> unfathomable (Adjective). impossible to measure or understand because of being very mysterious or complicated.
It doesn't seem unfathomable at all; that NYT article is a relatively simple checklist. There are only really 8 or 9 steps, the rest is background. 1. put on coat 2. ensure coat is clean 3. practice in front of mirror 4. find mother 5. tell mother 6. wait/meditate 7. answer questions 8. give contact info 9. leave