our youngest son on his days off and after work. I was lucky to have my youngest son( David E. III )who was single and lived with us during the years of my wife Parkinson Disease Diagnoses and Treatment.    

The third, fourth and last stages of Her PD resulted in two Falls, which landed with a hip replacement that was partially successful. The first Fall resulted in hospitalization and rehabilitation for several weeks which luckily was covered with my Federal/Medical insurance. The battling with the side effects of Levodopa was a nightmare. It was a stressful but rewarding 10 years of my life (see website below).

💙💙https://www.myparkinsonsteam.com/resources/survey-results-stresses-and-rewards-of-parkinsons-caregiving

In 2002 two years after Macrine's death, my youngest son David E. who was living with me suffered a Cardiac Arrest at work. After a week in the hospital with the machines keeping him alive, my family decided to cut of the machine and David passed away at the young age of 59 years. This week is the two year anniversary of his death.

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2023/03/today-is-first-year-anniversary-of.html

I live alone in my 4BR, 3Bath Single Home House( Fair Oaks, CA) for about 1.5 years after David E death. Of course I had a Home Care Aid Help 4 Hours Every Day at my own expense. The Home Care Aide cooks, drive me for my errands and medical appointments and do light house-keeping duties. I have also a Gardener and a Pool Cleaner and occasionally a massage therapist.    

Then last June, 2023 I decided to downsize and move to an active Senior Living Community ( THD) here In Walnut Creek, to be near to my two oldest children, Dodie (Benicia) and Dinah( Dublin). 

The David B Katague Clan, December, 2023. Not in the Photo are Dinah's Children ( Ian and Elaine). 

This is my 9th month here at THD and I am very happy. I am busy with activities, playing bridge and mahjong- my 2 favorite Games. I participates in almost all of the activities provided by THD. If I need a ride to get out of my Gilded Cage, we have transportation services for the Walnut Creek Area. For travel outside the Walnut Creek area I ask either Dodie or Dinah to drive me. 

The other day, I finally received the Plaque of Appreciation from the University of the Philippines, Visayas Library Project for my major donation in memory of David E and Macrine as follows:

Last but not least about Parkinson Disease: A common question asked about Parkinson:" What are the causes of Parkinson Disease?  

"Researchers believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors cause Parkinson’s. In 2003, Heiko Braak, MD, hypothesized that an unknown pathogen (a bacteria, virus or other microorganism that causes disease) in the gut could be the cause of PD.

This was followed by a more extensive hypothesis, stating that PD starts in two places: the neurons of the nasal cavity and the neurons in the gut. This is now known as Braak’s hypothesis. In this theory, the pathogen enters the body via the nose and/or gets swallowed and reaches the gut. The pathogenic products thus come into contact with the olfactory (smell) and/or enteric (gut) neurons, triggering the aggregation of an abnormal protein called α-Synuclein. The aggregated α-Synuclein (called Lewy body) then spreads toward the central nervous system (namely the brain), and eventually arriving in and causing the degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons in the area of the brain called the substantia nigra.

This theory is supported by evidence that non-movement symptoms, such as a loss of sense of smell, sleep disorders and constipation, may appear several years ahead of movement symptoms. For this reason, researchers focus on these non-motor symptoms to detect PD as early as possible and to look for ways to stop its progression".

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20231219/Breakthrough-in-Parkinsons-research-Scientists-identify-protein-synthesis-pathway-as-culprit.aspx#:~:text=A%20so%2Dcalled%20pathological%20protein,off%20in%20this%20neurodegenerative%20condition.

Do you have a love one who has suffered or is now suffering from the scourge of PD? I like to hear from you. 

Related Words to Attractive and its Opposites

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• adorable
• agreeable
• alluring
• beautiful
• beckoning
• bewitching
• captivating
• charming
• comely
• enchanting
• engaging
• enthralling
• enticing
• fair
• fascinating
• fetching
• glamorous
• good-looking
• gorgeous
• handsome
• hunky
• interesting
• inviting
• looker
• lovely
• luring
• magnetic
• mesmeric
• pleasant
• pleasing
• prepossessing
• pretty
• provocative
• seductive
• stunning
• taking
• tantalizing
• teasing
• tempting
• winning
• winsome

Yesterday, we had fun with acrostic poems. Today, let us explore one word of the English Language, That is the synonym and opposite of the word attractive. I asked several THD residents a couple of weeks ago, to give me 5 synonyms of the word attractive in 20 seconds,  only 3 residents  was able to give me 3 words within the 20 seconds time limit. Above are 41 words related to ATTRACTIVE.  Not in the list is my favorite-easy to the eyes.

