Reflecting on My Journey

Since discovering Jesse’s Misogi, it has become an essential component of my identity and how I navigate life. Looking back over the past three years, I can proudly recount each year's challenge. The experiences I’ve tackled have been transformative, and the memories forged are unforgettable. Each one remains vividly etched in my mind.

As I began my preparations for the 2023 Misogi, I found myself contemplating a new idea. If a single experience can characterize an entire year, could I also create a defining moment for each month? I began to explore the possibility of incorporating a Mini Misogi into my life… and the answer was a definitive “Yes!”

This is the path I am currently on. While I am still organizing my significant Misogi Challenge for the year, I am also eager to fill my months with Mini Misogi endeavors. Having already experienced the profound impact of confronting a major challenge annually, I look forward to tackling twelve smaller challenges throughout the coming months. I may not yet know what each month will hold, but I am thrilled to discover the journey ahead.

January's Adventure

I have already completed my challenge for January. I arranged a winter camping trip with a close friend who had accompanied me on my travels to Nepal. However, life took an unexpected turn; he is now bravely fighting cancer. In honor of his strength, I constructed a quinzee (a type of snow shelter) in my backyard, reminiscent of the one we intended to sleep in during our trip, and spent the night inside it. This experience not only paid tribute to him but also allowed me to confront my own fears.

I have always enjoyed winter camping, and building quinzees has been an integral part of that experience. The process is straightforward: you create a large mound of snow and let it compact for a few hours. Afterward, you begin to excavate it. Initially, the task seems manageable, but then comes a moment when you find yourself digging deeper into a cramped, dark space with snow crystals cascading down your back. It’s a laborious process, yet eventually, enough space is hollowed out for 2-3 people to sleep comfortably.

Over the past five years, I have attempted to build a quinzee in my yard three times. Each time, I would look forward to completing it and spending the night inside. Yet, as the moment arrived to dig it out and prepare it for sleep, I often succumbed to laziness and abandoned the effort. Consequently, I would be left with a pile of snow that lingered until June, a constant reminder of my unfinished task. As winter transitioned to spring, I faced the regret of not completing what I had started. I understand how trivial this may sound, but the unfinished quinzee weighed heavily on my mind.

No Regrets This Year

This year, I am determined to close out winter without any regrets. I successfully completed my mission with the quinzee, marking my first Mini Misogi challenge off the list, with eleven more to tackle. Now, it’s time to begin planning for February, leading me to this question…

What will your Mini Misogi be? If you've made it this far, I challenge you to reflect: what will you do next month that pushes you out of your comfort zone, requires you to dig deeper than usual, and ultimately defines your month?

The Key Takeaway

There is immense value in placing yourself in situations that stretch your comfort levels. Embracing discomfort can lead to profound insights about who you are and who you are becoming. Make space for these experiences. Now, go and create your own Mini Misogi!

Ready for More?

Stay connected with me for more insights like this to help shape your year. You can also listen to my Grit Meets Growth podcast here or on your preferred podcast platforms. Episodes are available on YouTube as well.