Doing What Needs to Be Done with David K. Reynolds

Program Description

The opportunity to become who we want to become lies in this moment’s behavior, according to this Western authority on Japanese Morita and Naikan therapy. Instead of blaming our parents and endlessly seeking insight into our current behavior, he advises the path of Constructive Living– realizing that we are what we do, so our actions are more important than our feelings. This is a refreshing outlook for those who feel overwhelmed by traumatic personal histories. “It’s not about fixing feelings, or getting oneself together.” Reynolds says. “It’s about being imperfect, and getting done what you need to do in life.” He describes the “seven ways to be miserable” that we inflict on ourselves, and shares the remarkable story of his own self-induced suicidal depression and recovery. There is a Zen-like clarity present here.

Reynolds is the founder of Constructive Living and author of Water Bears No Scars (Quill Morrow 1987) and Pools of Lodging for the Moon (Morrow 1989).

Program Number: 2188                      Host: Michael Toms                   Interview Date: 3/23/1990