What is Misogi?
Misogi is a traditional Japanese practice that involves physical and mental challenges, often through activities like cold-water purification rituals, to cleanse the mind and body. In his book, "The Comfort Crisis," Michael Easter describes misogi as taking on tough, uncomfortable challenges to push your physical and mental limits. He talks about modern misogi as a way to reconnect with our primal instincts, promoting growth and resilience by stepping out of our comfort zones.
The idea is to do something so challenging that it reshapes your understanding of what you can achieve. His version has two requirements:
You can only have a 50% chance of success, and
You can't die.
While I've undertaken many challenging endeavors in my lifetime (and successfully avoided dying), more recently, I've been lax on the 50% rule. I've done hard things, but cautiously, knowing I'd succeed.
I've endured 50 miles in excruciating heat, then snow, across the Grand Canyon and back... six times now, but haven't joined my buddy Christen in doing it without taking a 10-hour break to rest and be fed. I've repeated mountains like Mt. Rainier that were very tough to summit, but haven't tried new ones that were slightly harder.
Enter Mt. Olympus
Climbing Mt. Olympus in Olympic National Park is an incredible adventure that starts in a lush rainforest and takes you through beautiful alpine meadows up to icy glaciers. It's a very tough five-day expedition. Summit day involved a 4,000' ascent over 10 hours, only to be greeted by a 100' rock face. Achieving that final push is a daunting 5.4 climb over exposed rock, using both hands and feet, adding an extra layer of excitement before you reach those unbeatable summit views. Then it's slogging down 4,000', taking another 5-6 hours.
Preparation and Training
Preparing for Mt. Olympus was no small feat. I spent months building my physical strength and endurance. Early morning runs, weight training, and technical rock climbing sessions became my routine. Mentally, I focused on visualization techniques and mindfulness to prepare for the rigors ahead. Despite my preparation, I knew the climb would push me beyond my comfort zone.
Team Dynamics
Our Jodi's Climb for Hope team of eight climbers and three guides undertook this expedition last week after raising over $35,000 for MS and breast cancer research. The camaraderie among our team was incredible. We supported each other through every blister, sore muscle, and moment of doubt. One climber, still in pain from encountering 20 bee stings, pushed on with remarkable resilience, inspiring us all.
The Journey
We started in the lush rainforest, the air filled with the scent of pine and the sound of birds. As we ascended, the landscape transformed into alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers. The beauty of our surroundings was a constant reminder of why we were there.
Carrying a 40 lb pack for two days just to reach high camp was grueling. Blistered feet, sore legs, and fatigue set in early, but we pressed on. The summit day was the toughest—climbing 4,000 feet over 10 hours, battling exhaustion and the elements.
The Summit Push
When we reached the snowfield, we were greeted by the summit block—a 100-foot rock face with a 5.4 climb. We had all worked on our rock climbing skills prior to the trip, even practicing in our mountaineering boots. Personally, I neglected to practice after a grueling nine-hour workout. I looked up at one last test. I doubted my ability and was worried about the amount of time it would take to scale it and come down.
I decided to terminate my climb there and let others climb the block in the limited amount of time. I failed to reach the true summit. But I did not die. I'm content knowing I took on a huge challenge, something that I hadn't done in years.
Reflections and Lessons Learned
This climb was my true misogi, a challenge that pushed me to my limits and reminded me of my resilience. I learned that the journey itself is where growth happens, not just the summit. It reshaped my understanding of my capabilities and reignited my passion for taking on tough challenges.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, I'm inspired to seek out new misogi challenges. This experience has shown me the value of stepping out of not being complacent. Whether it's a tougher mountain or a new adventure altogether, I'm to fail again in order to succeed.
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