Morita and Metaphor

  "Every act involves moments of directed attention. All we have is that flow of attention."  David K. Reynolds, Playing Ball on Running Water

Morita therapy, developed in Japan in the early twentieth century, involves a character-building process. It focuses on the art of doing and strengthens those who practice it to rise above problems instead of trying to knock them down. 

The concept of Norikoeru means climbing over a wall. Problems created by external circumstances including internal fears, doubts, and worries persist in life. 

The strength and skill developed in going over one wall prepare us to climb the next. 

Most often the wall appears low when we look back after scaling it. Some walls we cannot tear down but can work at climbing again and again.

Metaphors of strength and resilience help us discover ways to overcome the times we get stuck in a situation of frustration.

Consider the force of water. It reveals the abilities and need to get beyond self-doubts and plunge into a solution. Water moves over obstacles, carves and curves its way. Both water and the mind strengthen in forward flow. 

When water puddles, it does not become stagnant. Many creatures obtain nourishment while re-creation occurs. We need to enjoy our puddle time. The brain attracts information even in a pooling stage.

Water avoids retreat and the push uphill.  It permits gravity to take it to the sea. 

Like water, we can remain in the flow and enjoy the many lakes and vistas along the route.