Our 2 best buddies
"When we make self-acceptance and self-compassion our best buddies, more than anything else... That's where the light gets in."
Ben Crowe
True story: Crowey actually dreamt the title of his upcoming book.
His subconscious had clearly been working overtime in the early hours, and he woke to a specific set of lyrics playing over and over in his mind… Leonard Cohen’s Anthem. A beautiful ode to imperfection, and the journey that we’re all on to find self-acceptance:
“Ring the bells that still can ring.
Forget your perfect offering.
There is a crack in everything.
That’s where the light gets in.”
Episode 2 of our documentary series drops today, and is all about how this title came to be through Crowey’s decades of coaching and mentoring with Mojo. And why self-acceptance has became one of the biggest themes - and life lessons - in the book.
Beyond Leonard Cohen’s powerful lyrics, this concept of ‘where the lights gets in’ also reminds us of Wabi-Sabi - the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection. And Kintsugi, where broken pottery gets repaired with lacquer mixed with powdered gold.
Instead of hiding the cracks, these two ancient philosophies encourage us to honour them. To make them an important part of our story, knowing that the imperfections makes life more beautiful and interesting than ever before.
Ben Crowe
It’s the imperfections that connect us
Over many years of working with the world’s top athletes, leaders and teams, we’ve noticed a recurring theme: the need for connection and belonging are at the heart of what it means to be human.
But it’s not the big achievements or accolades that connect us most deeply…
It’s our imperfections. The setbacks. The struggle. The mistakes and the steep learning curves.
“That’s the gold. That’s the golden joinery in Kintsugi.”
One of our favourite sections of Where the Light Gets In is Crowey’s exploration of self-acceptance. Because while gratitude lists have become famous in recent decades (and rightly so), for a lot of Mojo clients, the self-acceptance list is the most important first step.
“Before we can appreciate what we have, we have to let go of what we don’t, can’t, or won’t. Gratitude offers a freedom from entitlement. Self-acceptance offers a freedom from suffering.”
Here’s where it gets really powerful: when you bring self-acceptance’s buddy - self-compassion - along for the ride, and let them start a dialogue.
Self-acceptance might say: “I’m imperfect.”
Self-compassion says: “That’s okay. You’re also original.”
Self-acceptance will say: “I haven’t got it all figured out.”
Self-compassion says: “That’s okay. You’re a work in progress.”
Self-acceptance says:“I can’t please everyone.”
Self-compassion says: “That’s okay. It’s not your role in life to do so.”
In the full episode, Crowey shares his own self-acceptance list, and explores the simple but challenging question of ‘Who Am I?’
No spoilers, but we’ve also captured his personal and playful take on this theme. After all, Mojo is what Ben Crowe does… But it’s not who he is.
You’ll see what we mean 😉
Good things come in small [perspective] packages 🎁
It’s certainly not the norm to gift a shift in perspective for the holiday season. But we reckon it should be! After all, what’s more timeless than helping someone you love build new skills to navigate life’s ups and downs?
Whether it’s about navigating pressure, stepping into leadership, unlocking A-Game performances or building confidence for the year ahead, we’ve got just the thing 🙌
Our Mojo programs for individuals are now available to purchase as e-gifts: self-paced, bite-sized learning, including a digital journal, 12 months of access and complimentary access to our foundational Unlocking Perspective program.
