A couple of weeks back, I noticed something on my train ride that I hadn't all so far. And it is a route that I take very often. It got me thinking about how we all have these filters with which we view the world, but rarely even notice that we do.
It also got me thinking about my 100 Days of Joy project, where I was drawing and journalling about something that brought me joy each day in my art journal. And this realisation about filters was just the push I needed to do it again.
Why, you ask?
You see, when I’m constantly on the lookout for things that I’m grateful for, things that delight me, and bring me joy (to journal about) I find myself noticing more things to add to the list each day. It almost feels like the joy multiplies. On the other hand, if I’m constantly complaining about things that are getting to me (the summer heat, for instance!) – you guessed it – it’s almost as if I magically find more things to complain about.
What you focus on is what multiplies.
And so, I decided, I am going to do another round of 100 Days of Joy in my art journal. To bring my focus back to everyday joys. And this time, I want you to join me on the ride.
But we will start small. You don’t have to commit to 100 days. We will start with just 10 days. Is that too intimidating? You can join in for just 5 days. Easy Peasy. Starting May 25. All details are below.
Here’s how you can be part of the #TenDaysofSmallJoys Art Journalling Challenge
1. Create
As you go about your day, each day for the next ten days, keep an eye out for little things that bring you joy. It could be a conversation, a sunset sky, a pet, something you ate - anything at all.
And then, record it in a way that is fun and comfortable for you. How you document is totally up to you, but I urge you to try making some art and write a line or two. It is not about making beautiful art, it is about really being present while doing it.
It doesn’t have to be a life-like drawing. Doodles and raw, childlike drawings are most welcome. You could also put colours on paper just dwelling on the feeling. It can be totally abstract. Just show up.
That’s it. It can take as little as 3-5 minutes a day!
2. Share (or not!)
Blog: Each day for ten days, I will make a blog post with the art that I made the previous day. And in the comments section of the post, you can upload your art and share it as well. It's the closest thing to having a community/forum with everyone sharing their art and commenting that I can think of without creating a FB or any other group. Just show up and share!
Instagram: Simply share on your Instagram account with the #10DaysofSmallJoys and tag me on @slowingdowncircle (Please make sure your account isn’t private so that it is visible.)
(Or not!) You can choose to do this, and totally keep it to yourself. It is entirely up to you :)
At the end of 10 days, you can choose to continue on the journey with me for a 100 days :)
Are you in? You can sign up here. I will send one roundup email every three days, and one to finish off the ten days. That's it.
At the end of it, I hope we'll all be a bit more aware of the little moments in our lives that bring us a smile.