Mindfullness and Aging Gracefully

As I approach my 91st birthday this December, I often find myself reflecting on what it truly means to age well. It’s a question I’ve asked silently during quiet mornings, after a good game of bridge, or while sitting still, waiting for the ache in my legs to ease. Aging, I’ve come to realize, is not simply about counting the years — it’s about finding peace and meaning within them.

I live with Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease. It’s a reality that has changed the rhythm of my days, but not the purpose of my living. I still write my daily blog — a small ritual that keeps my mind awake and my heart engaged with the world. I still play bridge and Mahjong five times a week, because even as the body weakens, the mind thrives on connection, laughter, and strategy. And I still try to move, even when pain accompanies every step, because movement — no matter how small — reminds me that I am still here.

Mindfulness, to me, has become the quiet art of being fully present with what is, not what was or might have been. I no longer chase the past or worry too deeply about what comes next. Instead, I find comfort in the stillness of the moment — in the way sunlight filters through my window, in the soft hum of morning sounds, in the rhythm of my own breathing.

When you are young, mindfulness can seem like an abstract idea — a luxury for the calm or the curious. But in the ninth decade of life, mindfulness becomes a necessity. It teaches patience with your body’s limitations, gratitude for small pleasures, and compassion for yourself as you navigate the long, slow unfolding of age.

Some days, I find my thoughts drifting back to my years at the FDA, or to the chaotic aftermath of 9/11 when I stood among those who were simply trying to make sense of loss. Those memories ground me in perspective — they remind me how fragile and precious life is, and how deeply human it is to endure.

Writing has been my companion since 2009, but in recent years, it has become my form of mindfulness — a way to touch the world with words, to stay connected even when the body grows tired. Each post I write is a meditation on gratitude, resilience, and purpose.

So yes, aging is an art. It’s not a science of diet and exercise alone, but a quiet acceptance of impermanence — balanced with a fierce commitment to stay alive in the spirit, curious in the mind, and open in the heart.

To those who read my words — younger or older — I say this: Don’t wait for illness or time to teach you what mindfulness can. Be present now. Listen deeply. Cherish the moments that make you feel truly alive.

Because aging well is not about defying time — it’s about embracing it, one mindful breath at a time.

---

A Closing Note to My Readers

As I continue my writing journey, I want to thank each of you — old friends, new visitors, and quiet readers from around the world — for walking this path with me. Your presence, your comments, and even your silent visits remind me that words can still build bridges, even across generations and distances.

I write not just to share thoughts, but to stay connected — to life, to memory, and to you. Every post is a small piece of my story, and I am grateful that you’ve chosen to share in it.

Stay mindful. Stay kind. And remember — every day we wake up is another opportunity to live fully, no matter what our circumstances may be. With gratitude, David

Finally, 

A recent Stanford University study has confirmed that the human brain is far more powerful than once thought. It found that the mind can rewire the body in real time through belief alone, shaping health, performance, and resilience.

When people believe they are receiving treatment, the brain triggers real biological changes — from pain relief to immune responses. This goes beyond the placebo effect; researchers showed that repeated thoughts can actually change gene expression, hormone levels, and nerve activity.

Negative thoughts, on the other hand, can suppress healing, increase stress, and harm the body. This makes mental training, mindfulness, and positive affirmations not just psychological tools, but biological ones.

The study reframes the brain as not just an observer of life, but an active builder of it, constantly constructing health and reality with every repeated belief.

Finally, my short video music of the Day:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/732067572964711

Day 25 of the Government Shutdown

Day 25 of the Government Shutdown

Day 25 of the Government Shutdown: When the Machinery Stops, We All Feel It

When a nation’s government grinds to a halt—not for one or two days, but for weeks—the ripple effects extend far beyond the halls of Congress. On the 25th day of the ongoing shutdown, it’s becoming increasingly clear just how deeply public services, families, and the economy are being affected.

1. Federal employees & contractors — the human toll

Hundreds of thousands of federal workers are being pulled into this impasse. Some are furloughed—they cannot work and receive no pay. Others, deemed “essential,” are working but without pay until the impasse is resolved. Our Public Service+4Al Jazeera+4Brittany Pettersen+4
The result: families delaying bills, tapping savings, foregoing discretionary spending. One commentary noted that shutdowns “curtail the ability of civil servants … to provide crucial public benefits, conduct scientific research, manage the economy, address national security challenges and more.” Our Public Service
While law requires retroactive pay in many cases, that doesn’t erase the immediate financial stress. Salud Carbajal
For example:

• Some employees must cancel leave, forego routine purchases, or dip into credit just to stay afloat. Government Executive+1

• Some federal contractors may not have the same guarantee of back pay—exposing a gap in the safety net. Salud Carbajal
  On Day 25, even more uncertainty looms: how long will this last? What savings will be exhausted next?

