Constructive Living (Kolowalu Books (Paperback))

While reviewing other books, I kept seeing recommendations for this book. So I bought it. What other reviewers said is true - reading this book can change your life. The writing is clear and concise and it motivated me to experiment and apply the principles as I understood them. I learned that right action quickly cuts through a lot of old, sticky ruttedness. I suddenly had new ability to accomplish things and I took leaps of forward movement. While it feels uncomfortable at first to choose new actions rather than to give into old negative habits, the new and far more satisfying consequences are well worth tolerating the temporary discomfort. Maturing isn't without cost and yet it's infinitely more satisfying than staying immature. (It helps to expect that choosing new behaviors will feel uncomfortable at first because they are new and unfamiliar. With enough practice, the new constructive behaviors will become the familiar and comfortable ones.) Taking right action seems to create efficiency of effort and brings more ease into life (no matter one's circumstances). I am more responsible for myself now and able to handle more responsibility. It also brought relief from anxiety. I'm blessed/cursed with the ability to see both sides of an issue and if I forget to apply right action, decision-making gets painful fast. Then I start to procrastinate and/or mercilessly second-guess myself (and sometimes others). Those habits sabotage many good things such as enjoyment of life, getting along well with others, and productivity. Right action and meditation is helping me turn those around. Taking constructive action in valued directions does build self-esteem. I'm running my life more often now as opposed to allowing emotion and circumstance run me. My loved ones have noticed the difference in our relationships and in my behavior. Life is far more meaningful and satisfying when I am able to welcome and deal constructively with reality rather than resisting, arguing, pouting, avoiding, and/or fussing... Like everything, the Morita principles also have limitations and they are discussed in the book. Finally, I think that lasting change of any kind requires us to act, move, behave in ways other than we have in the past. It isn't enough to read, listen, or think about something. We have to act. We develop new lives, habits, and outcomes by patiently practicing constructive new behaviors until they become second nature. I think Constructive Living likely works as well as we apply it. It's different than other similar books I've read however. The writing is clear, respectful, and intelligent. The author presents philosophy and theory but also exercises and concrete suggestions for how to apply the principles. It's easy to begin to understand the principles and motivating to apply them. Highly recommended.

excellent buy. a book with a very profound message.

simple sensible ideas in a few well-chosen words

This book has been an invaluable asset for me. The principles in this book are vital for someone who is struggeling with his inner self and feelings. For a very long time I have been stuck wondering how to make myself feel better because of things in the past that just could not seem to just go away. I have tried a number of exercises of self confidence and some seemed to work, but not quite very well, and could not encompass everything that I wanted to fix within.Honestly with this book, it all seemed to add up, make sense and most of all WORK. Its only 120 pages, and immediately the author does not waste time in explainations that last chapters and chapters as is seen in many of today's books. Straight into the topic, straight into the answers, examples to further clarify the answers and next thing you know, its done.But the most important thing that I found in this book: it is a great resource to shut up that little kid or that 'thief in the mind' as Jim Rohn calls him. That little voice inside that pops out and says 'Im too tired... I dont feel like doing this' or 'I just dont have time for this!' or 'this is soooooo unfair' all in a little whiny wimpy little kid's voice. It can also shut up those feelings and thoughts that are stuck with you from your past.Anyone wondering how to shut that voice up and do the things he/she needs to do will find the answers of how to accomplish that in this book. A huge thanks to David Reynolds for this great book. Its a new start for me after reading constructive living, and I am sure it will give you what you need in order to get started and keep moving.

But I never received it

The Kindle version of this book is dated 2012 but it is based on the paperback version which came out in 1984. PLEASE, purchase the paperback copy of the author's "A Handbook for Constructive Living". It is much better and certainly shows an additional 18 years of work, research and practical experience.

only good things to say.

It was recommended by some one in quora for procrastination. Thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. Hope to implement what is suggested. Value for money

Parece solo sentido común a primera vista pero, si es tan cierto, ¿por qué no lo pensó uno antes? Esta terapia reúne una serie de directrices y verdades que no prometen soluciones milagrosas sino asideros para volver a tener una vida "constructiva" y sustentada en la realidad.

This little book has made me think about my life in a new way. For far, far too long I have let emotions and unchallenged thoughts run my life. I appreciate they (feelings and emotions) have an important place, but they, unchallenged, have led me to some very dark places. I now focus far more on my actions, my real behaviour, rather than be run by whatever thoughts surface. Giving up alcohol over 13 weeks ago now has cleared my mind greatly then reading this book has helped me see everything I do in a new light and helped see my life with more meaning and purpose. Which is something very few of the (possibly hundreds) of self-help books and texts have done. So 5 stars. Thankyou.

Great book, very helpful