Water Bears No Scars: Japanese Lifeways for Personal Growth

by David K. Reynolds

Discusses how to apply the teachings of Japanese philosophy to overcome neuroses and develop a more meaningful life

Genres: Psychology

156 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1987

Reviews

[R.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting read, for all that Constructive Living is a psychological framework that doesn't seem to get much discussion (at least under this name) anymore. I could definitely see how this was an ancestor of the current trend of mindfulness - the focus on attention (and in using actions to focus attention), emotional intelligence, introspection, and gratitude. It was a refreshing, practical take on how to actually DO mindful living. Not reams on why it's important or the underpinnings or the basic "how to meditate" primer that gets repeated over and over in mindfulness self help books, but the actual "here, do this" advice that you'd get from someone who has actually worked as a professional therapist in this field. It's nothing that someone who's read around in mindfulness hasn't heard before, but being reminded in different ways is always helpful.

The organization of the book is a bit odd, with the first third introducing the concepts, the middle third being a list of principles from the psychologist whose work constructive living is based off of, and the last third being a bunch of fables that are supposed to illustrate the principles in action. The latter third I found not helpful at all. I just don't respond very well to the "here's a fictional story making a point about the real world" sort of teaching (of course your fictional story makes your point...you're making it up!) But, overall the book made enough interesting points in interesting ways for me to look into getting more of this author's work.

[Painting · Rating 4 out of 5]

More essays, exercises and stories for character development using Morita therapy. A focus on action and accomplishment through simple daily tasks such as house cleaning and gardening directs attention to the process as well as the end result. Good advice for those of us who rush through everything and wonder what we are missing.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of essays, sayings, and tales in the vein of Morita therapy, a constructive method to personal growth created by a Japanese contemporary of Freud.

[Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

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