On June 8th, (this coming Tuesday) I’d like you to join me for a community project online I’ve created called 21.5.800.
For 21 days, we’ll be doing 5 days of yoga a week and 800 words of writing per day. WAIT!
Don’t stop reading! Hear me out.
Here’s the deal;
THE WRITING: The writing can be ANYTHING. Memoir, blogs, business plans, essays, fiction, free-writing, letters,……..ANYTHING. The point is to get writing again daily and to have the boundaries and challenge of a daily word count to reach.
THE YOGA: There are several options for you to do the yoga portion of 21.5.800 5 times in 7 days. Here are the options: 1. Go to a yoga class in your ‘hood. 2. Do a yoga dvd at home. 3. Take a 20-40 minute savasana* (see below) at home on the floor.
AND @zenpeacekeeper, who is a yoga teacher and a writer who is writing a memoir, is joining with us. She has created a yoga video especially for 21.5.800 that you can download for a mere $2 a day. We wanted to give people who live in remote places or who love practicing with @zenpeacekeeper a way to do yoga. It’s a beginner video. If you aren’t a beginner, you know how to practice more deeply in a beginner class, so no problem. Click here for the yoga video for 21.5.800.
WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO DO THIS AT ALL? Well, there are a few good reasons.
1. Committing to a short-term project that is challenging and has quotas brings results. In other words, imagine all the writing you will have done in 21 days: 800 x 21= 16,800 words. 16,800 words is roughly 67 pages.
2. Sometimes you need a buddy and support to get going and get back to the discipline of doing something. It’s easy to blow yourself off, but when other people are doing this and blogging about it, the energy is infectious.
3. The power of community is powerful. With other people online doing the project and blogging and/or tweeting about their process, you know that when you sit down to write or do yoga, many other people are doing the same thing and that’s a motivator.
4. Writing means sitting, and sitting means stiffness. Move a muscle, move a thought. Or for the people who are going to opt into savasana; still the body, still the mind. Either way, putting more movement or more stillness into your life is always a win.
5. Because there are tons of creative ideas and projects banging around inside your head and heart and because I care and want you to get those things out and onto the page, I’m creating a container that can be a vehicle for getting those things actually onto the page. This goes as well for the yoga: it’s easy to blow it off, but this way you are committing to a specific amount for a specific time.
SO. Who is going to be the first to join me and download the badges on this page and start spreading the word?
Ask your friends to do it with you. Let’s get the juices flowing. Let’s carve space and time for ourselves and throw off the shackles of procrastination, isolation, and regret.
AND HERE ARE SOME OF THE FUN THINGS YOU WILL GET ALONG THE WAY:
* I’ll be blogging LOTS about my own process
* Interviews with Gwen Bell, Marianne Elliot, Susannah Conway on community, yoga, and inspiration
* A link to Dr. Jeffery Thompson’s gamma waves music on iTunes for savasana
* A photo show at the halfway point from Susannah Conway on my blog
* Each other’s blogs to read and new friends and connections and sources of support that you haven’t discovered yet
So come on, jump on board even if you’re hesitant, resistant, or anything else. Just start where you are. You’ll be in good company. Download the badges to your website!! Spread the word!!
(* Savasana= corpse pose. This is a resting posture done at the end of yoga practice in a prone position on the floor. For some of you, you don’t do yoga and aren’t interested in starting. For 
others, you are burnt out and could really use some stillness in your life each day. I’ve included savasana as an option for people, because I want you to feel like you have every opportunity to make this 21-day challenge happen.
I will post a special short savasana blog right at the beginning of 21.5.800 or maybe even the day before, so everything you need to practice lying on the floor for 20-40 minutes per day listening to the music I am suggesting will be possible for you.)
Get Your Badges!
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Teeny Badges (75×75 pixels)
And here’s a PDF guide to adding a badge to your site!
{ 82 comments }
Bindu, I think this is a fantastic project and one that so many people could do with! I am absolutely evangelical about taking regular exercise when one writes so much. I have a spinal injury and as such have been ‘on recovery’ since 2004. If I don’t break off daily… well… I go through acute phases of the valium variety, not something I would wish on anyone for any length of time!
Since my horse retired, I mostly do yoga (I started a year ago with a DVD and now I can bend over backwards!) or Tracy Anderson things (I began in March). I have started another one of her routines earlier this week and I mostly scream in agony through them but then… so did I when I started three months ago and now I can almost sing while I do them and I fit into pants I have been unable to wear for three years! I could go on and on!
