How to use North & Narrow

A simple rhythm for daily wisdom.

North & Narrow is built for adults with real responsibilities. You don’t need long blocks of time, only a small, honest step each day and a quiet moment at night.

Daily rhythm

Most days take about 5–15 minutes. Some will be shorter; none should push beyond 30 minutes in this version. The goal is consistency, not volume.

1. Read & understand

Start with the Scripture and Explanation section in Today’s session. You do not need to study every cross-reference — just see clearly what the passage is saying.

2. Notice the Application & Action

Look at the Application bullets and Today’s Action. Ask, “What does this look like in my world — work, home, online?” Choose the level you can actually do today.

3. Do one small step

Complete one concrete act today — a message, a boundary, a 20-minute focus block, a small gift, a gentle answer. It is better to do one real step than to plan five.

4. Evening check

At night, log whether you did the action and note your peace: 0 (unsettled), 1 (mixed), or 2 (settled). This is not a grade; it keeps the conversation honest.

Choosing your level

Many sessions offer three levels: Quick (today), Medium (7 days), and Deep (30 days). You do not need to chase all three at once. Choose the level that fits your current season and energy.

  • Quick (today): a single act you can finish before the end of the day.
  • Medium (7 days): a short streak that builds confidence and stability.
  • Deep (30 days): a simple covenant and weekly check that sets a new pattern.

If you are tired or overloaded, Quick is enough. If you have more space, you can choose Medium or Deep. The point is movement, not performance.

When you need to stop or catch up

Life happens. Meetings run long, kids get sick, and evenings disappear. The program is built to be flexible without losing its shape.

  • Save the rest for tonight: if you need to step away mid-session, you can return later and pick up at the Action and Evening Check.
  • If you miss a day: you can take the next calendar day as “today” and catch the missed chapter in the next cycle.
  • Stay honest: it is better to mark “not done” with clarity than to pretend something happened that didn’t.

North & Narrow is meant to walk with you over seasons, not only streaks.

Common questions

Do I have to follow the calendar exactly?

The default rhythm is simple: day of the month, chapter of Proverbs. If you miss a day, you can rejoin at the current date and let the missed chapter come back around next month.

What if I am already doing some of these habits?

That is good news. You can treat those as “Wood achieved” in that domain and focus on Silver or Gold. The daily sessions will still sharpen and encourage what is already in place.

How much time should I expect?

Most days are designed for 5–15 minutes. If you want to linger or journal, you can extend it, but you should not feel pressured to turn this into a long study each time.

Can I use this with others?

Yes. You can share sessions, discuss the Proverbs passages, or walk through the Actions together. Just keep the focus on practice and integrity, not on grading each other.