## Introduction to the Monthly Ritual - The monthly ritual is a process where individuals come together to reflect on the previous month, set up for the next month, and is led by Jessica, the head of product and education for [[Bullet journal | Bullet Journal]], who is filling in for writer Carol [(00:00:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=11s). - The monthly ritual is an opportunity to pause, look at the last month, check in with oneself, and set up for the next month, which is approaching quickly, as May is going to be here soon [(00:02:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=126s). - The ritual involves several steps, including review, reflection, creating a monthly log, and migrating, and is similar to the weekly ritual, with the goal of serving a larger purpose in one's life [(00:03:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=219s). ## Reviewing the Previous Month - The first step of the monthly ritual involves going backward to tidy up the timeline, going through records of the last month, crossing out completed tasks, and filling in the monthly timeline with notable events [(00:04:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=250s). - Individuals who are new to bullet journaling can use clues from other sources, such as photos, texts, and calendars, to help fill in their timeline, and those who have already completed this step can look for patterns in their timeline [(00:04:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=299s). - The process is facilitated by Jessica, who will be sharing her screen and answering questions, and is assisted by Kristen, the community manager, who will be watching the chat and answering questions [(00:03:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=234s). - The process of reviewing the previous month's records has begun, with the goal of identifying patterns and reflecting on what went well and what could be improved, and it's noted that not recording every day can be a challenge [(00:13:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=828s). - Filling in a timeline is considered a great habit to get into, as it helps with noticing patterns and can lead to a better understanding of one's life, and it's suggested that people share their observations about their timeline in April [(00:16:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=1001s). - Some common themes that have been noticed in the month of April include frustrating technology issues, emotional happenings with other people, and a sense of self-compassion in accepting emotional ups and downs [(00:17:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=1032s). - Preparing for Passover has been a significant activity for some, and it's noted that focusing on what's meaningful can lead to a sense of accomplishment, even if not everything that was planned got done [(00:17:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=1063s). - The importance of writing down daily experiences, even on boring days, is emphasized, as it can help to create a record of life and reveal beautiful things in the mundane details [(00:18:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=1102s). - To better notice patterns in energy, it's suggested that logging more information can be helpful, and an example is given of how writing down the word "anxious" eight times in a month can reveal a pattern [(00:19:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=1166s). ## Reflection on the Past Month - The next step in the process is reflection, which involves taking time to write down thoughts about the previous month, including what went well, what could be changed, and any lessons that were learned [(00:20:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=1201s). - The reflection process is ongoing, and it's encouraged to share insights and reflections in the chat, with examples including the connection between busyness and impulsive shopping, and the importance of focusing on small things that make life worthwhile [(00:33:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=1989s). - The practice of slowing down and noticing the surroundings is beautiful and requires slowing down, allowing for a greater understanding of oneself and others [(00:33:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=2013s). - The current season is one of being very other-focused, with time pulled in lots of directions, and the importance of simplicity in projects is being realized [(00:34:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=2066s). - Practicing patient, attentive silence with others is a critical and challenging skill, especially in a time with many distractions, and giving someone the gift of time and attention is precious [(00:35:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=2105s). - The [[Bullet journal | bullet journal]] methodology is a flexible tool that helps meet the moment, and using it can inform next steps, starting with reflection and then creating a monthly log [(00:35:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=2150s). ## Setting Up the Monthly Log and Action Plan - Setting up the monthly log involves labeling the left-hand side with the month, listing dates, and adding the days of the week, and then creating a monthly action plan on the right-hand side [(00:36:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=2171s). - The monthly action plan involves populating it with actions, and the bullet journal methodology has moved from using the word "task" to "action", focusing on choosing how to spend time and being careful about what gets time and attention [(00:38:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=2304s). - The migration step in the bullet journal method involves asking four care questions to take care of time and commitments, including whether something is in one's control, if it can be done now, and considering one's capacity and resources [(00:39:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=2377s). - To create an effective monthly action plan, it is essential to get honest with