How to Stay Always Connected to Spirit – Even When Life Feels Hard or Overwhelming | Suzanne Giesemann - EP 788

**John R. Miles** (0:00)
Coming up next on Passion Struck.

**Suzanne Giesemann** (0:02)
One of the things that gets in the way of mediumship is trying to connect, and also not understanding how mediumship works. It's not like picking up a phone and having a conversation. This nervous system does act as a filter. There are certain kinds of information that can't get through because it's compressed so much by the nervous system that we can't get specific types of data, but we certainly get symbolic imagery.
We do hear phrases and thoughts. We have feelings that reflect what those in spirit are trying to show us. We have a knowing that goes beyond data.

**John R. Miles** (0:42)
Welcome to Passion Struck. I'm your host, John Miles.
This is the show where we explore the art of human flourishing and what it truly means to live like it matters.
Each week, I sit down with change makers, creators, scientists, and everyday heroes to decode the human experience. And uncover the tools that help us lead with meaning, heal what hurts, and pursue the fullest expression of who we're capable of becoming. Whether you're designing your future, developing as a leader, or seeking deeper alignment in your life, this show is your invitation to grow with purpose and act with intention. Because the secret to a life of deep purpose, connection, and impact is choosing to live like you matter.
Hello, friends, and welcome back to episode 788 of Passion Struck. This month, we're exploring a simple but important idea, flourishing. After spending June talking about disconnection, why we feel lonely, why we struggle to belong, and why so many people feel like they've lost their footing, we're asking a different question.
What helps human beings become fully alive? Each week, we're looking at that question from a different angle. This past Tuesday, Whitney Otto helped us begin with our relationship to ourselves and our bodies. She reminded us that flourishing isn't possible when we're at war with ourselves. Today we're turning to something just as important, the practices, beliefs, and experiences that help us stay connected to what matters most, especially when life becomes difficult. And I'm thrilled to welcome Suzanne Giesemann back to Passion Struck. Suzanne is a former Navy commander, bestselling author, spiritual teacher, and one of the most recognized voices in modern spirituality today. Before beginning this chapter of her life, she served as a commanding officer and an aid to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Today she helps millions of people explore what it means to live with greater awareness, purpose, and connection. Her newest book is called Always Connected, and that's the heart of today's conversation. We talk about how her own understanding of connection changed after a difficult year that included a serious back injury and a cancer diagnosis. We discuss why she believes so many of us live almost entirely from our heads, and what she learned about becoming more grounded and embodied, and why the practices that sustain us have to be more than the ideas we agree with intellectually. We'll also explore one of my favorite stories from the book, a moment she calls Hey Siri to Hey Spirit, and what it means in a world where we're constantly looking outside ourselves for answers. Whether you're deeply spiritual, cautiously curious, or simply trying to make sense of life's harder seasons, I think you'll find something meaningful in this conversation, because at the center of all of it is a question every one of us wrestles with. What keeps us connected to ourselves and to what matters most when life doesn't go according to plan? Before we begin, if these conversations are helping you, please share them with someone who might enjoy them. If you haven't already, leaving a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify helps more people discover the show. You can also download today's companion workbook and reflection guide at theignitedlife.net.
Now, let's dive in with Suzanne Giesemann. Thank you for choosing Passion Struck and choosing me to be your host and guide on your journey to creating an intentional life that matters. Now, let that journey begin.
I am absolutely ecstatic to welcome Suzanne Giesemann back on Passion Struck. It is so nice to see you again.

**Suzanne Giesemann** (4:15)
Oh, John, same here. Thanks for having me back again.

**John R. Miles** (4:18)
Well, when we spoke in episode 621, we were exploring soul awareness. How has your own practice evolved since then, and what inspired you to write your new book, Always Connected, as the next step?

**Suzanne Giesemann** (4:32)
So how my journey has evolved since then is I have discovered a big piece of embodied awareness that I was missing. My guides in spirit tried to bring it to my attention before you and I talked, and I applied what I'll share with you. But then I just let it go because it didn't make it part of my daily practice. So then they really got my attention in a way I couldn't deny. Now it's part of my practice and part of my teaching.