#VulnerabilityVigils on the 9th Anniversary of the Human Body Project (March 25)

March 25, 2015, is the 9th anniversary of the Human Body Project.

I'll do my 44th #VulnerabilityVigil that day. 

The number 44 meant something to me when I started the project. I was 44 at the time and I called the first performance "Human Body Project 44." My initial intention was to do a performance art piece once a year, partly as a chronicle of a body changing over time to show the inherent vulnerability of ageing. 

But the first performance was so powerful and such a big deal, I knew I had to try to do more. Then shortly after, I got pregnant. I was dreadfully ill the whole time. I really wanted to do a performance while I was pregnant and I eventually did two but it was really touch and go. Anyway, hardly anyone came to those two performances.

Then I'm this 45-year-old mother with two little kids! Plus college instructor. Plus I started a Master's, which I hated but finished. I've been overwhelmed ever since I started the Human Body Project. My overwhelmedness--I suppose I'm writing this mostly for myself--is part of the realz and feelz of it.

When I started the project, I had such touching new-agey ideas that it would be part of some shift in consciousness. I still believe that, but in a more measured and long-term way. I felt a lot more optimistic then than I do now. 

Last month's #VulnerabilityVigil.

Nine years ago, before the first Human Body Project performance. I was feeling very nervous.

Some time before my birth-year-mate Barack Obama became president, I saw one of his campaign items and it gave me intense shivers of connectedness: it was a "44" in exactly the same font I had used for my material (Obama was aiming to be and is the 44th president). I have parallel previously optimistic to current not-very-optimistic-at-all feelings about his work.

This wasn't exactly what I saw but you get the idea.

Still nine years later we're both at it. I don't envy Barack's job. In my case, not only am I doing my thing, but I do it on the street too. With much less hope and optimism. And no outpouring of support or interest. And continuing overwhelmedness.

It's certainly humbling. 

March 25, 2015 #VulnerabilityVigils

Victoria
Tasha Diamant will hold a #VulnerabilityVigil
March 25
4-5 pm
1925 Blanshard St
In front of Save-On Foods Centre
Victoria

Vancouver
Emma Cooper will hold a #VulnerabilityVigil
March 25
4-5pm
Vancouver Art Gallery
Robson St. side
*Special thanks to Emma.*

Everyone is welcome to join us, dressed or not. 

Anyone, anywhere can hold a #VulnerabilityVigil. Learn more at humanbodyproject.org