We all have stories we acquire based on what happens to us as we live our lives. Some of us identify as mothers, fathers, artists, hustlers, hard-workers, and the list goes on. But, are those identities who we truly are? When we sit with ourselves in the present moment, is our identity our true essence, or simply an amalgamation of what happened to us in the past? To discern how we can perceive our true nature and commence on a spiritual journey, Positive Psychology Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with two authors who have studied meditation and philosophy in India. Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati exchanged her Western culture for eastern philosophy. She discusses the transformational journey that came from shedding her identities and embracing forgiveness from her book, Hollywood to the Himalayas: A Journey of Healing and Transformation. Peter Russell reveals the lessons in his book, Letting Go of Nothing: Relax Your Mind and Discover the Wonder of Your True Nature and unpacks the mantra let it go and let it be. 

About Lisa’s guests:

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati serves on the United Nations Advisory Council on Religion and the steering committees of the International Partnership for Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD) and the Moral Imperative to End Extreme Poverty, a campaign by the United Nations and World Bank. Sadhvi has lived for the past 25 years at the Parmarth Niketan ashram in Rishikesh, India, where she oversees a variety of humanitarian projects, teaches meditation, lectures, writes, counsels individuals and families, and serves as a unique female voice of spiritual leadership throughout India and the world.

Book: Hollywood to the Himalayas: A Journey of Healing and Transformation

Peter Russell is an author, speaker, and leading thinker on consciousness and contemporary spirituality. Russell earned a first-class honors degree in theoretical physics and psychology — as well as a master’s degree in computer science at the University of Cambridge, England. He also studied meditation and Eastern philosophy in India.

Book: Letting Go of Nothing: Relax Your Mind and Discover the Wonder of Your True Nature

This episode of Harvesting Happiness Talk Radio is sponsored by:

Best Fiends — is an action-packed adventure and a brain-boosting mobile puzzle game all rolled into one. The fun never ends on Best Fiends because there is always something new to explore. Make Best Fiends your go-to digital playpal. Stress less and play more. Download the 5-star rated mobile puzzle game on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Shopify — is an all-in-one commerce platform that is a gateway to building your online sales. For entrepreneurs, Shopify has customizable resources to turn ideas into things that sell. Start, run, and grow your business from anywhere in the world. Supercharge your knowledge, sales, and success. Shopify.com/happiness for a free 14-day trial with 24/7 support. Who says money can’t buy a little happiness?