In architecture, the keystone is the final piece placed during construction of an arch. It’s the piece that bears less stress, yet it is what allows the arch to be held together by the force of gravity. The metaphor to virtuegraph work is adept, as this is the final task that marks the symbolic dawn of a new day, and the construction of a new arch.

The keystone is the only prescribed task in virtuegraph work. Fortunately the task is exceedingly simple: after waking up every morning, and as soon as you remember, perform a deliberate action that marks the end of the previous day. This action can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish, but it has to be done consciously.

Your servant rises every morning, touches his feet, and says “I am awake”. But the form of this ritual is meaningless, what matters is that by the simplest act of will, you demonstrate that you are not on autopilot. Find something you wouldn’t stumble upon by habit, and try to do it as close to getting out of bed as possible.

It is important that the task is not done in bed, as one can easily perform it, go back to sleep, and then wake up again to our usual zombie-like state of being. But you should also perform it soon after getting out of bed. The reason is to notice how much time passes between entering waking state and actual conscious state. Do not be frustrated if you notice late in the day (if you notice at all), this is simply information about your state of being. By simple observation, you will find that the gap shortens with practice.

The virtuegraph is meant to be used without reminders. If you are not conscious, why even attempt to self-transform? Yet your humble servant struggled greatly with this constraint, the biggest challenge is break our established habits, and our most ingrained habit it to go about life sleep-walking. If this habit cannot be broken at this time, then it is best to hold off self-transformation work for more desperate times. One becomes more conscious in times of distress.

How to verify from direct experience

A principle of the virtuegraph is to have no dogma. Though prescribed and added by default, you are welcome to remove The Keystone if you wish to experiment what it feels without renewal of the day. If you forget about your transformation goals, do no let yourself be seduced by the comfort of slumber. Come back to the virtuegraph and redouble your commitment to The Keystone.