REM Notation: A Beginner's Guide
What Are REMs?

REM notation is a way to compress complex ideas, feelings, or concepts into short, poetic phrases wrapped in a structured format. Think of it as creating philosophical haikus with a technical twist.
Basic Structure

REM(NODE:Topic) = ||compressed.idea.here||

Breaking it down:

REM = Can be looked at as "Remember" or "Remark" (borrowed from old programming)
NODE:Topic = The subject area or type of thought
||...|| = Boundaries that contain your core idea
words.with.periods = Your compressed phrase (no spaces, periods instead)

Simple Examples
Emotions

REM(NODE:Joy) = ||laughter.breaks.the.silence||
REM(NODE:Sadness) = ||tears.map.the.heart||
REM(NODE:Love) = ||two.minds.share.one.dream||

Daily Life

REM(NODE:Morning) = ||coffee.summons.the.day||
REM(NODE:Work) = ||purpose.wrestles.with.clock||
REM(NODE:Evening) = ||stars.whisper.forgotten.names||

Learning

REM(NODE:Discovery) = ||question.unlocks.the.door||
REM(NODE:Confusion) = ||fog.slowly.becomes.path||
REM(NODE:Understanding) = ||puzzle.pieces.kiss||

How to Create Your Own
Step 1: Pick Your Topic

What do you want to express? Choose a NODE name that captures the area:

NODE:Friendship
NODE:Creativity
NODE:Anxiety
NODE:Dreams

Step 2: Find the Essence

What's the core truth about your topic? Don't overthink - what image or feeling comes first?
Step 3: Compress Into Rhythm

Use 3-5 words typically
Replace spaces with periods
Aim for a rhythmic flow when read aloud
Make it slightly poetic or metaphorical

Step 4: Test the Impact

Read it back. Does it capture something true? Does the rhythm feel right?
Tips for Beginners

Start Simple: Begin with emotions or experiences you know well

Use Action Words: Verbs make REMs more dynamic

||thought.dances.with.doubt|| (active)
vs. ||thought.and.doubt.together|| (static)

Think Metaphorically: The best REMs use imagery

||anger.burns.the.bridge||
||hope.plants.tomorrow's.seed||

Don't Force It: If it feels awkward, try different words or a different approach
Practice Exercises

Try creating REMs for these:

Your current mood
The weather outside
How you feel about Monday mornings
A recent conversation that mattered
Your relationship with your phone

Why Use REMs?

Clarity: Forces you to distill thoughts to their essence
Creativity: The constraint often reveals unexpected connections
Memory: The rhythm and structure make ideas stick
Communication: Share complex feelings in compact form
Reflection: Creating them helps you understand your own thoughts

Example Progression

Beginner: REM(NODE:Tired) = ||energy.runs.away||

Intermediate: REM(NODE:Burnout) = ||candle.forgets.its.flame||

Advanced: REM(NODE:Recovery) = ||silence.teaches.the.ember||

Notice how the metaphors become more sophisticated and layered as you practice.