Passion Struck with John R. Miles
Own Your Cracks: Embrace Wabi-Sabi to Grow Into What Matters | EP 555
03 Jan 2025
In this first solo episode of 2025, John explores the profound lessons of the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi and how it can transform the way we approach imperfection, growth, and purpose. Wabi-Sabi teaches us to embrace the beauty of life’s imperfections, find value in its incompleteness, and appreciate the fleeting nature of our experiences.Reflecting on both the challenges and opportunities of 2024, I share personal insights from moments beyond my control—like the loss of my sister and the upheaval caused by Hurricane Helene—as well as the cracks I created myself, like unfinished goals and inconsistent habits. Together, we uncover how these moments, whether chosen or thrust upon us, are opportunities for growth, connection, and resilience.Download the Leave Behind in the full show notes at: https://passionstruck.com/embrace-wabi-sabi-own-your-cracks/This episode offers practical strategies for applying Wabi-Sabi to your own life, including reflecting on the past without judgment, living fully in the present, and setting meaningful, imperfect future goals. You’ll also learn how to turn your cracks—both external and internal—into places where growth thrives, connection deepens, and your sense of mattering comes alive.If you’ve ever felt weighed down by the pressure to be perfect or struggled to find meaning in life’s chaos, this episode will equip you with a new perspective for the year ahead. By embracing your imperfections and living intentionally, you can uncover what truly matters and create a life of purpose and impact.In this episode, you will learn: How Wabi-Sabi redefines imperfection as a source of strength and meaning. Practical steps to reflect on 2024’s lessons and apply them to 2025. Strategies for setting intentional, flexible goals that prioritize progress over perfection. The importance of owning your cracks as opportunities for growth and connection. How to use Wabi-Sabi to foster resilience, self-compassion, and purpose. Next Episode Preview:Join me next week as I sit down with Max Lugavere, a leading expert in nutrition and brain health, to discuss strategies for optimizing your mind and body in the new year.How to Connect with John: Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles and on Instagram at @John_R_Miles. Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel here and to our YouTube Clips Channel here. For more insights and resources, visit John's website. Want to explore where you stand on the path to becoming Passion Struck? Take our 20-question quiz on Passionstruck.com today!If you found value in this episode, share it with a friend and leave us a review to help spread the message of intentional living. Let’s bridge the gap between theory and action and live our lives with purpose!Sponsors: Mint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at “MINT MOBILE dot com slash PASSION.” Hims: Start your journey to regrowing hair with Hims. Get your free online visit at hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK. Quince: Discover luxury at affordable prices with Quince. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/PASSION. Rosetta Stone it's the only way that allows you to Unlock 25 languages for life at “ROSETTASTONE.com/passionstruck.” Prolon helps you Reset your health with 15% off at “ProlonLife.com/passionstruck.” For more information on advertisers and promo codes, visit Passion Struck Deals.Join the Passion Struck Community! Sign up for the Live Intentionally newsletter, where I share exclusive content, actionable advice, and insights to help you ignite your purpose and live your most intentional life. Get access to practical exercises, inspiring stories, and tools designed to help you grow. Learn more and sign up here.Speaking Engagements & Workshops: Are you looking to inspire your team, organization, or audience to take intentional action in their lives and careers? I’m available for keynote speaking, workshops, and leadership training on topics such as intentional living, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Let’s work together to create transformational change. Learn more at johnrmiles.com/speaking.Episode Starter Packs: With over 500 episodes, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We’ve curated Episode Starter Packs based on key themes like leadership, mental health, and personal growth, making it easier for you to dive into the topics you care about. Check them out at passionstruck.com/starterpacks.Catch More of Passion Struck: Check My solo episode on Why We All Crave To Matter: Exploring The Power Of Mattering. Catch My Episode with Thomas Curran on Breaking Free From the Perfection Trap Watch my interview with Kate Bowler on Why There is No Cure for Being Human Can't miss my episode with Gabby Bernstein on finding profound freedom and inner peace My solo episode on The Art of Listening: How to Make People Feel Like They Matter If you liked the show, please leave us a review—it only takes a moment and helps us reach more people! Don’t forget to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally.How to Connect with John:Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles and on Instagram at @John_R_Miles. Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel here and to our YouTube Clips Channel here. For more insights and resources, visit John’s website.Want to explore where you stand on the path to becoming Passion Struck? Take our 20-question quiz on Passionstruck.com and find out today! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Full Episode
Coming up next on PassionStruck, as we step into 2025, I want to ask you something. What if the goals you didn't reach, the plans that didn't unfold, and the cracks in your year aren't failures at all? What if they're part of something deeper, an opportunity to see life in a whole new way?
In this episode, we're exploring the ancient philosophy of wabi-sabi, a perspective that challenges us to embrace imperfection, appreciate the fleeting nature of life, and find meaning in the unfinished. If you've ever felt weighed down by the pressure to be perfect, this conversation is for you. Welcome to Passion Struck.
Hi, I'm your host, John R. Miles, and on the show, we decipher the secrets, tips, and guidance of the world's most inspiring people and turn their wisdom into practical advice for you and those around you. Our mission is to help you unlock the power of intentionality so that you can become the best version of yourself.
If you're new to the show, I offer advice and answer listener questions on Fridays. We have long-form interviews the rest of the week with guests ranging from astronauts to authors, CEOs, creators, innovators, scientists, military leaders, visionaries, and athletes. Now, let's go out there and become passion struck. Welcome back everyone to another Momentum Friday in episode 555.
Whether you're a longtime listener or brand new to the show, I'm thrilled to have you here as we kick off this first Momentum Friday of 2025. This is the place where we challenge conventional thinking, dive into intentional living, and explore what it means to lead a life of purpose and impact.
And what better way to start the new year than by reflecting on the lessons, insights, and opportunities that lie ahead. Before we dive into today's episode, let's take a moment to recap this week's incredible guests. On Tuesday, I spoke with Shira Gill, who shared practical strategies for decluttering your life, not just your physical spaces, but your mental and emotional ones too.
If you're looking to start the year lighter, more focused, and more intentional, Her episode is a must-listen. Then, on Thursday, Carrie Lebowitz joined me to discuss how cultivating a mindset of resilience and positivity can profoundly impact your well-being. Her insights into reframing challenges and embracing optimism provide powerful tools for navigating the year ahead.
If you missed either of these episodes, I highly encourage you to go back and check them out. They set the stage perfectly for today's discussion. For anyone new to the show, navigating through over 550 episodes might feel overwhelming, but we've got you covered.
Visit passionstruck.com slash starter packs or check out our Spotify playlist to find curated themes like mindset, personal growth, alternative health, and resilience. It's the perfect way to jumpstart your journey with Passion Struck. And don't forget to sign up for my Live Intentionally newsletter at passionstruck.com.
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