For the past two years, I have embarked on “the hundred-day project,” a challenge during which people across the globe create something every single day. While the official start day of this year’s project is the middle of next week, I’m too eager and will begin today.
It’s pure serendipity to me that the project takes place just when the world outside is waking up. Creating something by hand is so much like the opening buds of springtime!
I like to hold it as a creative “opportunity” (one hundred chances in a row) rather than as a challenge. (Nobody is competing for anything; there are no “losers.”)
It does not require stamina, exertion, force, deliberation, perfection, a completed “something,” or even commitment.
For me, it is a small era of the year during which an additional type of creativity is my focal point every day. During these hundred days, I’ll continue working on my book projects. I’ll continue making music. I’ll continue taking nature photographs. I’ll continue making meditative mandalas. And … I will have this other, special, dedicated project to return to day after day.
For me, it is the love of showing up with undistracted presence to something by my own hands and of my own heart - and engaging that repeatedly over the course of three months and a week plus a few days. And I know that many others across the planet are also doing so during this time.
Oh, I’ve had my fancy ideas both prior times I began this project.
They didn’t turn out as I’d planned.
And I’ve got my sort-of fancy ideas this time.
I really can’t imagine quite how this year’s project will turn out.
But the beauty is, that’s not the point.
For me, it is the fidelity to process, the faith that the unseen within me will be brought to the surface in the form of materials, the loyalty of going where I’m led, the beauty of trusting in inspiration.
So, until late May when one hundred creative days are up, you can expect to see more images and far fewer words on this blog, particularly on Fridays. Perhaps you too will move gently into some creative blisses this spring, allowing the inspiration of nature’s creation to nourish your own.
