16/02/2026
A challenge for the year ?
I read an article recently about a Japanese concept called Misogi. It is about choosing a challenge for ourselves that will help us grow in some way. Here is an abridged version of the article. [ With thanks to Amber Kuileimailani Bonnici from Woman Unleashed ]
Traditionally, Misogi is a Shinto purification practice often involving cold, running water meant to wash away spiritual residue and return you to your clear, natural state.
In modern terms, a misogi has come to mean one intentional act that resets you, something uncomfortable, and meaningful enough to change how you see yourself.
It is not about doing something hard for the sake of hard.
It is about becoming someone new.
A Misogi doesn’t have to be extreme.
It just has to be authentically you.
One thing that asks you to grow.
One thing you can’t do on autopilot.
One thing that brings you back to your truest self.
Here are some ideas….
Physical Misogi
Swimming across a lake or bay, running a marathon, climbing a mountain, going on an extended bike ride
Wilderness Misogi
completing a [ personally challenging ] tramp, walking a long-distance pilgrimage route, having a silent retreat in nature with no phone or book.
Creative Misogi
Completing and publicly sharing a series of paintings, producing an album, writing and publishing a book, starting a podcast, Painting or writing every day for 100 days, performing a poem learning to play the ukulele, and holding a concert at your house for your friends.
Emotional /relational Misogi
Asking for forgiveness or offering it where it feels impossible, writing a letter you’ve been avoiding, allowing a season of intentional grief, creating an epic experience with someone you love , having that difficult conversation
Life-transition Misogi
Living for a fixed time without a defining habit (alcohol, social media), Doing an all-in personal development training program , Changing your career, or having a baby.
Food for thought….I think we all know what our Misogi would be..... Is there anything that jumps out for you? There is for me.....