2. Public services & families — lost access, hidden costs

Beyond the workers, shutdowns ripple out to families and communities who rely on federal programs and services. Some examples:

• Programs that depend on annual appropriations face interruptions. For instance, early‐childhood programs like Head Start are at risk of running out of funds. AP News

• Food­security programs are under threat. For example, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may face benefit suspension in some states if the shutdown continues. People.com

• Immigration and visa applications, small-business loans, federal permits and certifications — all delayed. Brookings+1

• Environmental oversight and disasters: For example, with agency staff furloughed, pollution monitoring and environmental protections can slip. euronews

So for many families, the impact is not just theoretical. It’s: “Will my benefit get delayed? Will the preschool my child attends lose funding? Will the permit for my small business lag by months?” The uncertainty alone creates stress and deferred decisions.

3. The economy — the surprising drag on everyday life

Shutdowns may look like “Washington stuff,” but their economic consequences are both tangible and wide‐ranging. Some key points:

• Analysts estimate the economy could lose billions of dollars per week the shutdown continues. The Guardian+1

• In past shutdowns, the damage included reduced growth, delayed private-sector investment, and lost future output. CRFB+1

• Consumer confidence and spending may drop as workers lose or defer paychecks and contractors see delays.

• Some sectors feel it acutely: air travel (because of flight inspection/maintenance delays, staff shortages) and tourism (closed or limited national parks, museums). U.S. Travel Association+1
  In short: the knock-on effect of “government shuts down” touches business decisions, household budgets, and long‐term investment plans.

4. What this means in real life

• If you’re a federal employee: you may either be unpaid or worried about when pay resumes. Your household budget is squeezed.

• If you rely on a federal benefit or program (childcare, nutrition assistance, housing support, permits): you may suddenly face delays or interruptions.

• If you’re in a small business that relies on federal contracts, certifications or permits: your pipeline can stop.

• If you’re book­ing travel, exploring national parks, or relying on timely regulatory oversight: you may face cancellations, closures or longer wait times.

• If you’re simply a taxpayer: the longer this lingers, the greater the risk of degraded public infrastructure, delayed services and weakened economic growth.

5. The wider human cost

Financial disruption. Program uncertainty. Delayed life‐plans.
But also: loss of trust. When government services falter, citizens feel less secure. In a recent poll, the majority of Americans said the shutdown is a “significant problem” and that both political parties are to blame. PBS
And hidden costs mount: delayed repairs to federal properties, research projects paused, environmental clean-ups postponed, all of which raise costs down the road. Wikipedia

6. What to watch for going forward

• Will states begin to cut back support where they fill in gaps in federal programs? NCSL

• Which benefits or services will begin to be suspended if the shutdown drags deeper? (For example, nutrition assistance, early‐childhood services, new farm loans).

• How long will federal workers go without paid work before long-term

  Day 25 of the Government Shutdown

  Day 25 of the Government Shutdown: When the Machinery Stops, We All Feel It
  
  

  

  When a nation’s government grinds to a halt—not for one or two days, but for weeks—the ripple effects extend far beyond the halls of Congress. On the 25th day of the ongoing shutdown, it’s becoming increasingly clear just how deeply public services, families, and the economy are being affected.

  1. Federal employees & contractors — the human toll

  Hundreds of thousands of federal workers are being pulled into this impasse. Some are furloughed—they cannot work and receive no pay. Others, deemed “essential,” are working but without pay until the impasse is resolved. Our Public Service+4Al Jazeera+4Brittany Pettersen+4
  The result: families delaying bills, tapping savings, foregoing discretionary spending. One commentary noted that shutdowns “curtail the ability of civil servants … to provide crucial public benefits, conduct scientific research, manage the economy, address national security challenges and more.” Our Public Service
  While law requires retroactive pay in many cases, that doesn’t erase the immediate financial stress. Salud Carbajal
  For example:

  • Some employees must cancel leave, forego routine purchases, or dip into credit just to stay afloat. Government Executive+1

  • Some federal contractors may not have the same guarantee of back pay—exposing a gap in the safety net. Salud Carbajal
    On Day 25, even more uncertainty looms: how long will this last? What savings will be exhausted next?

