Passion Struck with John R. Miles: Episode 622 Summary
Episode Title: Suzanne Giesemann on How to Live the Awakened Way
Release Date: June 10, 2025
Host: John R. Miles
Guest: Suzanne Giesemann
Introduction: An Extraordinary Journey
In Episode 622 of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles welcomes Suzanne Giesemann, a distinguished spiritual teacher and former U.S. Navy commander. Suzanne's life is a captivating blend of military discipline and profound spiritual awakening, making her a unique voice in the realm of intentional living and internal transformation.
Key Highlights:
- Military Background: Suzanne served at the highest levels of the U.S. Navy, including as an aide to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Her exemplary service was marked by resilience and leadership in a predominantly male environment.
- Spiritual Transformation: Following traumatic experiences, including witnessing the horrors of 9/11 and the sudden death of her stepdaughter, Suzanne embarked on a journey of spiritual awakening that redefined her life's purpose.
From Military Leadership to Spiritual Awakening
Navigating High-Stress Environments: Suzanne recounts her role as an aide to a four-star general, offering insights into the high-stakes environment she operated in.
“Flying on Air Force One with the President was a dream come true. Very stressful job because you can never let your guard down. You have to make sure the Chairman always looks good.”
[07:07] Suzanne Giesemann
9/11: A Pivotal Moment: During a routine flight to Europe, Suzanne and her team received the devastating news of the 9/11 attacks. The immediate realization of the tragedy's proximity was a profound wake-up call.
“We were flying over Manhattan, looking down, but we didn’t realize the towers had collapsed until we returned to Washington. Finding jet engine pieces in the grass was absolutely stunning.”
[09:22] Suzanne Giesemann
Personal Tragedy and the Path to Inner Peace
The sudden loss of Suzanne’s stepdaughter, Susan—a Marine struck by lightning—propelled her into deep grief and spiritual seeking. This personal tragedy mirrored John’s own loss, creating a profound connection between the host and guest.
Embracing Meditation: In the midst of grief, Suzanne turned to meditation as a tool for healing and connection with Susan.
“I began meditating to find Susan. But I found so much more: peace, joy, and transformative tools that changed my life.”
[19:11] Suzanne Giesemann
Notable Quote:
“I knew that's not her. That body never was her. There’s another part of all of us that breathes us.”
[18:46] Suzanne Giesemann
The Awakened Way: Bridging Human and Spiritual Realities
Suzanne’s journey led her to author multiple books, including The Awakened Way and Making the Afterlife Connection. These works explore the integration of spiritual consciousness with everyday life, emphasizing that:
- We Are More Than Human: Our existence transcends the physical, aligning with a higher consciousness.
- Interconnectedness: Recognizing our connection with all beings fosters compassion and reduces feelings of isolation.
- Divine Love: The universe operates on an inherent love that we can tap into through intentional practices.
Human Belief System vs. Soul Truths: Suzanne introduces the concept of "Human BS"—limiting beliefs rooted in separation and competition—and contrasts it with soul truths that embrace interconnectedness and unity.
“When you start questioning your BS and say, what if there is a part in that person that's the same in them, that's the same in me? And what if instead of competing, I realize we all come from the same source...”
[34:04] Suzanne Giesemann
Practical Practices for Inner Transformation
Suzanne shares actionable practices designed to facilitate spiritual awakening and internal harmony.
1. Sip of the Divine: A three-minute daily meditation practice focusing on peace and self-inquiry.
“Take one of those vagus nerve breaths. And now you just sit quietly. Ask a question such as, who am I? And you will realize you’re so much more than your thoughts.”
[38:14] Suzanne Giesemann
2. Joyous Beads Exercise: An exercise aimed at recognizing the divine connection in all beings, reducing judgment and fostering universal love.
“I no longer use the word 'I don't like someone.' I simply say, 'I don't resonate with that person.'”
[51:52] Suzanne Giesemann
Notable Quote:
“The more you sit in peace, the more you dampen that left hemisphere voice and activate the right hemisphere that knows we're connected.”
[41:32] Suzanne Giesemann
Leadership with Soul
Transitioning from military leadership to spiritual leadership, Suzanne redefines what it means to lead with compassion and interconnectedness.
Soft Leadership: Emphasizing inspiration over hierarchy, Suzanne believes true leadership is about motivating others to realize their inherent potential.
“Leadership is motivating and inspiring others to be their best and do their best... Everything has a both-and aspect. We’re going to do it for ourselves and for the whole.”
[57:54] Suzanne Giesemann
Gardener Leader Analogy: John introduces his concept of the "gardener leader," nurturing growth by allowing others the space to develop organically—paralleling Suzanne’s soft leadership approach.
Forgiveness and Healing Emotional Scars
Suzanne underscores the importance of forgiveness, especially self-forgiveness, in healing emotional wounds and fostering internal peace.
“The prayer or statement that has made the biggest difference for me is to say to higher consciousness, forgive me for ever thinking I was anything less than love.”
[56:10] Suzanne Giesemann
Glow Worms: Emotional scars are reframed as "glow worms" that illuminate our path when healed through forgiveness and self-awareness.
Closing Insights: Mattering and Connectedness
As the conversation concludes, Suzanne and John reflect on the profound realization that each individual matters not just psychologically but spiritually, contributing to the universe's fabric.
Key Takeaways:
- You Matter to the Universe: Beyond personal relationships, your existence impacts the collective consciousness.
- Pain as a Portal: Suffering can be a gateway to deeper understanding and spiritual growth.
- Unseen Support Systems: Embracing the idea that you are never alone fosters resilience and purpose.
Final Quote:
“You matter to the fabric of the universe itself. No one is too broken, too late, or too lost to reconnect with the truth.”
[62:18] John R. Miles
Connect with Suzanne Giesemann
For listeners inspired by Suzanne’s journey and teachings, more information is available through her websites:
- SuzanneGiesemann.com
- WolfsMessage.com
Additionally, Suzanne is embarking on a documentary tour to share her story and insights with a broader audience.
Conclusion
Episode 622 of Passion Struck offers a compelling exploration of Suzanne Giesemann's transformative journey from military leadership to spiritual enlightenment. Her insights into meditation, interconnectedness, and soulful leadership provide listeners with practical tools to foster internal transformation and live intentionally. Suzanne's message resonates deeply, encouraging each individual to recognize their inherent worth and connectedness to the universe.
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