5/28/2008

Inspired by two Japanese psychotherapies (Morita and Naikan) Constructive Living is a way of approaching life realistically and mindfully.   The Morita aspects of Constructive Living emphasize 1) knowing ones purpose, 2) accepting ones feelings (and all of reality), and 3) doing what you need to do in your life.   The Naikan perspective of Constructive Living helps us to look at the whole of reality and not just those parts which favor our self image.  We learn to recognize in specific detail the ways in which we are supported by persons and objects in our world.  Together the two approaches offer a perspective on life that is positive, practical and realistic.

This approach is directive and involves homework assignments to develop character and outgrow our self-imposed limitations.  The model is explicitly educational; it is not therapy.   The Constructive Living model focuses on the affirmative, on what is possible and do-able, and resists expending energy on introspection per se.

If you have read any of the books by Dr. David K. Reynolds you may have already encountered the Constructive Living model.  If not, the first step on this path is to read one or more of these books. A bibliography is at the end of this page.   In addition, the assistance of a Constructive Living instructor is available in some areas.  These teachers can work with you face-to-face or by correspondence or telephone.

For those interested in applying the viewpoint and techniques of Constructive Living for their personal growth or in problem solving, Constructive Living instruction offers an educational model.  Strictly speaking, the Constructive Living instructor is not a therapist but a teacher of these principles.  He or she is someone who has been certified to teach CL and is experienced in using this advice personally.  The teacher may assist the student in a variety of ways: in clarifying his purpose, in setting goals, in developing strategies for personal life management, or in simply accepting his feelings and getting on with whatever reality  brings for him to do.

Typically a private session lasts one hour.  Sessions begin and end on time and a student who arrives late for an appointment will reduce his own learning time.  During the sessions student and instructor work together to develop clear and practical assignments designed to fulfill the students specific objectives.  Occasionally sessions take place "on location" to work on a particular assignment.

The goal of Constructive Living guidance is to assist the students in becoming reality centered, so that an instructor is no longer needed.  Students may elect to "graduate" at any time.   Weekly or bimonthly meetings are common at first although each student's program is individually tailored.   Intervals for correspondence work vary considerably; although one letter exchange may take up to two months or more.

The most profound learning for the student happens by doing the assignments.  Some of these may be taken directly from Dr. Reynolds' books and others will be designed by the teacher in consultation with the student.  Typically a student will report on his assignments at his next private lesson.  Failure to complete an assignment or any part of it should not be viewed as a reason to skip a lesson.  The heart of the work for the student is in his personal experience with the assignments given.

To be accepted as a telephone student one must first write a letter or send an email as suggested above with correspondence guidance.  A check for $90 should be enclosed. (Please mail check, if letter is by email.)  Upon receipt the instructor will call the student to set up a mutually convenient telephone appointment time.  The student will initiate the session call and pay for long distance charges.  The substance of  CL instruction may be carried out face-to-face, through correspondence or by telephone.  Intervals between sessions vary, and are determined by the needs of the student.

 The fee for face to face Constructive Living instruction is $100 per one hour session.
 The fee for correspondence or email instruction is $120 per exchange of letters.
 The fee for telephone instruction is $90 per hour, and the student pays the long distance charges.

                        Playing Ball on Running Water, Morrow, 1984.
                        Even in Summer the Ice Doesn't Melt, Morrow, 1986.
                        Water Bears No Scars, Morrow, 1987.
                        Pools of Lodging for the Moon, Morrow, 1989.
                        A Thousand Waves, Morrow, 1990.
                        Thirsty, Swimming in the Lake, Morrow, 1991.
                        Rainbow Rising from a Stream, Morrow, 1992.
                        Reflections on the Tao te Ching, Morrow, 1993.
                        A Handbook for Constructive Living, U. of Hawaii, 2001.
                        Morita Psychotherapy, Univ. Calif. Press, 1976.
                        Naikan Psychotherapy, Univ. Chicago Press, 1983.
                        The Quiet Therapies, Univ. Hawaii Press, 1980.
                        Constructive Living, Univ. Hawaii Press, 1984.
                        Light Waves, Univ. Hawaii Press, 2001.
                        Flowing Bridges, Quiet Waters, SUNY Press, 1989.
                        Plunging Through the Clouds, SUNY Press, 1993.

                        The books published by Morrow are simple and practical. They contain CL
                        exercises you can do on your own. The other books are somewhat more
                        academic. The Sunni Press books are collections of Westerners'
                        experiences with Constructive Living. Although Dr. Reynolds wrote or edited all the
                        above books they contain bibliographies that lead you to articles written
                        by a variety of authors. If you find CL useful and want to support our
                        work you can buy CL books and give them to others. And you might want to
                        ask your local bookstore and library to order and stock the books you
                        found helpful.