Who do you think of when you think of the wisest person you know? Did you think of a grandparent or a mature mentor? If so, it is because when we begin the process of accepting ourselves and appreciating our lives as gifts, we naturally embrace empathy and compassion to become more resilient and wise. These understandings usually go hand-in-hand with aging. It is possible to accelerate the gaining of wisdom and create balance in our lives earlier but, we must first understand our inherent personality traits and the essential elements that rule our emotions. In this episode, Positive Psychology Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Dr. Dilip Jeste about his book, Wiser: The Scientific Roots of Wisdom, Compassion, and What Makes Us Good and famed Astrologer Debra Silverman about her book, The Missing Element: Inspiring Compassion for the Human Condition to root out what causes us to feel compassion for ourselves and others.

This episode of Harvesting Happiness Talk Radio is sponsored by: 

Apostrophe – Apostrophe, a prescription skincare company, makes it easy and convenient to see a board-certified dermatologist online. Apostrophe prescribes oral and topical medications to help remove wrinkles, acne, and dark spots and reveal that fresh, youthful skin! Get $15.00 off your first visit today! Visit www.apostrophe.com/harvesting, then use code HARVESTING at checkout to receive $15.00 off your first visit. 

Are We Happy Yet? Eight Keys to Unlocking a Joyful Life — A boot camp manual for greater emotional fitness. Happiness waits for no one and sometimes we all need support. What is getting in the way of your happiness right now?

 H-Factor: Where is Your Heart? — Lisa's documentary film explores the journey of human happiness. Emotions are contagious and happiness is a universally desired state. We tend to forget we all have the freedom to be happy or the liberty to be miserable each day. 

About Lisa’s guests: 

Dilip Jeste MD, is the Senior Associate Dean for Healthy Aging and Senior Care, professor of psychiatry and neurosciences, and Director of the Center for Healthy Aging at UC San Diego. He is past president of the American Psychiatric Association. A neuropsychiatrist specializing in geriatric issues, Jeste has spent more than 20 years studying aspects of healthy aging and the neurobiological roots of wisdom. 

Book: Wiser: The Scientific Roots of Wisdom, Compassion, and What Makes Us Good

Through the past 40 years of professional experience and private practice, acclaimed astrologer Debra Silverman has specialized in helping thousands of individuals achieve emotional health and wisdom based on their unique personality and the four elements: water, air earth, and fire. Her work with families, individuals, and couples has her standing out in a sea of therapists and coaches. She has taught at the internationally renowned Esalen Institute, and her work has taken her around the globe. Debra has a MA in clinical psychology from Antioch University. 

Book: The Missing Element: Inspiring Compassion for the Human Condition