Passion Struck with John R. Miles
Episode: Create the Awe Map: How to Design a Life Worth Living w/ John R. Miles | EP 642
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Introduction: Redefining Time and Presence
In episode 642 of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles embarks on a contemplative journey exploring the profound relationship between time, presence, and meaningful living. Departing from conventional productivity narratives, Miles delves into how aligning our perception of time can lead to a more fulfilled and intentional life.
"Why does a slow walk in the woods feel longer, more alive than a full week of back-to-back meetings?"
— John R. Miles [02:15]
The Illusion of Control: Insights from Oliver Berkman
John reflects on his conversation with Oliver Berkman, author of 4000 Weeks, highlighting the finite nature of human lifespan and the misconception of controlling time.
"You're never going to get it all done. That's the trap."
— Oliver Berkman [05:30]
Berkman emphasizes that time management often serves as a coping mechanism for existential overwhelm rather than a genuine solution for fulfillment. He introduces the concept that recognizing our limited weeks can prompt us to prioritize what truly matters.
Presence Over Productivity: Personal Reflections
Miles shares a poignant personal experience from Acadia National Park, contrasting the serene presence of nature with the frenetic pace of a typical workday.
"Time wasn't something to survive. It was something to inhabit."
— John R. Miles [07:45]
This reflection underscores the episode’s central theme: shifting from a productivity-driven mindset to one that values presence and meaningful engagement with each moment.
Awe and Discipline: Lessons from Astronaut Susan Kilrain
The episode also revisits insights from Susan Kilrain, a Navy fighter pilot and one of the few women to pilot a space shuttle. Kilrain redefines discipline not as rigidity but as a pathway to experiencing awe.
"You train for it, you focus, and then you can enjoy the ride."
— Susan Kilrain [12:20]
Kilrain illustrates how disciplined focus can create the mental and emotional space needed to appreciate and harness moments of awe, thereby enhancing both performance and personal fulfillment.
Designing the Awe Map: A Framework for Intentional Living
Building on these dialogues, John introduces The Awe Map, a practical framework designed to help individuals create lives rich with meaning and presence. The Awe Map comprises four key steps:
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Pause:
"Pause. Not forever. Just long enough to feel again."
— John R. Miles [16:50]Taking intentional breaks to reconnect with oneself and the present moment.
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Prioritize:
"Ask yourself what actually matters here. Not what looks good. Not what wins praise."
— John R. Miles [18:10]Identifying and focusing on activities that align with personal values and bring genuine satisfaction.
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Protect:
"If you don't guard your awe, the world will take it from you."
— John R. Miles [20:00]Setting boundaries to preserve time and energy for what truly matters, even if it means saying no to certain obligations.
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Practice:
"Awe isn't a lightning bolt. It's a habit. An hour a day, that's all."
— John R. Miles [22:35]Establishing daily routines that foster moments of awe and presence, reinforcing the connection to what brings life meaning.
The Science of Awe: Transforming Perception
Miles references the work of Dacher Keltner to explain how awe alters our perception of time, making it feel more expansive and grounded.
"People who experienced awe felt like they had more time. They became less impatient, more generous, more grounded."
— John R. Miles [19:45]
This scientific perspective supports the idea that cultivating awe can lead to a more fulfilling and present-oriented life.
Conclusion: Aligning Time with True Self
As the episode draws to a close, Miles reinforces the importance of aligning one's relationship with time to reflect personal values and authenticity. He challenges listeners to evaluate whether their time is filling their lives meaningfully or merely keeping them occupied.
"Designing a life that feels like yours often means saying no more often than yes."
— John R. Miles [24:30]
Miles encourages a shift from external achievements to internal fulfillment, advocating for a life reoriented around presence, purpose, and personal truth.
Key Takeaways
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Redefine Time: Move from viewing time as a resource to experiencing it as a series of meaningful moments.
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Awe as a Habit: Incorporate regular practices that foster awe and presence to transform daily life.
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Boundaries for Fulfillment: Protect personal time by setting boundaries that align with true values and priorities.
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Intentional Living: Design a life that prioritizes internal transformation over external productivity metrics.
Actionable Steps
- Track Your Time: For the next 24 hours, observe where your attention feels most alive and where time seems to stretch.
- Create Your Awe Map: Implement the four steps—Pause, Prioritize, Protect, Practice—to cultivate a life filled with meaningful moments.
- Reflect on Values: Regularly assess whether your schedule aligns with your core values and adjust accordingly.
Further Resources
- Companion Guide and Prompts: Available on The Ignited Life Substack and Passion Struck Website.
- Upcoming Episode: Join John R. Miles as he interviews Helen Yi Plein, a transformational coach and artist, discussing intuitive intelligence and the link between creativity and healing.
Notable Quotes
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"You're never going to get it all done. That's the trap."
— Oliver Berkman [05:30] -
"Time wasn’t something to survive. It was something to inhabit."
— John R. Miles [07:45] -
"You train for it, you focus, and then you can enjoy the ride."
— Susan Kilrain [12:20] -
"Awe isn't a lightning bolt. It's a habit. An hour a day, that's all."
— John R. Miles [22:35] -
"Designing a life that feels like yours often means saying no more often than yes."
— John R. Miles [24:30]
Final Thoughts
Episode 642 of Passion Struck serves as a profound exploration into how our relationship with time shapes our lives. By embracing presence, cultivating awe, and aligning our daily actions with our deepest values, we can transcend the cycle of endless productivity and step into a life rich with meaning and fulfillment. John R. Miles offers not just philosophical insights but practical tools like the Awe Map to guide listeners toward intentional living.
If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone on a similar journey or delve deeper through the provided resources to begin designing a life that doesn’t just look good but feels authentically yours.
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