The Missing Element: Inspiring Compassion for the Human Condition

by Debra Silverman

Overview

Everyone longs to be understood in their essence. In The Missing Element, author Debra Silverman describes human nature in a compassionate and succinct way, and offers ways for us to get to know ourselves in depth with the wisdom of archetypes.

The information in this book stands on the shoulders of our elders, who understood the four directions, the four elements, the four noble truths. Whatever pain you experience is specific to your personality type, based on the four elements. The 'missing element' is twofold: it refers to the Observer inside you—the part of you that can stand outside of judgment and see yourself with a more wise and compassionate approach—much like our elders did. And it also refers to the elements that make up your personality and more specifically, to the element which is your weakest. Your issues will repeat themselves again and again until you can see yourself and others from the compassionate vantage point that unites all of us. You will understand that your life and all its stories were designed by your soul to get your attention right now. It is inviting you to seek the wisdom of the ages to help you grow... that’s why you found this book at this moment in time!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781844096893
Publisher:	Inner Traditions/Bear & Company
Publication date:	03/15/2016
Pages:	160
Sales rank:	97,437
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Over the past 37 years of professional experience and private practice, 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. For more info visit her website: https://debrasilvermanastrology.com

Table of Contents

Prologue

· We Are Missing the Wisdom of the Elders
Introduction
Chapter 1 · Crisis
Chapter 2 · The Observer
Chapter 3 · It’s Elemental
Chapter 4 · The Story of Water
Chapter 5 · Working with the Element of Water
Chapter 6 · Water Women
Chapter 7 · Water Men
Chapter 8 · The Story of Air
Chapter 9 · Working with the Element of Air
Chapter 10 · Air Women
Chapter 11 · Air Men
Chapter 12 · The Story of Earth
Chapter 13 · Working with the Element of Earth
Chapter 14 · Earth Women
Chapter 15 · Earth Men
Chapter 16 · The Story of Fire
Chapter 17 · Working with the Element of Fire
Chapter 18 · Fire Women
Chapter 19 · Fire Men
Chapter 20 · Conclusion
Appendix · Three Ways to Develop Elemental Wisdom

Editorial Reviews

"In the pages of The Missing Element: Inspiring Compassion for the Human Condition, author and clinical psychologist Debra Silverman describes human nature in a compassionate and succinct way. Everyone longs to be understood and The Missing Element offers ways for us to get to know ourselves in depth with the wisdom of archetypes. The information comprising The Missing Element stands on the shoulders of our elders, who understood the four directions, the four elements, the four noble truths. Whatever pain you experience is specific to your personality type, based on the four elements. Your issues will repeat themselves again and again until you can see yourself and others from the compassionate vantage point that unites all of us. You will understand that your life and all its stories were designed by your soul to get your attention right now. It is inviting you to seek the wisdom of the ages to help you grow. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, The Missing Element is an extraordinarily informed and informative read from beginning to end. As thoughtful and thought-provoking as it is insightful and potentially life-changing, The Missing Element is very highly recommended for personal and community library Self-Help/Self-Improvement instructional reference collections."

Midwest Book Review Julie Summers

I am honored to have shared my tale of fire in Debra’s book . She used my story to be an example that spirit can heal, that addiction can be overcome. Elemental wisdom is a powerful means to changing your life. Read on and find out which element you are and watch the wisdom unfold.

author of The Enchanted Map Oracle Cards Colette Baron-Reid

"Psychologist and astrologer Debra Silverman's The Missing Element encourages spiritual journeying and deep introspection about reasons for being. A guide to self-awareness, the book Is designed to inspire both confidence and compassion. The Missing Element is both an exploration of the four elements that make up every person—water, air. earth, and fire—and an exhortation to discover "the missing element"—the "Observer," or as Silverman also puts it, "the part of you that can stand outside of judgment and see yourself with a more wise and compassionate approach." Using a combination of explanation and storytelling, Silverman examines the four elements individually, demonstrating how each represents a broad personality type. She includes a brief test that provides the reader with insight into the makeup of his or her own personality. For each element, the author presents a section that first tells a compelling story about a person who characterizes the element, and then details a four-step program to understand the element's qualities. Finally, she offers first-person vignettes from women and men who best represent the element in question. This approach serves to encapsulate each element as a self-contained unit, thus making it easy to digest the material without becoming overwhelmed. Silverman also spends some time discussing the notion of the Observer, which she sees as a key to unlocking self-awareness. Understanding the Observer, writes Silverman, allows us to "move beyond our personal drama and tend to selfless acts of service in a world that needs help so badly." Ultimately, Silverman believes it is necessary to embrace one's own failings and human frailty in order to become a stronger, more complete human being. Steeped in spirituality, The Missing Element is an enlightening perspective on the elements that make up our world and each of us, as well as an honest assessment of the human condition. It is Silverman's often soaring prose, however, that adds an uplifting quality to the work. The end result is a book that is candid yet entirely optimistic about people's ability to learn from pain and find ways to achieve a personal sense of peace and happiness."

