In a world where routine and comfort often dictate our choices, the concept of misogi serves as a powerful counterbalance. Originating from ancient Japanese purification rituals, misogi has evolved into a modern practice of undertaking a profound challenge that pushes mental, physical, and emotional boundaries. The idea isn’t about achieving perfection but about growth—stepping into the unknown and confronting fear head-on.
This year, my misogi is running a marathon in Colorado—a thought that terrifies and excites me in equal measure. The fear of the unknown, the grueling preparation, and the sheer distance are intimidating, but that’s precisely the point. Misogi is not about ease; it’s about transformation.
What is Misogi?
At its core, misogi is an act of self-purification and renewal. Traditionally, it involved rituals like standing under a cold waterfall or immersing oneself in frigid water to cleanse the body and spirit. Today, the term has broadened to symbolize taking on a monumental challenge—one that stretches our perceived limits and forces us to grow in ways we didn’t think possible.
A modern misogi has two main principles:
- It Should Be a 50/50 Challenge
The challenge should be daunting enough that you have a 50% chance of succeeding. This delicate balance ensures it’s not too easy to trivialize but not so difficult as to be entirely impossible. - It’s Not About Winning or Losing
Success isn’t defined by completion or victory. It’s about the effort, the journey, and the transformation along the way. A misogi’s true value lies in the lessons learned through struggle.
The Meaning Behind Misogi
In today’s society, it’s easy to stay within the confines of what’s comfortable and familiar. Misogi shatters that bubble. It forces us to confront our fears and limitations, both real and imagined, and emerge stronger, wiser, and more resilient.
Misogi teaches us:
- Resilience: When faced with a challenge that seems insurmountable, we discover an untapped reservoir of strength and determination.
- Humility: The experience often humbles us, reminding us that we are part of something bigger and that failure is a stepping stone to growth.
- Perspective: Once we overcome a misogi, other challenges in life often seem more manageable by comparison.
Through misogi, we stop avoiding discomfort and start embracing it as a tool for growth.
My Marathon in Colorado: A Personal Misogi
I’ve decided that my misogi for this year will be running a marathon in Colorado. For someone who doesn’t consider themselves a seasoned runner, the idea of 26.2 miles at altitude is enough to make me second-guess my decision. The physical strain, the preparation, and the mental endurance required feel overwhelming. And yet, that fear is exactly why I must do it.
Why a marathon? Because it scares me. Misogi isn’t about picking something easy or predictable; it’s about doing something that makes your heart race with anxiety and excitement. It’s about staring down that inner voice that says, “You can’t,” and responding with, “Watch me.”
The Path Forward
Preparing for this marathon will test every fiber of my being. It will require months of disciplined training, early mornings, and moments of self-doubt. There will be setbacks and days when quitting feels like the easiest option. But through all of it, I know the experience will leave me transformed.
This journey isn’t just about crossing the finish line; it’s about what happens along the way:
- Building physical and mental resilience.
- Gaining a deeper understanding of myself and my limits.
- Learning to embrace fear and use it as fuel.
And perhaps most importantly, it’s about proving that growth begins where comfort ends.
Misogi: An Invitation to Transform
As I embark on this journey, I invite you to think about your own misogi. What’s something that scares you but excites you at the same time? What challenge would push you to grow beyond your limits?
Misogi isn’t reserved for athletes or adventurers. It’s for anyone willing to step outside their comfort zone and embrace the possibility of failure as a stepping stone to success. Whether it’s running a marathon, starting a new career, or learning a challenging skill, your misogi is a personal commitment to growth.
For me, this marathon is a step into the unknown. It’s a commitment to becoming more than I am today. And I can’t wait to see who I’ll be on the other side.