I ran a writing workshop last week and urged people to plan their writing, set boundaries so that others do not impinge on what we want to do and stop making excuses because if there’s a will, there’s always a way. I shall be telling them about this project. Onwards!
By the way, love your new pic, we can see more of you!
.-= Steph´s last blog ..Stephanella Meets Roz Morris =-.
Pointed here by Marianne Elliott and I’m in. I probably pretty much do this already but it’s a great way of checking in with myself.
Hi, I’m Rachel I’m a yoga teacher who has proper training and a teacher of her own
Pleased to meet you!
.-= Rachel @ Suburban Yogini´s last blog ..things i love thursday (22) =-.
can’t wait!
.-= Julianne Fuchs-Musgrave´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at =-.
Looking forward to being a part of this…such synchronicity with the irons I’ve got in my fire right now!
.-= Dian Reid´s last blog ..Self-Evidence + Compassion =-.
Would you make a Facebook event for this? I posted the link on my FB, but would like to invite a wider range of people.
Bindu! This is amazing! Thank you for putting it together. I actually gasped out loud when I read it! Yoga and Writing and Building Community?! I’m so in. Thank you! (I found you through Danielle LaPorte, and I’m so glad.
I’m excited as linking writing and yoga is a huge long time thing of mine. I created this whole YogaWriting thing oh so long ago… so glad to be part of this!
.-= Jennifer Louden´s last blog ..There are no Tests =-.
I’m in
if corpse pose counts as my Yoga…I am super duper in.
Thanks for the inspiration – I definitely needed a push to squeeze in more writing for me.
You’re a creative genius. How did you come up with this? Happy to join your community.
.-= Marsha Tomlin´s last blog ..Clinton Kelly’s Makeover Tips =-.
i just told myself I’d start yoga up again and start writing everyday when i’m done with finals, then danielle tweets this. my last final is june 7th. hmmm…i think the universe is trying to tell me something. i’m in!
Fantastic! Count me in!
.-= Shann´s last blog ..Partner with a Coach for Results =-.
Timing could NOT have been better. Literally. Absolutely. And the combo of elements? I’m having my house swept for bugs as we speak. Thank you! I look forward (with trepidation) to June 8th.
.-= Jeri Lynn´s last blog ..Off the Hook =-.
I’m in. No blog but looking forward to the summer jump-start in both writing and yoga. Thank you!
yes! so needed and wanted right now in my life… thanks!! so happy to have found this..
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Make An Impact in the World Today =-.
this is a perfect season change program. Namaste.
I’m in, now to figure out how to put your badge on my site.. am still on blog training wheels……….
.-= Carol-SheCreates´s last blog ..starting at my feet =-.
I’d like to participate but don’t have a blog set up…yet. Can I still sign up without a link?
Well it scares me so I guess that’s a good thing. With this commitment of time, energy and creativity, who will go to work for me, make my meals, do my laundry, etc?
I already have a regular yoga practice and am staring to dip my toe into the blog world, so I couldn’t ask for a better time to do this project. yeah!
Oh how lovely. I have already committed to writing 750 words a day but will up it to 800 and join you all! The yoga I could also really do with, I’m already working out quite a bit but feel I could use some quiet, still time to relax and meditate a little, so this here project sounds perfect. Thanks Bindu and I look forward to connecting with other peeps here.
I really want to join!
.-= Marthe´s last blog ..Sensing Owls =-.
Dude – I’m in.
.-= Andrew Lightheart @alightheart´s last blog ..Freakus Interruptus Tool Numero Uno =-.
This is a fantastic idea, thank you! Having a community aspect to achieving a writing target is a great idea and I love the balance between goal-setting and taking care of yourself. Looking forward to this
Bindu, I think this is a fantastic project and one that so many people could do with! I am absolutely evangelical about taking regular exercise when one writes so much. I have a spinal injury and as such have been ‘on recovery’ since 2004. If I don’t break off daily… well… I go through acute phases of the valium variety, not something I would wish on anyone for any length of time!
Since my horse retired, I mostly do yoga (I started a year ago with a DVD and now I can bend over backwards!) or Tracy Anderson things (I began in March). I have started another one of her routines earlier this week and I mostly scream in agony through them but then… so did I when I started three months ago and now I can almost sing while I do them and I fit into pants I have been unable to wear for three years! I could go on and on!
I ran a writing workshop last week and urged people to plan their writing, set boundaries so that others do not impinge on what we want to do and stop making excuses because if there’s a will, there’s always a way. I shall be telling them about this project. Onwards!
By the way, love your new pic, we can see more of you!
.-= Steph´s last blog ..Try This =-.
is it wrong if i do the corpse pose at my desk?
