100 Days

Day 1

I decided last night before falling asleep that I wanted to undertake this challenge. I’d recently attempted a few 21-day trainings, all of which were structured super loosely so as to guarantee easy completion. My thought was, discipline doesn’t have to involve pain and misery, so why not make it enjoyable? Yet, even with such flexible standards in place, I somehow managed not to complete any of the trainings. Each time, I actually forgot about the trainings partway through. Clearly, my motivations for doing the trainings were compelling enough for me to care what the outcome was.

This time I have a compelling motivation. After a bout of feeling completely out of control emotionally—I found myself riddled with anger for no reason comprehensible reason—I decided it was time I bring something solid into my life. Thus, I decided to commit to something—and something challenging, at that—so as to pull my attention away from my emotions and give me real grounding.

I want to do something, as Ilchi Lee recommends¹ that will blow my mind if I accomplish it. I’ve never done more than 103 bows, so 300 sounds quite monumental. On top of that, bowing is a practice that I’ve long felt uncomfortable with. When I read that many of my peers share this sentiment, I felt comforted; and when I read that bowing can help purify the ego and the mind, I felt compelled.

Today, I floated through my first 300 bows. I was grateful for having something to commit to, and joyous that I had made the commitment. Throughout the hour, energy came and went in waves. I noticed it was the highest when I was focusing on how this experience might inspire others. I really do hope this account can help inspire people, to help them realize that they can change old habits and create new ones of their choosing. I hope after I finish this first 100-day training, that I can do my next 100-day training with many other people. It’s always easier and so much more exciting to do it with friends. Seeing others’ commitment and growth can oftentimes be more inspiring that seeing only your own.