The child's formula that Lily offers is called "radial speaking" and
refers to the idea that you are speaking only for yourself with no
intervening interpretation nor depersonalisation.
The elements are:
- When x occurs (where x is a sensory report)
- I think y (which is my interpretation)
- When I think y, I feel z (which is a report on my reaction ot
my interpretation)
- And then I do (or want to do) v in response.
The point of such a communication structure is that it is fully
self-responsible and covers a fully human communication - external
event, interpretation, internal response and motivation for action.
Whether this is valid and complete or not, it is very effective in
cleaning up communication. The introspection value is the one that
Lily points to - namely, that we'd rather not be so clear in many
situations.
-- Michael McMaster Michael@kbddean.demon.co.uk