.-= Susannah´s last blog ..Open heart surgery =-.
Thank you for this opportunity. I am so excited! Can’t wait.
Ooooohhhhhh–how lovely. I’m so ready for the challenge and the company.
What a wonderful WONDERFUL idea!!
.-= Marian Schembari´s last blog ..PJH Launch & Contest Announcement! =-.
I am so in! I am scared and excited and thrilled at the concept.
.-= juliana´s last blog ..There is No “There” There. =-.
If journal writing and and some days just a few poses count I am in! ??
Oops, just realized I better not this time around.. but amazing to the people who are joining in!
This is just what I need…. Thanks so much for starting this
Count me in!
.-= Bianca Filoteo´s last blog ..Start the Fire =-.
This is a wonderful opportunity to get back on track with yoga and writing. I found out about it from Marianne. I’m nervous, but excited. Looking forward to the challenge.
Jen
.-= Jen the Writer´s last blog ..Linkage =-.
This is a great idea. Way to organize this! Good luck to each yogi/yogini/writer.
p.s. Many people including me have found Dr. Thompson’s gamma meditation to be really intense. Some might prefer a lighter soundtrack for their savasana.
.-= Duff´s last blog ..Be Yourself, But Not Because I Told You To: The Paradoxes of Authenticity =-.
Bindu,
Excited about this. I’m going to incorporate the yoga of 5Rhythms with my writing…something that’s always been a total gas for me…
xo
.-= Julie Daley´s last blog ..I Begin Here =-.
Looking forward to joining the community!
Looks challenging, but the timing is right. I’m in! Thank you so much for organizing this!
Sounds perfect! The writing will be the most challenging part for me, looking forward to it!
.-= Laura´s last blog ..21 Days of Yoga and Writing =-.
Aw hell, I’m in…
.-= emma´s last blog ..Rice Krispies =-.
this is just what i need in my life right now! i just discovered this project through a link on my blog’s facebook fanpage, and i’m so pleased. great idea, and i look forward to being part of this wonderful adventure!
Talk about a great way to start writing again! I’m in!
I’m in. The writing should push me to get my website up! Thank you!
This is perfect. Love it! I’m a writer and Yogini. I am editing a memoir–a large part of the manuscript is about Yoga and the Divine Mother.
.-= Mahita Devi´s last blog ..GURU LOVE: The Case of The Missing Purses (PART 1) =-.
found your blog from “it’s all yoga, baby”… how lovely! does teaching yoga every day count
?
i post a yoga sequence every day on my blog, for folks who need some inspiration!
xxoo-emma.
I’m in. This looks great. Have added a link to my blog and a batch.
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..Yoga and writing? Sounds good to me. =-.
I love this! What a fascinating project, I am so in
Love your site, I’ll be stopping by frequently!
gratefully,
Rachael H.
.-= Rachael´s last blog ..take it from my cat… reeelaaax! =-.
Wow, very happy to have found this. A challenge indeed for both the yoga and writing, since I have but BOTH on the backburner
I would add my blog except that it is empty… but not for long!
Thank You Heaps!
This is awesome. 14 days ago I made myself a promise to get back on my mat every day (so far, so good) and I’ve got lots of writing to do – about yoga! Looking forward to getting started tomorrow. Thank you for putting this out there.
.-= Debbie´s last blog ..Get on Your Mat! No Excuses! =-.
How fantastico! Gracias, Bindu. This is perfect timing for my soul. Sending you blessings and besos for a blended community of heaven. One day I will give birth to a blessed and blissful blog. Your work here is the spark I needed. Hasta soon!
Wonderful idea! Thanks so much for Inspiring us
Namaste
xxxx
Joining you all from Valencia, Spain. Happy yoga ing and writing to all today,
Jenny
I’ve joined in, and here’s my Day 1 post: http://lasaraallen.com/articles/creative-writing/21-5-800/215800-day-1-practice-makes-presence/
Thank you, Bindu, for this inspiration. I know my life will be enlivened by and through it.
Peace,
-Lasara
.-= Lasara´s last blog ..21*5*800, Day 1 – Practice Makes Presence =-.
Brilliant and inspiring! A consistent practice is a great way to reawaken mind and body. Looking for classes to attend? I teach Forrest Yoga in Brooklyn and Manhattan (all levels). http://www.purespaceyoga.com
Thanks for this fantastic challenge! I’m excitedly joining and have posted it to my blog. Here’s the post…enjoy!
http://beingenpointe.wordpress.com/
.-= Monique´s last blog ..Here I go again. Up for a challenge? =-.