  2. Public services & families — lost access, hidden costs

  Beyond the workers, shutdowns ripple out to families and communities who rely on federal programs and services. Some examples:

  • Programs that depend on annual appropriations face interruptions. For instance, early‐childhood programs like Head Start are at risk of running out of funds. AP News

  • Food­security programs are under threat. For example, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may face benefit suspension in some states if the shutdown continues. People.com

  • Immigration and visa applications, small-business loans, federal permits and certifications — all delayed. Brookings+1

  • Environmental oversight and disasters: For example, with agency staff furloughed, pollution monitoring and environmental protections can slip. euronews

  So for many families, the impact is not just theoretical. It’s: “Will my benefit get delayed? Will the preschool my child attends lose funding? Will the permit for my small business lag by months?” The uncertainty alone creates stress and deferred decisions.

  3. The economy — the surprising drag on everyday life

  Shutdowns may look like “Washington stuff,” but their economic consequences are both tangible and wide‐ranging. Some key points:

  • Analysts estimate the economy could lose billions of dollars per week the shutdown continues. The Guardian+1

  • In past shutdowns, the damage included reduced growth, delayed private-sector investment, and lost future output. CRFB+1

  • Consumer confidence and spending may drop as workers lose or defer paychecks and contractors see delays.

  • Some sectors feel it acutely: air travel (because of flight inspection/maintenance delays, staff shortages) and tourism (closed or limited national parks, museums). U.S. Travel Association+1
    In short: the knock-on effect of “government shuts down” touches business decisions, household budgets, and long‐term investment plans.

  4. What this means in real life

  • If you’re a federal employee: you may either be unpaid or worried about when pay resumes. Your household budget is squeezed.

  • If you rely on a federal benefit or program (childcare, nutrition assistance, housing support, permits): you may suddenly face delays or interruptions.

  • If you’re in a small business that relies on federal contracts, certifications or permits: your pipeline can stop.

  • If you’re book­ing travel, exploring national parks, or relying on timely regulatory oversight: you may face cancellations, closures or longer wait times.

  • If you’re simply a taxpayer: the longer this lingers, the greater the risk of degraded public infrastructure, delayed services and weakened economic growth.

  5. The wider human cost

  Financial disruption. Program uncertainty. Delayed life‐plans.
  But also: loss of trust. When government services falter, citizens feel less secure. In a recent poll, the majority of Americans said the shutdown is a “significant problem” and that both political parties are to blame. PBS
  And hidden costs mount: delayed repairs to federal properties, research projects paused, environmental clean-ups postponed, all of which raise costs down the road. Wikipedia

  6. What to watch for going forward

  • Will states begin to cut back support where they fill in gaps in federal programs? NCSL

  • Which benefits or services will begin to be suspended if the shutdown drags deeper? (For example, nutrition assistance, early‐childhood services, new farm loans).

  • How long will federal workers go without paid work before long-term harm sets in: credit issues, health‐insurance lapses, decision to leave federal service?

  • How much does diminished confidence seep into business investment and household spending?

  • When the shutdown ends, how long until “normal” returns? Some losses are irrecoverable. CRFB

  ---

  In conclusion
  Day 25 is far from “just another news item.” For hundreds of thousands of workers, for families depending on federal programs, for tens of thousands of small businesses, and for an economy already facing headwinds, the shutdown is more than political theatre — it’s a disruption of everyday life. When government functions pause, it’s not just the federal agencies that feel it — it’s communities, children, workers, and taxpayers.

  Let’s hope that the longer this goes on, the stronger the resolve on both sides to reopen services and restore stability. Because each day added doesn’t just add a number — it adds cost, stress, and uncertainty.

  My Food For Thought For Today:

  https://www.facebook.com/reel/1630003031063221

  
  harm sets in: credit issues, health‐insurance lapses, decision to leave federal service?

• How much does diminished confidence seep into business investment and household spending?

• When the shutdown ends, how long until “normal” returns? Some losses are irrecoverable. CRFB

---

In conclusion
Day 25 is far from “just another news item.” For hundreds of thousands of workers, for families depending on federal programs, for tens of thousands of small businesses, and for an economy already facing headwinds, the shutdown is more than political theatre — it’s a disruption of everyday life. When government functions pause, it’s not just the federal agencies that feel it — it’s communities, children, workers, and taxpayers.

Let’s hope that the longer this goes on, the stronger the resolve on both sides to reopen services and restore stability. Because each day added doesn’t just add a number — it adds cost, stress, and uncertainty.

My Food For Thought For Today:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1630003031063221

The Philippines Harana and Special Filipino Dinner Here at THD

Harana is the Filipino art of romantic serenade, where a suitor sings love songs to his beloved, often accompanied by a guitar, under her window. This tradition, influenced by Spanish culture and its musical rhythms, is a public and communal event, as the singer's admiration is announced to her family and neighbors. The music itself, a form of kundiman, is characterized by a smooth, flowing, and often melancholic rhythm, expressing deep but sometimes unrequited love.  

