Playing Ball on Running Water: Japanese Way to Building a Beter Life

by David K. Reynolds

Clean unmarked copy, no crease to spine. Gently used copy! Mild shelf and edge wear from normal handling. Satisfaction guaranteed!

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Self Help, Philosophy, Mental Health, Spirituality, Japan

Paperback

First published September 1, 1984

Reviews

[Karin Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a key book in my life. I've read it at least 5 times. I can honestly say that this book changed me for the better.

[Brianna Hegney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did this book heal my imposter syndrome…??

I would say this book has some great insight for therapists, even if they don’t plan on utilizing Morita therapy.

[Oz Barton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this in high school (14+ years ago). While I've forgotten most things about the writing or the specific content other than a hazy memory of vague distaste, the basic principle — "Do it anyway" — has essentially formed a major component of my concept of what adulthood means, and so I can't bring myself to brush off this book. (I still remember the book itself, after all, title and cover image and the fact that it came off the second shelf from the bottom at the public library.)

Also, while the personal experience I've accrued during the intervening years has taught me that simply carrying on with mundane necessities regardless of how I feel does not alleviate diagnosable psychological problems or unpleasant emotions, what it does do is help keep my life more or less in order (or at least minimally functional) while I'm dealing with inner turmoil and particularly dark times. There is some cold comfort in knowing that, whenever this specific dark time lifts, my life won't be in complete shambles... and that, at least, removes some of the stress.

Unfortunately I've also learned that for some of us, there will always be times when continuing to go through the motions, when we should instead be stepping back and actively seeking help (or at least a vacation), becomes counterproductive, harmful, or downright, literally impossible. Adhering to the whole Morita thing during times like these is arguably one of the worst things to do. There is a slippery slope here that leads to masking psychological problems, bottling up volatile emotions which can then turn dangerous, and under many circumstances could drastically increase risk of suicide.

TL;DR: A helpful shift in perspective until psych problems become really severe, at which point it can easily become harmful.

[Painting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morita therapy--perhaps the beginning of the phrase "just do it"...? This is an introduction to an active form of psychotherapy developed by Dr. Morita, who was a contemporary of Freud. The Japanese elements mentioned in the book derive from Japan's aspect and development of Zen without going too far into the "zen of it." Dr. Morita's method puts emphasis on the work to be done to cure common neurosis by setting simple goals and acting upon them instead of just discussing them. About one third of the book is devoted to fairy tales and allegories to illustrate the various mental plagues and points work on. There is a series of these books and the writer's simple and easy to understand style has my curiosity engaged with the second book.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the top ten most influential books I have read. I read it in college and just reread it and it has lost nothing over time; if anything, it is more applicable to my life than ever.

[Patricia English · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was ok but not a philosophy I really believe in. It sort of goes with the do it now way of thinking and emotions are sort of pushed to the side a little. It just was not my style but could be very instrumental to others. It is truly as it says a Japanese way of thinking and building a better life. As you know there is little show of emotion and dealing with the emotions and more about doing and taking care of the now. just my two cents

[AuthorLindaPerry]

Great book, psychology, worth reading if the topic interests you.

Yes, it was the title that made me take it off the shelf, but it was what I found inside that brought me to buy it and read it. I'm not sure why, but it's one of those I call a "keeper".

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morita therapy to help you move and grow beyond your particular neuroses and could be pared down to: quit yer bitchin and get on with it.

[Jakub Kolčář · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good book on Japanese Morita therapy

[Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the parables. Makes you think
(Checked out from Library)