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Meaning Before Form: Qián and the Practice of Excellence

Writer: Jaclyn BakerJaclyn Baker

As part of our process designing visual expressions for our six core commitments, we explored aligning each value with an ancient I Ching hexagram as a way to define and shape our ethos. In this series, we will explore each alignment in greater depth—beginning with our commitment to Excellence.



Have you ever noticed how some of the best insights come from ancient places? 


Take Hexagram 1 (Qián) from the I Ching—six stacked, solid lines of uninterrupted creative power.


Each solid line symbolizes active, purposeful creativity—no breaks, no hesitation, just clarity and forward motion. Similar to how we approach Excellence at ODNOS: consistently showing up with intention, clarity, and plenty of energy (with occasional coffee breaks).


We love the connection here—ancient wisdom reminding us that our commitment to Excellence is simply disciplined creativity in action. That's exactly how we roll: intentionally carving out space to reflect, energize, and create meaningful things.


Turns out, excellence isn't complicated; it's just a practice of showing up—fully and creatively, every day.




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