| "Naikan: Gratitude, Grace and the Japanese Art of Self-Reflection" Gregg Krech, ISBN 1-880656-63-9. Stone Bridge Press, $14.95. "A Timely Guide to Gratitude and Personal Growth" At a time of hardening attitudes and even harsher actions, a reminder of gratitude may be the reality check we're all in need of. "Naikan: Gratitude, Grace and the Japanese Art of Self-Reflection" by Gregg Krech is a profound guide to daily gratitude and a more realistic view of the world and those around us. Drawing from practice of a strict approach to self-examination called mishirabe and other elements of Pure Land Buddhism, Japanese businessman Ishin Yoshimoto developed Naikan in the 1940's. Central to Naikan is a realization that we exist in a subtle web of interdependence. A searching accounting of those blessed connections is the essence of Naikan - and life. Naikan is a practical adjunct to Morita Therapy, a Japanese approach to psychotherapy popularized by psychologist David Reynolds Ph.D. in the 1970's and 80's. Reynolds created an approach to psycholtherapy known as "Constructive Living", which he wrote about in his book "Playing Ball on Running Water". Through their Vermont-based ToDo Institute, Krech and his wife Linda Anderson have been working to educate American therapists and educators in the basics of both Morita and Naikan therapies (todo@together.net). Together. the two approaches provide a powerful resource for those struggling to create a meaningful life. The ToDo Institute also publishes a wonderful quarterly, "Thirty Thousand Days - A Journal for Purposeful Living", which is a wonderful resource for both professional and lay readers. In the summer of 2003 I was lucky enough to attend a ten-day ToDo residential certification training in both Morita and Naikan therapies. Training under the supervision of Krech and a small group of dedicated trainers I found the work to be extremely helpful and have combined elements of the approaches into my therapy practice. The basic Naikan "exercise" begins with addressing three deceptively simple questions: What have I received from '''''; What have I given to ''''', and finally; What troubles/difficulties have I caused '''' The questions can be applied to a relationship, the earth, a neighbor or even your lunch. When done honestly and with a searching, open mind the results of such a line of inquiry can be quite enlightening. Of the three lists growing from a thoughtful Naikan exercise guess, which is usually the shortest! It's amazing how small our direct contributions are in comparison to the bounty of gifts we receive from those around us. Applications for Naikan are boundless and insights generated are sure to give one a deeper appreciation for the many miracles that sparkle in each day. This wonderfully practical little book provides a real tool to seeing the world - and oneself - more clearly. - Mark L. Taylor |
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