oneself and others, and evaluate the necessity and potential consequences of each action, considering whether it is required and if there are negative consequences if not done, such as paying taxes or a mortgage [(00:40:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=2440s). - It is also crucial to assess whether each action is enlivening to oneself or someone loved, and to consider if it is still cared about, such as taking a coding course, to determine if it should be included in the plan [(00:41:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=2475s). - The monthly action plan can be informed by reviewing open actions from daily logs, monthly plans, and future logs, and by breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps to make progress [(00:41:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=2507s). ## Migration and Refining the Action Plan - The migration step is an opportunity to evaluate what actions are still relevant and should be carried forward, and to leave behind what is no longer necessary, helping to clarify priorities and focus on what is important [(00:49:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=2951s). - When migrating actions to a new day or month, it is helpful to pause and reflect on what should be carried forward, rather than automatically copying everything over, to ensure that only relevant and priority actions are included in the plan [(00:50:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=3014s). - The monthly action plan should also include space for reflection and intention-setting, allowing for the identification of what is important and what needs to be changed or built upon, and can be informed by calendar events and major projects [(00:51:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=3073s). - Priority can be added to the action plan by using a signifier, such as an asterisk, and by considering the calendar and major projects for the month, to help determine the most important steps to accomplish [(00:52:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=3136s). - The monthly ritual involves breaking down big ticket items into smaller tasks, and using a number system to reference and track progress, allowing for a clearer understanding of priorities and goals [(00:52:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=3160s). - This system is similar to one used by a writer, who numbers priorities for the day and references the corresponding number when working on them, and is also used by Brian Hazard in his "Franken log" [(00:53:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=3186s). ## The Value of Slowing Down and Reflection - The practice of slowing down and taking time for reflection is important, as it allows individuals to gain clarity and focus on their priorities, rather than getting caught up in busy and distracting activities [(00:54:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=3285s). - One individual, Martha, was forced to slow down by her therapist, which helped her to focus her energy and create a successful offer for her group, resulting in unexpected sales [(00:55:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=3302s). - The practice of slowing down and reflecting can help individuals to tune into their intuition and inner self, and gain valuable insights that might otherwise be overlooked [(00:56:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=3369s). - The ritual is designed to provide a structured and supportive environment for individuals to reflect and make positive changes in their lives, with the opportunity to learn from others and gain new insights [(00:56:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=3384s). - The event is open to new participants, and there are exciting announcements and updates available for those who are interested in continuing to participate [(00:56:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=3412s). ## Conclusion and Next Steps - The monthly reflection for April is coming to a close, and viewers are encouraged to share their additional reflections, questions, and setups, as these contributions are helpful for growth and can be shared in the BuJOU bullet journaling space [(00:57:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=3441s). - Viewers are invited to ask questions, and one question that was asked is about the new developments that were discussed the previous Friday, with the viewer expressing excitement about participating in these new developments [(00:58:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=3481s). - Emails will be sent out with specific action steps for viewers to take, which will depend on their individual circumstances, such as whether they have purchased a course or are a member, and these emails are expected to be sent out over the next week or two [(00:58:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=3507s). - The emails will provide instructions on how to visit the website and take the next steps, and there is no need to rush as there will be plenty of time to complete these steps [(00:58:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=3520s). - A new framework called "tame" will be introduced as part of the [[Bullet Journal Methodology 3.0 | bullet journal methodology 3.0]], which aims to help people with reflection and rituals, and will provide clarity and simplicity to the practice [(00:59:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=3540s). - The new framework will be introduced with the upcoming shift, and viewers will be guided through it, with the goal of providing a clearer and more straightforward approach to the ongoing practice [(00:59:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=3548s). - Viewers are advised to keep an eye on their email for updates, and if they do not receive any information within the next week or two, they should feel free to reach out [(00:59:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w&t=3581s). ## Sources - [website](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBwwDkeie_w?si=s95akyp3z9uj0Vgh)