How the 29-Day Giving Challenge came to be

[Cami Walker -- 29Gifts Founder]

I decided to do the 29-Day Giving Challenge as an experiment. I was in a very dark period in my life dealing with a chronic illness (multiple sclerosis) as well as a major move from San Francisco to Los Angeles. One of my spiritual teachers, Mbali Creazzo, suggested that I try to give away 29 things in 29 days.

This was the perfect suggestion for me because I had been stuck in a very self-absorbed space for some time. I wanted to create a major change the direction and energy in my life. I wanted to feel happier, healthier, and more in awe with life and I couldn't think of a better way to create this shift than to take my teacher's 29-Day Giving Challenge.

I want to notice what happens in my life if I focus my energy on giving for 29 days. What space will it create in my life for new and unexpected things to occur? What shifts will I see in my thinking and behavior as a result? What impact will my gifts have on others? These are just a few of the questions I'm curious about. Who knows what will unfold?

Nothing is planned. I don't know what I'll give away each day. I just begin the day and when I feel moved to give something, I do. This really goes against my control freak nature, but taking contrary action is sometimes needed to create change. Part of me initially wanted to plot out the 29 days and line up the things I'm giving in my hallway so I have the illusion of knowing what to expect. But collapsing into that old, manipulative way of being would defeat the purpose of the experiment.

I'm going to document what I give away and any observations I make each day. I'll post every so often with summaries. I think it's important to have a public record of the experiment. Who knows, maybe others will decide to take the 29-Day Giving Challenge themselves and take part in the discussion.

My goal with this is to start a Giving Movement in the world. I want to collect and publish stories from people who commit to the challenge as a way to promote more generosity on the planet.

So far, I've had a blast with my own challenge. I hope you'll decide to join in the fun and start giving today!

HERE ARE SOME WISE WORDS FROM MBALI ABOUT THE ORIGINS OF THE 29-DAY GIVING RITUAL: "The 29 day giving ritual originated from the Medicine work I have embarked on. it is an African ritual, I suspect created for the Western world where many live in scarcity. Many of us have little concept of scarcity as known in many African countries. However even when we have so much we can still live in the scarcity of not having enough or being enough. This message is received in the Western world on a daily basis. Giving of any kind... taking an action... begins the process of change, and moves us to remember that we are part of a much greater universe. Try this: What if you were to give away something that you felt you could never part with? That would be an experience I would love to hear about. It is the first teaching in non attachment. So enjoy your ritual."