Foreword Magazine Barry Silverman

"The wisdom of the four directions/elements dates back to ancient times. It shows up in society after society in slightly different form but always with the same underlying message. Every living thing in the material world contains a combination of four primary elements which must work together in balance in order for existence to thrive. This is the foundation on which Debra Silverman has built her clinical practice which combines psychology and astrology. Now, in this clear and upbeat book, she is teaching readers to take a step back and learn to observe themselves objectively instead of reacting in the moment. She asks them to put what they see into a framework based on the four elements in order to determine which element is less evident in their behavior than the others and which is the most prominent. She then goes on to provide definitive descriptions of how each element manifests, both when it is in a position of strength and when it is operating on the shadow side. Let customers know that the book includes self-surveys, boxed summary charts for easy reference, and suggested meditations and exercises for putting the information into action. This is a golden opportunity for them to learn a very successful system for making positive changes in their lives."

Retailing Insight Anna Jedrziewski

"Debra Silverman's book The Missing Element in not only the most captivating and refreshing take on the most important elements of life, Water, Air, Earth, and Fire, but it a MUST read for anyone and everyone that wants to have a better understing of themselves and others. This book helped me to stop and remember why I'm here, to improve the planet, help others, and follow the path of my soul! I love how Debra speaks of turning on 'your Observer'. With all the sadness, judgement, terror, and selfishness in the world today the simple idea of looking through the lense of the observer instead of through the eyes of the ego where judgement resides is so profound. She reminds us that only we have the power to make change. This has impacted me greatly. Debra Silverman is a true master at her craft, and undsertanding the bigger picture, and she so kindly is sharing it with us in her book. I highly recommend this book to anyone, especially those who want to learn how to inspire compassion for the human condition. And frankly, everyone could use a little more compassion... READ THIS BOOK!!!!!"

Brittany Cerreta

Psychologist and astrologer Debra Silverman's The Missing Element encourages spiritual journeying and deep introspection about reasons for being. A guide to self-awareness, the book Is designed to inspire both confidence and compassion. The Missing Element is both an exploration of the four elements that make up every person—water, air. earth, and fire—and an exhortation to discover "the missing element"—the "Observer," or as Silverman also puts it, "the part of you that can stand outside of judgment and see yourself with a more wise and compassionate approach." Using a combination of explanation and storytelling, Silverman examines the four elements individually, demonstrating how each represents a broad personality type. She includes a brief test that provides the reader with insight into the makeup of his or her own personality. For each element, the author presents a section that first tells a compelling story about a person who characterizes the element, and then details a four-step program to understand the element's qualities. Finally, she offers first-person vignettes from women and men who best represent the element in question. This approach serves to encapsulate each element as a self-contained unit, thus making it easy to digest the material without becoming overwhelmed. Silverman also spends some time discussing the notion of the Observer, which she sees as a key to unlocking self-awareness. Understanding the Observer, writes Silverman, allows us to "move beyond our personal drama and tend to selfless acts of service in a world that needs help so badly." Ultimately, Silverman believes it is necessary to embrace one's own failings and human frailty in order to become a stronger, more complete human being. Steeped in spirituality, The Missing Element is an enlightening perspective on the elements that make up our world and each of us, as well as an honest assessment of the human condition. It is Silverman's often soaring prose, however, that adds an uplifting quality to the work. The end result is a book that is candid yet entirely optimistic about people's ability to learn from pain and find ways to achieve a personal sense of peace and happiness

Foreword Magazine - Barry Silverman

The wisdom of the four directions/elements dates back to ancient times. It shows up in society after society in slightly different form but always with the same underlying message. Every living thing in the material world contains a combination of four primary elements which must work together in balance in order for existence to thrive. This is the foundation on which Debra Silverman has built her clinical practice which combines psychology and astrology. Now, in this clear and upbeat book, she is teaching readers to take a step back and learn to observe themselves objectively instead of reacting in the moment. She asks them to put what they see into a framework based on the four elements in order to determine which element is less evident in their behavior than the others and which is the most prominent. She then goes on to provide definitive descriptions of how each element manifests, both when it is in a position of strength and when it is operating on the shadow side. Let customers know that the book includes self-surveys, boxed summary charts for easy reference, and suggested meditations and exercises for putting the information into action. This is a golden opportunity for them to learn a very successful system for making positive changes in their lives.

Retailing Insight - Anna Jedrziewski

I am honored to have shared my tale of fire in Debra’s book . She used my story to be an example that spirit can heal, that addiction can be overcome. Elemental wisdom is a powerful means to changing your life. Read on and find out which element you are and watch the wisdom unfold.” ~Colette Baron-Reid, author of The Enchanted Map Oracle Cards

From the Publisher

In the pages of "The Missing Element: Inspiring Compassion for the Human Condition", author and clinical psychologist Debra Silverman describes human nature in a compassionate and succinct way. Everyone longs to be understood and "The Missing Element" offers ways for us to get to know ourselves in depth with the wisdom of archetypes. The information comprising "The Missing Element" stands on the shoulders of our elders, who understood the four directions, the four elements, the four noble truths. Whatever pain you experience is specific to your personality type, based on the four elements. Your issues will repeat themselves again and again until you can see yourself and others from the compassionate vantage point that unites all of us. You will understand that your life and all its stories were designed by your soul to get your attention right now. It is inviting you to seek the wisdom of the ages to help you grow. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "The Missing Element" is an extraordinarily informed and informative read from beginning to end. As thoughtful and thought-provoking as it is insightful and potentially life-changing, "The Missing Element" is very highly recommended for personal and community library Self-Help/Self-Improvement instructional reference collections

Midwest Book Review - Julie Summers