Passion Struck with John R. Miles: Episode 611 – Beette Simkin on How to Wake Up When Life Breaks You

Introduction

In Episode 611 of Passion Struck with John R. Miles, host John R. Miles engages in a profound and heartfelt conversation with Beette Simkin, a renowned meditation teacher, bestselling author, and former music industry figure. This episode delves deep into Beette's transformative journey from a tumultuous childhood and a decade-long battle with addiction to her awakening through spirituality and meditation. Listeners are taken on an inspiring narrative that highlights the power of intentional living, resilience, and the creation of personal meaning.

Early Life and Childhood

Beette Simkin's story begins with her birth to Russian immigrants who fled the Soviet Union seeking freedom. Raised by her shaman and psychotherapist father, Beette was immersed in deep spiritual wisdom from an early age. However, her childhood was fraught with chaos and loss.

• Immigrant Experience: Her parents left Soviet Russia during a time of upheaval, leaving behind a society with limited freedoms despite high educational and professional standings.

  "They lived in Soviet Russia thinking that was the way... But they were all living in communal housing and there was breadlines." ([06:49])

• Family Dynamics: Beette spent her weekends with her parents and weekdays with her grandparents, experiencing a blend of advanced spiritual practices at home and a more secular, atheist environment with her grandparents.

  "My father was doing yoga every day. He did asanas, he meditated... My mom was a very giving person and a community leader." ([14:04])

Tragic Loss and Its Impact

At nearly seven years old, Beette faced the devastating loss of her mother, a trauma that profoundly shaped her emotional landscape.

• Loss of Mother: The sudden death of her mother plunged her family into chaos, exacerbated by the subsequent loss of her grandparents.

  "Everything changed. My mom's death was cataclysmic. It broke my father...I was almost seven when she died." ([14:58])

• Emotional Aftermath: As a child, Beette internalized guilt, believing she was to blame for her mother's death, leading to deep-seated agony and behavioral issues.

  "I took ownership of her death and I blamed myself. I thought that if I had just been a better person or more kind, then she'd be alive." ([15:45])

Descent into Addiction

Beette's search for meaning and relief from her unresolved trauma led her into the music industry and eventually into addiction.

• Music Career: At 18, she was signed to Sony Records, embodying the rock and roll lifestyle. However, instead of finding fulfillment, she spiraled into a decade-long battle with heroin and cocaine addiction.

  "I desperately wanted external validation. I wanted the world to recognize how talented I was and I needed it." ([20:48])

• External Validation: Her addictive behaviors were fueled by a craving for recognition and an attempt to fill the void left by her early losses.

  "I have an allergy to being separated from the world of God... I wanted that state." ([25:56])

Awakening and Sobriety

Despite numerous setbacks, including the tragic loss of her daughter and the deaths of close friends and her father, Beette found her path to sobriety and spiritual awakening.

• Turning Point: A series of traumatic events compelled Beette to confront her addiction and seek a deeper purpose.

  "I really was in for it and I was willing. But something happened... I could have gone longer." ([27:45])

• Immediate Transformation: Unlike many, Beette experienced an immediate sense of clarity and purpose upon achieving sobriety.

  "I got sober and immediately things became different... I saw the world in Technicolor." ([26:05])

Spirituality and Meditation

Beette’s journey is deeply intertwined with her spiritual practices, which became her lifeline and a means to reconnect with her sense of mattering.

• Meditation as a Lifeline: Meditation and prayer became central to her recovery, providing her with a profound sense of union and purpose without the need for external validation.

  "Merging music with a four-minute breath practice that has you remembering exactly who you are and what your purpose is..." ([56:48])

• Creating Meaning: Through her spiritual practices, Beette learned to create meaning from within rather than seeking it externally.

  "I understand that mattering isn't something you chase, it's something you choose." ([48:16])

Current Work and Future Plans

Today, Beette Simkin is a celebrated meditation teacher and author, blending her love for music with spirituality to create transformative experiences for others.

• **Guided By: Living with intention, Beette combines music and meditation to foster deep transformation. She has partnered with major brands and continues to expand her reach through online communities and new offerings.

  "I am a lover... Anyone can do my breath work. Anybody can make music." ([56:48])

• Expanding Reach: Adapting to modern challenges like COVID-19, Beette has launched online groups and membership programs to connect with a global audience.

  "I'm creating lots of offerings on my website... I just launched a membership." ([57:06])

Notable Quotes

Throughout the episode, both John and Beette share impactful insights. Here are some notable quotes:

• Beette Simkin on Sobriety:

  "I got sober and immediately things became different... Like wizard of Oz. All of a sudden I saw the world in Technicolor." ([26:05])

• Beette on Meaning and Mattering:

  "Mattering is an act of being in union with what I call God... As soon as you're in union with the divine, you matter." ([48:16])

• Beette on Addiction:

  "I have an allergy to being separated from the world of God... I just wanted that state." ([25:56])

Key Takeaways

1. Creating Meaning from Within: True fulfillment and mattering are not external accolades but are cultivated through internal practices like meditation and intentional living.

2. Resilience Through Adversity: Beette's journey illustrates that even in the face of immense loss and addiction, one can find a path to awakening and purpose.

3. Integration of Passions: Combining different aspects of one's life, such as Beette's integration of music and spirituality, can lead to unique and impactful expressions of one's true self.

4. Impact of Early Trauma: Childhood experiences and tragedies can profoundly shape one's path, but they do not have to define one's future.

5. Power of Community and Support: Building and participating in supportive communities, like the Ignition Room mentioned by John, can provide essential backing during transformative journeys.

Conclusion

Beette Simkin's conversation on Passion Struck is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for transformation. Her story encourages listeners to embrace their pain, seek internal fulfillment, and live with intentionality. By sharing her vulnerabilities and triumphs, Beette offers a roadmap for anyone looking to turn their suffering into purpose and create a life that truly matters.

Resources Mentioned:

• Beette Simkin's Book: Don't Just Sit There
• Guided By Website: guidedby.com
• Instagram: @guidedby
• Ignition Room Community: Details available in the show notes.

Join the Conversation:

To delve deeper into the discussions and gain more insights, follow Passion Struck with John R. Miles on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. Engage with the community by joining the Ignition Room for episode reflections, prompts, and behind-the-scenes conversations.

This summary captures the essence of Episode 611, offering an engaging overview for those who haven't listened while highlighting the key moments and insights shared by Beette Simkin.