Sunset from the Balcony of the Chateau Du Mer Beach House, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines.   

I have used the word mesmerizing to describe some of my sunset photographs and easy on the eyes or good-looking for a beautiful or handsome person, man or woman. I have used fascinating, glamorous, stunning a number of times in my writings since 2008 to the present. So if you are a writer used some of the above words for variety in place of the words beautiful or attractive. Meanwhile here are opposite words of being physically attractive or unattractive. 

I also asked a few residents for words opposite of being physically attracted. Not one of the Senior THD residents I asked gave me a positive response. So here are 44 words that are the opposite of Attractive 

Here's an example of ugly - The world's ugliest dog winner

ugly

 

hideous

 

grotesque

 

repulsive

 

misshapen

 

disgusting

frumpish

 

haggard

 

plain

 

rough

 

unattractive

 

out of shape

uncouth

 

undesirable

 

unrefined

 

bad-looking

 

barbaric

 

barbarous

beastly

 

filthy

 

frumpy

 

gaudy

 

hard on the eyes

 

homely

ill-favoured^UK

 

ill-favored^US

 

inelegant

 

overweight

 

sloppy

ungroomed

 

unkempt

 

unsightly

 

wrinkled

 

unaesthetic

 

uncomely

uncute

 

unhandsome

 

unlovely

 

unpleasing

 

unpretty

 

unstylish

unbeautiful

 

slovenly

 

scrawny 

Here's some of my favorite quotes on beauty:

• Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it. ... 
• Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting. ... 
• The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. ... 

Now for Photos of my youngest grand daughter who to me is a beautiful person. Do you agree or disagree?

  

My New Acrostic Poetry-Some Examples

Last week I had been posting on the Katague Clan personal experiences of Kindness from Strangers. This week, the subject will be totally different starting with acrostic poetry and perhaps ending with my postings on unusual English words, homonyms and again possibly on Filipino Food by the end of the week. Today it is acrostic poetry inspired by Marsha Kefer.  

Marsha Kefer send me last week an acrostic poem she wrote with my name DAVID. She titled it Ode to DAVID

ODE  TO   DAVID

D   is for his DANCING shoes

A   Is for his positive ATTITUDE 

V   Is for his VARIATION of the word clogs

I     Is for his INTERESTING and INFORMATIVE blogs

D   Is for the Philippine restaurants he loves to DINE

Oh, I wish there was another letter to complete this rhyme!

💛Thanks a Million, Marsha for this poem. It is a variation of a true acrostic poem as follows: 

     D edicated Blogger since 2008

            A ccomplished Scientist with FDA.

V enturous in his taste buds

   I nteresting posts in his blogs

          D elightful company in everyday.  

                                K nowledgeable of Philippine history

                                A ppreciative of God's Grace and Blessings, 

                                T hankful for loving and thoughtful relatives

                                A bundance of friends here at THD.

                                G rateful for long life and good health

                                U nbeatable in Hong Kong Mahjong on Thursdays

                                E lation for winning bridge on Mondays and Fridays.     

Acrostic poetry- Poetry that certain letters, usually the first in each line form a word or message when read in a sequence. 

Chareau Du Mer- My Second Home in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines. An acrostic Poem written by Victor Viscara (RIP).  

And Here's a tribute to my two Cats-Batman and Robin

Here are two of my favorites Acrostic Poems:

 Here's an original Poem by Me Inspired By Marsha's Ode to David

The above poem is acrostic, but not majestic, 

Very simple, very truthful and not erotic. 

Inspired by Marsha Kefer, Ode to David,

Made my day and felt much beloved!

I can write I can sing and I can dance,

What else do you want me to do?

I try my best to make my blogs interesting,

A hard daily grind, but worth achieving!

Your comments, verbal or written are welcome,

Hoping to hear from you in the days to come. 

Thank you THD Readers and Relatives,

 Time of my life to always remain Positive!

Thank You to All My Readers all over the World,

 Proud to achieve the million page views threshold. 

Here's my previous posting on the 

15 styles of poetry for your information.  

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2012/11/fifteen-styles-of-poetry-that-i-know.html