ÓS Symbolic Tools

Integrating symbols into our writing practice has helped us tremendously in organizing and developing our ideas, thoughts, projects, etc.

Such pictograms range from the planetary symbols we use to organize our days to any personal symbols that help us make sense of our notes.

That being said, here are 10 essential symbols for the clarity and the development of our life through the notebook. Lastly, to inspire your own implementation and consistency, here are also the ways in which we use these symbols throughout the day ✧

10 Symbolic Tools and their Expansive Potential

The essential symbolic tools below, created and used by Marcelo, are meant to inspire your own creativity as you open your notebook.

Each of us has our own versions of these symbols, so we invite you to use and modify them in your own way.

	Reminder & To-do's Straight-forward boxes to fill in once the task is completed.
	Dream Journaling Narration of what happened, the highlights within the dream, and the lessons and reflections that come out from the journey.
	Words of Wisdom Messages that resonate deeply, affirmations, mantras, etc.
	Challenge Acknowledgement of our feelings and reflection towards a difficult situation.
	Current Topic of Conversation Active themes, messages, or quotes that we’d like to come back to.
	Seed of intention Be it a project, a desired habit, a goal, or any direction we’re being pulled towards.
	To Research Anything you’d like to learn more about.
	To contemplate Words that bring perspective and presence. Expression that serves as an anchor for your process.
	Gratitude Easy-to-draw signifier of something that our hearts (centers) appreciate.
	Hemingway Bridge A write-up of the activities that are meant to be continued by the next day. (inspiration taken from the Tiago Forte's book "Building a Second Brain")

These symbols are equally meant to be used together to add layers of meaning to your note or paragraph. For example, we might pair a to-do box together with the “research” symbol to emphasize your follow-up.

Symbols have an ancient connection to our subconscious, and so using them in this modern way allows us to further empower our awareness to organize, experience, and connect the themes in our lives.

Supporting a Consistent Journaling Practice

In hopes to keep inspiring your journaling practice, we are gifting you a set of introductory ÓS flashcards! (login here to obtain them) - Included are journaling prompts for you to relate your days in a more complete and connected way.

When is the best time to journal?

During our morning, journaling can turn into a great way to welcome ourselves into the day, perhaps taking note of what we remember and learned from our dreams. We can also have a short  timed session of free-flow writing. These early rituals of the day are also great to review where we left off the day before (Hemingway Bridge) and to reaffirm which level of consciousness we will face our challenges from.

Journaling around the middle of our day serves as a great opportunity for catching up and checking-in with ourselves and our to-do lists. This can naturally help us to open up, creating space to process our day so far. Additionally, reading the symbolic association of the day through the Guidebook (or the flashcards) brings us a clearer direction towards our goals.

At night, writing is a great way to wind down and ensure a smooth transition towards a restful sleep. Not only is it healthier for our eyes and brains, but it's also a powerful ritual to close the circle of the day on notes of gratitude. Fully reflecting on the day we have experienced and laying the seed or Hemingway bridge for the day ahead.

The best time to Journal, though, is anytime we wish to reconnect with ourselves. : ) We hope this inspires you to continue developing your personal practice. Con amor,

Marcelo y Bryan