Constructive Living

by David K. Reynolds

Book Overview

Constructive Living is a Western approach to mental health education based in large part on adaptations of two Japanese psychotherapies, Morita therapy and Naikan therapy. Constructive Living (CL) presents an educational method of approaching life realistically and thoughtfully. The action aspect of CL emphasizes accepting reality (including feelings), focusing on purposes, and doing what needs doing. The reflection aspect of CL enables us to understand...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0824808711
• ISBN13: 9780824808716
• Release Date: February 1984
• Publisher: University of Hawaii Press
• Length: 120 Pages
• Weight: 0.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.3" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

An oasis of sanity and reality in a confused world

I first came across "Constructive Living" in an audio catalog -- it stood out among the self-help and spirituality offerings for its practical, straightforward title. His book(s) and work have had a major influence in my perception of reality. In a world of confused and suffering people looking for ways to feel better, Dr. Reynolds offers "reality's reminders" that we have more control over our behaviors than we have over arising feelings or passing thoughts -- and that it may be more realistic to focus on behaving in a grateful, kind, positive way rather than waiting to have those feelings first. In this, his first book, he offers many such reminders that help us see ourselves, our relationships, and our world more clearly. One of the most helpful, sane, and realistic books I've read.

A Simple, Effective Guide to Life

This is one of the most effective self-help books ever written. David K.Reynolds offers practical, simple, wise advice to people who have lost their way in this complex world. He advises his readers to accept their feelings, but to take the necessary actions to take charge of their lives. Dr. Reynolds write in a clear voice that eschews unnecessary psychological terms and victimization. He advise that the reader to take charge of his/her own life by facing reality and taking action. This is a practical, valuable guide to overcoming emotional trauma and the inevitable obstacles everyone faces in the course of everyday living. It is a rare book written by a wise man. I have given several copies of it to friends in distress and they have also praised its value. Dr. Reynolds has written a small book with heaps of wisdom.

Short, simple, effective

I was lost. It seemed to me that Western psychological theories were largely speculation and confident assertion and not much help. Krishnamurti made some great sense but I'd been unable after years to put his teaching into practice. What a welcome relief to find David Reynolds and "Constructive Living". The emphasis on doing what one can do may seem simple. However, I had become so complicated and Reynolds' teaching set me straight and has kept me that way for 14 years now. This book and another early book by Reynolds, "The Quiet Therapies", provide tools that don't depend on any guru, including Reynolds. Unlike other teachers, Reynolds teaches! and then gets out of your way. Reynolds' teaching draws from Japanese sources that were influenced by Buddhism. There's no need to become a Buddhist, but it was a good start for me in learning about Buddhism. Reynolds big contribution has been helping me learn to stay grounded. A day doesn't go by that I don't apply what I learned from "Constructive Living". Reynolds is prolific but this one of his many books on Constructive Living has been my favorite.Reynolds is an excellent speaker as well. The 3 audiotapes available for "Constructive Living" are a fresh presentation on the subject with many new anecdotes and not a reading of this book. The book and tapes have complemented each other well for me.

An antidote for traditional psychotherapies

As a clinician and director of a residential program for people with eating disorders and chemical dependencies, Constructive Living provides a challenge to patients (students) and clinicians (teachers) alike. CL is about common sense and taking responsibility for solving both the day to day and long term problems of living. It offers a gateway to those seeking the truth about changing their lives. Those who read this book with an open mind will be challanged to revisit their current notions about Western psychotherapy and, more importantly, prompted to "live" in the solutions rather than continue to rethink and overanalyize the problems. It has become required reading for all my patients and remains for more than a decade, one of three books I keep on my nightstand for constant reference.

Practical Help

I read this book several times several years ago. I found the information included to be insightful and practical. I loaned it to a friend in crisis and it was so helpful to him, he asked to keep it. I have another friend in crisis and think this book will be of help to him, so I am ordering two more; one for him and one for me too keep and read again.