Fortitude Fridays #33

read time: 5 mins

A few ideas as you head into the weekend.

Today at a Glance:

• Quote: Hoist the Sails.
• Question: Challenging Your Echo Chamber.
• Book: Endure by Cameron Hanes
• Tactic to Try: Misogi.

 

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Quote to Ponder:

"A ship is safe in the harbor, but that's not what ships are built for."

-John A. Shedd (author)

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People, like ships, are designed and meant to explore, take risks, and venture into the unknown.

While staying in our comfort zones might feel secure, it doesn't allow for personal growth, learning, or the full realization of our potential. Just as a ship is built to sail the open sea, we are meant to face challenges, overcome obstacles, and embrace new experiences in order to grow, learn, and fulfill our true potential.

​Embrace the challenge and hoist the sails, you may be surprised at what you discover along the way.

 

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Question to Ask Yourself:

What have I read lately that has challenged the way I think about something or is different than I than what I normally read?

Diversifying our reading material beyond our usual preferences is highly valuable for several compelling reasons. It promotes contrarian thinking by exposing us to content that challenges our established beliefs and encourages critical thinking, fostering a more well-rounded understanding of complex issues. This practice helps us avoid our echo chambers and the reinforcement of preconceived notions, ultimately leading to more informed and balanced decision-making. Moreover, reading different materials broadens our horizons, enhancing open-mindedness and empathy, while also boosting critical thinking skills. It stimulates creativity and innovation by introducing us to new concepts and possibilities that inspire fresh ideas. In essence, exploring varied reading materials enriches our intellectual and emotional lives, promotes personal growth, and nurtures a more inclusive worldview..

I encourage you to read something outside your usual preferences or that challenges your existing ideas and see what happens.

My Answer: See below :)

 

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Book to Check Out:

Endure: How to Work Hard, Outlast, and Keep Hammering

by Cameron Hanes

Cameron Hanes found his passion for bowhunting at twenty, enduring the challenges of the Oregon wilderness, and pushing himself through three decades of rigorous training. "Endure" is his memoir, highlighting his journey from an ordinary guy to a renowned bowhunter and family man, driven by unwavering determination, discipline, and a steadfast commitment to self-worth.

I discovered Cameron Hanes through a podcast discussing his ultramarathon training. Picking up his book thinking it would cover much the same, his book surprised me as it predominantly centered around his hunting career. Despite my lack of interest in hunting, his story is a testament to resilience, grit, and unwavering dedication, qualities I deeply admire. It challenged my preconceived notions about hunting and hunters, offering a more diverse perspective, especially considering my limited view point caring for reckless hunters in a hospital setting.

While this book wasn't initially in my wheelhouse due to my limited interest in hunting, I appreciated the chance to confront my preconceived ideas about the sport and what it takes to be the best.

Key Takeaway: No matter your pursuit, be it conventional or unconventional, true success is found in unwavering determination along the less-trodden path and an unshakable commitment to your own values.

 

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Tactic to Try: The Japanese Practice of Misogi

The concept of misogi has its origins in an annual Japanese purification practice for both the body and the mind, rooted in the term "water cleansing." Traditionally, this ritual involves standing beneath a frigid waterfall as icy winter waters cascade over the body. My research led me to a National Geographic article on the traditional misogi practice in Japan, where the writer likened it to a "Control-Alt-Delete" for the body. This practice symbolizes the removal of negative influences and sins and continues to play a significant role in various spiritual and cultural ceremonies in Japan. Misogi serves as a means of connecting with the divine, achieving personal enlightenment, and fostering a deeper understanding of oneself while promoting a harmonious relationship with nature and the world.

During my research, I discovered Jesse Itzler discussing the concept of a Misogi challenge with Joe Rogan. To illustrate the concept, he shared his own experience of completing a 100-mile run. Itzler's perspective mirrors the common Western interpretation of Misogi:

While Itzler's interpretation is not inherently rooted in spirituality, I would argue that taking on a challenge of this kind does have a spiritual dimension. Misogi is all about pushing our individual limits and unlocking hidden potentials we might not recognize in the present. When we conquer the challenge, it serves as a powerful reminder that we possess far more strength than we give ourselves credit for and that the realm of possibilities is wider than we can currently envision.

Dr. Marcus Elliot, a Harvard-trained physician and sports performance expert, strongly encourages the embrace of misogi in Michael Easter's book "The Comfort Crisis." Dr. Elliot states:

I reflected on the past decade and identified my own Misogi moments: nursing school graduation, becoming a parent, starting a business, completing 75 Hard and more. These experiences, though challenging and filled me with fear, left a lasting impact. The years in between without these milestones felt transient, like passing fog.

Contemplating the Misogi practice, I yearn for more life-altering memories and fewer transient moments. I aspire to fill my life with events of profound significance, so that if I am fortunate enough to reach old age, I'll have cherished memories to savor. Furthermore, if my life's journey is cut shorter than I'd prefer, I want to look back knowing that I made the most of it.

Often, we plan for the next ten, twenty, or even thirty years, failing to recognize that these years are not guaranteed. Even the coming year is uncertain. If we adopted the perspective that time is precious and brief, our approach to life would be different. We wouldn't squander time, and we wouldn't keep deferring to "tomorrow."

Ready to take on your own Misogi?

Here's How it Works:

The Two Rules of Misogi:

1. Make it Really Hard. You should have a 50/50 chance of success, avoiding easy paths. Embrace it with a sense of adventure, aware that failure is possible. Risk and pushing boundaries are key, building resilience and coping skills, not just checking tasks off. The point is you emerge changed from the experience.
2. Don't Die. This is self-explanatory. Misogi should create fear, but not be reckless. They should challenge and discomfort you, but avoid life-threatening risks. Plan, take precautions, and execute safely, the cost of failure should never cause permanent damage.

Additional Guidelines for Misogi per Dr. Eliott:

1. Uniqueness: Your misogi should be deeply personal and uncommon. This uniqueness focuses on your individual journey rather than competition with others.
2. Low-Key Approach: Keep it personal and avoid excessive publicizing, especially on social media. It's about your internal journey, not seeking external validation.

Bringing it Home:

Consider the past 5-10 years. What standout memories do you associate with specific years? Reflect on moments of growth through discomfort. Now, identify a memorable goal for this year (you still have 64 days left in 2023)—begin learning a language, running 12 hour race, venturing into dating, scaling a mountain, or starting a business. Commit to planning and creating a memorable experience to cherish in the future.

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Thanks for reading and I hope you have a memorable weekend! Until next week...

You got this,