A misogi is a Japanese idea that has roots in Shinto purification practices. The idea is to ritually purify oneself by bathing in rivers, waterfalls, or the ocean. Samurai also adapted the practice to develop discipline, focus, and clarity. Writer Michael Easter wrote a great book called The Comfort Crisis. In it he adapts the idea of misogi to a modern western context. For Easter, a misogi is an epic personal challenge. He talks of scheduling one every so often, say every quarter or twice a year. I had never heard of the idea and can see why it is appealing.

The quote below resonates because of the idea that in the modern era social media has led many people to cultivate an image online. Misogis are personal, and private.

In preparing this blog post I decided to ask my AI of choice, which knows a bit about me, to provide some misogi ideas. I thought they were interesting so I’ll share them. What kind of misogi could you take on?

  • Go on a 7-day silent meditation retreat.

  • Fast for 3 full days (water and electrolytes only).

  • Complete a “no excuses” month: no alcohol, no sugar, no processed foods, daily workouts, daily journaling.

  • Learn a completely new skill (martial art, musical instrument, or language) and perform/demonstrate it publicly.

  • Teach a public seminar or workshop outside your usual classroom—stretching into a new audience.

  • Take P– on a multi-day backcountry trek, just the two of you.

  • Memorize and recite a long text (like the Bhagavad Gita, Gettysburg Address, or Declaration of Independence).

  • Build a “digital sabbath” habit by spending a full week unplugged from screens.

  • Swim across a large open-water stretch (lake, bay, or river).

  • Live abroad for a month with your family, immersing yourselves in a new culture.

  • Go on a 12 hour hike around Portland