Nearly every spiritual tradition encourages self-reflection. But how do you actually do it? And how to squeeze it into your already crowded to-do list? Naikan therapy, a Japanese method that is rooted in Buddhist teachings, addresses these questions with precise instructions on how to examine yourself and your most meaningful relationships. In shifting us from a complaint-based life to a gratitude-based one, Naikan reveals the myriad ways in which we are supported and cared for every day. This new tool for self-reflection will not only help you better understand your thought processes and those of others but will also restore your willingness to identify and trust the forces that exist beyond the chatter in your head.

Gregg Krech has been studying and teaching Japanese psychology at the ToDo Institute in Vermont for 27 years. He is the author of several books, including The Art of Taking Action: Lessons from Japanese Psychology.