I don’t have a live blog (yet) but Tweet regularly from @appliedwisdom
I discovered this initiative one day late but did go to a yoga class yesterday. Count me in – how do I join the community ?
Commitment is easier for me when spoken out loud. I’ll try it and join you!
Thank you for the challenge.
Daniela
.-= Daniela´s last blog ..More Pr-owl-gress =-.
Love this!!! Fantastic idea …Noticed this link on my fellow foodbuzz friend Elena’s FB – http://www.facebook.com/#!/ElenaRego
.-= Magic of Spice´s last blog ..What’s on the side? – Chamomile, Lavender, and Pineapple Mint Sparkle =-.
This is wonderful, and just what I need as I am recovering from a total hip replacement. Some inspiration to get back into my practice. Can I join along at any time (even a couple days late)? I’m bummed that I didn’t catch this on time…
Much love and peace!
~The “Hip” Yogini…
http://mischellestorm.blogspot.com/
.-= Mischelle´s last blog ..yeah, i’m hip =-.
Fantastic idea! I’m a bit late to the party, but I’ll definitely be beginning this from today. Thank you for the inspiration xoxo
I’m a bit late, but starting today! This sounds great!!
.-= Emma´s last blog ..Enamorada =-.
I’m WAY late but I’m going to start today!! LOVE IT!
.-= floreta´s last blog ..Disillusionment =-.
I’m almost a week late. I found my here via Lis’s Dandelion Seeds & Dreams. This sounds wonderful, and is timely for me as well. I’ll be starting today!
.-= Rebekah´s last blog ..Change of Plans =-.
I, too, am a late-comer to this wonderful challenge. I came from Jennifer Louden’s blog. I started yesterday. Doing the yoga is easy. I do short am routine everyday, do yoga class once a week and have recently added corpse pose to my meditation. Ok, well, it was added by accident but that’s another story. The writing I thought would be hard, but not so. I wrote two blog posts (one for today, one for tomorrow) and today wrote my 800 words in a new essay in an hour.
Thank you…thank you for putting this out there. I needed this help and community!
Check out part of yesterday’s writing assignment on my blog, Sculpting A Life.
I just came across this via JournalingSaves.com, I would like to participate even though I am so late!
.-= Shelley´s last blog ..Plans to Live Healthier and "Greener" =-.
I don’t have a blog, but this definately appeals to the yogini, yoga instructor and the (sleeping) writer that resides in me!
Is this too late to start?
I like the sound of this, but…a.) is it too late to start? and, b.) could I swim instead of doing yoga??
.-= Alycia´s last blog ..May column: "Why I W.I." =-.
……I have been doing it since monday, just late in signing in!! This is such a great idea! And perfect timing for me…;-) Thank you!
.-= Anke´s last blog ..bracelet =-.
I desperately need more yoga in my life! At 18 weeks pregnant, I am stiff, sore and not moving as much as I should. I read about this on twitter and somehow didn’t think it was for me. When I saw that it was extended, I realized I need this. I have already written more today than I planned and feel better already!
Darn, I’m sad that I missed this!
.-= Betherann´s last blog ..Naughty =-.
Hi Bindu,
Thank you for doing this! I didn’t quite stick to it, BUT off the energy here, I got my blog started and started work [again!] on writing that I have been avoiding. Yay! movement! sweet.
thanks,
-Alexandra
.-= Alexandra´s last blog ..our magical bodies =-.
aw…..Bindu..what a blessed idea..just by chance saw your tweet and clicked ..only to find I have missed the timeline…when is the next one…..writing and yoga…my fav pasttimes..Stay Blessed and please let me know when the next yoga and writing contest is. Hari Om Ntathu
great share, great article, very usefull for me…thank you
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Good article Thank you so much
I just found this & even though I am a month late, I think I am going to start this.
think I am going to start
I learned of you a few weeks ago and just really started poking around your site today – what a freaking awesome spirit you are. I am going to start this today. It is so perfect for me where I am in my life. I am writing my first e-book and have already sold pre-orders of it and STILL feel stuck in writing it. Additionally, I left my full time job last June to be a full time blogger and coach and have let my yoga practice fall completely to the wayside. I have practice a total of 5 times since then and not only does my body feel it but so does my spirit. My yoga and my writing are my safe places to just be me and I am excited to embark upon this.
When we are ready to learn, the teacher appears.
Thank you. xxoo
Ooooooohhhhkay, I’m starting my life anew anyway. I have an angel who is the most wonderful spirit guide, constantly directing me to that which is good. This is surely another nudge from her. Thank you, angel! — oh, and Bindi too.