The Practice of Harana

• The Serenade: 

  A young man, often with friends providing musical accompaniment, would sing to the window of the woman he admired. 
• Community Involvement: 

  The entire household and community would often hear the harana, as it was a public declaration of affection, not a private one. 
• The Music: 

  Harana music is a type of kundiman, characterized by a flowing, lulling rhythm that was inspired by the Spanish habanera. 
• Symbols of Love: 

  The songs express the suitor's deep love and commitment, with melodies featuring dramatic intervals. 

Historical and Cultural Context

• Spanish Influence: 

  The word "harana" derives from the Spanish word "jarana," a stringed instrument. The practice, influenced by Spanish musical traditions, was adapted to create a uniquely Filipino style. 
• Rural Origins: 

  The art form is rooted in rural courtship, with depictions often showing the suitor at a small hut. 
• A Form of Art: 

  Harana is considered a cultural art form that reflects the romantic ideals of its time. 

Decline and Modern Equivalents

• Changing Norms: 

  Modernization, including Western-style dating and private communication like texting, has diminished the prevalence of traditional harana. 
• Modern "Harana": 

  The essence of harana continues today through modern means such as social media platforms where people dedicate songs and create personalized music playlists. 

  
  

  Meanwhile,  

  

  Did You Know?

  

  Hidden beneath the Philippine seas lies a sleeping giant — the Apolaki Caldera, the largest known supervolcano on Earth!

  

  Location: Deep within the Philippine Rise (formerly Benham Rise), east of Luzon

  Size: Around 150 km wide — bigger than Yellowstone and Toba!

  Formed: Millions of years ago by massive volcanic eruptions that reshaped the ocean floor

  Name Meaning: “Apolaki” — the ancient Filipino god of the sun and war

  Discovered by: Filipino marine geophysicist Jenny Anne Barretto and her team in 2019 using advanced seafloor mapping

  Status: Dormant — but a powerful reminder of the Philippines’ fiery place in the Pacific Ring of Fire

  
  

  Moreover, Do you Know why the Philippines Keeps Shaking

  Did you know that the Philippines sits on 180 active faults and 6 major trenches — all connected to the Pacific Ring of Fire?

  That means the ground beneath us is constantly moving, storing pressure that can unleash powerful earthquakes at any time. From Luzon to Mindanao, no region is completely safe.

  
  

  https://www.facebook.com/reel/1505911067275453

  
  

  Finally, Personal Note:

  The US is Celebrating Filipino-American History Month (FAHM) the whole month of October. The flyer Filipino History in incorrect.

  

  Misspelled: Courtesy not Courtsey of Resident David Katague
  
  

  The long-awaited Special Dinner Celebrating Filipino-American-History Month (FAHM) is scheduled for Wednesday, from 4-7PM October 29, 2025.Thanking THD 💚management for a much welcome treat. I hope to see you all next Wednesday. Attached above is the flyer given to me ahead of time.   In the original menu, I submitted for approval, I included Lumpia as Appetizer. I ask Joel, why it was not in the menu. Joel said it was disapprove by THD manager. Too bad because Lumpia is the most well-known and familiar dish to non-Filipinos. Joel did not informed me of the reasons why Lumpia was not included. My guess is cost-cutting on Food cost.     

  
  

  I am a bit disappointed that one popular dish was cut off from my suggested menu, since this special menu is only served once a year. If the reasons to cut it off was to save money, I have a better suggestion to THD management. The current serving portion of the main dish is large. Most of us seniors, after our soup and salad, normally consumed only a half portion of the main dish to give room for dessert. I suggest that serving portion of the main dish be only 2/3 or 3/4 of the current portion served.  I see a lot of food dumped and wasted.  If you read this and resides in THD please comment if you agree with my suggestion.   

  
  

  💚The Heritage Downtown (THD) is the best active senior apartment community in the Bay Area providing senior focused living! Nestled on a quiet, suburban street in Walnut Creek, yet within walking distance from the vibrant downtown area, residents get to enjoy the best of both worlds. This unique location gives The Heritage Downtown an opportunity to keep its residents active and highly engaged in the community. At the Heritage Downtown, residents health and happiness is our highest priority. That is why we have the best amenities available. Our residents enjoy beautifully landscaped surroundings, an on-site restaurant, the best senior health and wellness programs and a wide range of social activities. Our dedicated and skilled staff is here to make sure each of our residents feel at home. Currently, there are more than 150 residents. I know I am the only Filipino-American Resident. I have resided here at THD since June, 2023. I am very happy here.