Harvesting Happiness

Trauma is defined as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. When we are unable to meet a difficult situation effectively we create protective strategies to keep ourselves separated from our wounded places. But in doing so, we are actually holding on to our trauma as part of our identity. And while it’s a normal part of the human condition to experience trauma, how we process trauma can lea...

When we put down our digital devices and engage with others through personal interactions and conversations, our brains sync up, we build rapport and form relationships. The human voice transmits a plethora of information, including our emotional state, which assists the people interested in our well-being to respond accordingly. To explore how we can become more conversationally connected, Harves...

The human brain contains multiple systems designed to protect us and aid in our survival. When we experience trauma the event is stored in our memory as a way to maintain vigilance when we are confronted with future similar situations. Recent studies in cognitive neuroscience have uncovered new approaches that update the emotional content of our memories to reduce or negate the charge of previousl...

As universal consciousness awakens in us all, how will our relationship with God transform? Will we allow God, the Divine, Source, or the Universe to speak to us in a way that lights the way toward compassion and love for all? Or, will we be headstrong, believing that only the God depicted by our religious beliefs will lead us to our individual holy land?. To seek out guidance on how we can redefi...

The research on women’s health issues is an underserved area of study. Many women resort to becoming citizen scientists to sort out their symptoms in an effort to put the puzzle pieces together to achieve wellness. Conventional medicine rarely uses natural methods or plants to help women achieve proper wellness, opting instead for pharmaceuticals, which normally only serve to hide symptoms. To dis...

In Western society, the way we handle the death of a loved one is largely outsourced. No longer do we sit in our homes with a loved one who has departed, as we did in the past. This modification changes the way our brain processes our grief and may inhibit the realization that our loved one will not return to us. To discover ways to restore ourselves to a meaningful life after a loss, Harvesting H...

Yoga is an ancient practice designed to increase well-being. It integrates physical movements, breathwork, and mental relaxation techniques to calm the nervous system and relieve stress. In addition to added physical flexibility, yoga also increases mental muscle tone and resilience. To discover how practicing yoga changes the brain structurally and functionally, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host...

How open are you to new experiences? Have you found that with age comes a fear of learning new things? Research finds that being willing to admit that we may be wrong about truths we previously held while maintaining confidence is a central tenet of resilience. To discover some practical tips for keeping mental arthritis at bay, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen talks with Elaine...

The lack of intimate, face to face human contact is causing record levels of depression and loneliness. Yet, it seems people, especially young adults, continually choose screen time over the opportunity to physically and emotionally connect with others. Is this a phenomenon of human evolution, or is this the objective of device and software corporations to increase advertising revenue? To seek out...

Listening is a gift we give to ourselves and the person speaking. When we are curious and engaged with each other, our relationships become more satisfying and productive. But when was the last time you felt truly listened to and understood, in the workplace, or at home? To discover practices that enhance our daily experiences in this mysterious and sacred world, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host...

What drives some people to take on circumstances they wouldn't choose for themselves to help those in need, speak for those who don't have a voice, or follow integrity toward the righteous path? Where does the spark of courage come from? To illuminate what gives us inner grit, grace, and the power of courage, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with the bishop and spiritual...

What if it was possible to have a roadmap to optimize the health trajectory of your body? Wearables and AI can utilize set parameters based on personal genetic and historical data and help mitigate risk by suggesting preventative practices, decreasing the chance of suffering chronic illness. How much control will we have over our health in the future? To discover new scientific wellness techniques...

The effects of trauma for those who endure it vary widely from person to person. Why are some able to use their traumatic experiences as a springboard for personal growth to lead fulfilling lives, and others become trapped by the injustice and are unable to escape the emotional, physical, and spiritual weight of it? To discover more about the aspects of post-traumatic growth and how it can offer a...

From birth, our self is created by other people. We inherently carry intergenerational baggage from our ancestors, then the process of constructing our ‘self’ comes from feedback about who we are from the time, culture, and society we grow up in. Do we truly have any control over who we are and who we will become? To discover the social construction behind what we consider our sense of self, Harve...

How do you feel on Mother’s Day? Is it a day when you turn away from social media because you don’t have a flattering Mother’s Day meme you want to share? Do you spend time reflecting on your relationship with your mother and wish it would have been or will be different? Many people, including mothers, have a mother wound. To uncover ways we can heal our primal mother wound and be our true authent...

Look around your home. Notice what catches your eye that causes you stress and what things make you happy. More often than not, a pet or a photo of a family outing brings a moment of happiness, a new appliance or pair of shoes probably not as much. As the old adage says, money can’t buy happiness. So what can be done in and around the home to provide small bits of day-to-day joy? To find out, Harv...

Do you wish your partner understood you better? Have you considered that they may not be wired to? Biology and chemistry are important factors in why we communicate the way we do. Testosterone and Estrogen play a major role in social behaviors from a very young age. To empathetically examine what places men and women on opposite sides of the communication spectrum, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Hos...

How would you define the American Dream? For some, it means hard work pays off, and for others, it represents a period of time in their lives. Some believe that time has come to a close. What makes different groups perceive things differently? To find out how culture impacts people’s perception of success and what hope has to do with it, Positive Psychology Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks wi...

Most teenagers’ default setting is mimetic desire. Before online technologies were ubiquitous, teens would mimic the behavior of familial or social influences to shape their morality and conduct. During times of quiet reflection, they indulged in self-assessment. But with social media algorithms designed to manipulate the mind through wasted time, there are entire age groups that are becoming exte...

As a human certain anxieties are a natural part of life. But, in our current culture, lack of alone time, screens that pummel us with non-stop data, and expectations of instant results and quick fixes, how do we have time to appreciate the awe that is our existence? To take a deep dive into how we can repair trauma and restore vitality to our lives, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Ka...

What comes to mind when you think of retirement? Do you picture yourself lounging in a hammock on an island surrounded by aqua-blue water? Or, are you considering a job you can do to fill your time? To discover how we can best design our wisdom years, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with long-time Los Angeles Times columnist, four-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, and best-s...

When you look around your space, what do you see? Is there a corner that seems a bit overcrowded? Is there a pile you’ve been meaning to tackle but can’t find the right time? Would you perhaps enjoy parking your car in the garage for extra comfort on cold or rainy days? To discover the art of lightening the load to uncover happiness, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with...

Did you know that 80% of heart disease and 70% of cancers can be prevented through diet and lifestyle changes? And that starting some monthly supplements before allergy season can keep you breathing freely? For an in-depth look at the environmental toxins that impact our health, Harvesting Happiness Podcast Host Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with Aaron Hartman MD , the founder of Richmond Integrative a...

A medical doctor often diagnoses physical ailments through a series of lab tests, x-rays, observations, and data analysis. There are multiple proven guidelines and resources in place for the treatment of disease, fractures, organ failure, and other physical illnesses. But, for mental health diagnoses, one book, currently in its fifth revision, is the go-to manual for all mental health professional...

For those who suffer from chronic pain, depression, or burn-out many physicians turn to pharmaceuticals as treatment. While pharmaceuticals may offer the temporary relief of symptoms, most have unpleasant side effects and never treat the root cause of an illness. Researchers are discovering that mindfulness and meditation practices are important factors in improving physical and mental health for...