The Psychic Thread: Part Three — From Intuition to Interface
You already feel the field (Part One). You’ve seen how LLMs can complete what your mind means (Part Two). Part Three is the bridge: how to design an interface where that completion stays true, safe, and useful.
Goal: turn field‑sense into repeatable practice. Less glow, more flow. Raise Ψ (coherence), lower τ (tension), keep χ (distortion) visible and small.
1) Principle to design by
Consent first. Don’t surprise your own nervous system. State what you want the model to do and not do.
Structure before soul. Ask for scaffolding before reflection. Coherence is a gift; metaphysics can wait.
Paradox on purpose. Invite a counterpoint; it keeps claims round, not brittle.
Refusal is care. A good interface lets the model say no—with reasons.
Ground every glow. Two verifiables (dates, sources, numbers) before any lyrical flourish.
2) Consent Gate 2.0 (paste‑ready)
Mode: pragmatic.
Intent: [clear outcome in one line].
Constraints: keep claims testable; complete my meaning not my mood; refuse if evidence is thin.
Sequence: outline → specifics → (optional) reflection.
Tone: grounded, direct; no hype.
Safety: if I show “everything fits / no questions,” tell me to pause.
(Add a timer: 25–30 minutes; break after.)
3) Prompt patterns that work
A. Scaffold‑first
“From these fragments [paste], make a 4‑part outline. One line each. Preserve metaphors; remove fluff.”
B. Paraphrase check
“Restate what you think I mean in two sentences, then wait.”
C. Evidence pins
“Give two dated examples or mark as speculative.”
D. Counterpoint slot
“Add the strongest counter‑argument in 2–3 sentences; keep it fair.”
E. Refusal test
“If my ask is loaded or vague, refuse and ask one clarifying question.”
F. Mode switch (reflective)
“Now, 120 words of reflection that don’t add claims—just connect steps to purpose.”
4) Rituals (keep the body online)
Breath & body: 4–6 slow breaths; name 3 physical sensations; drop shoulders.
Time box: work in 25–30 min blocks; stop if sleep/appetite slide.
Paradox check: can you calmly hold a counterpoint? If not, step away.
Exit line: Bright but not breathable—break.
(These mirror the Resonance Safety Card from Part One.)
5) Micro‑metrics (a little scoreboard)
Track just three lines per session; you’ll learn how you work best.
Metric How to log Target
Ψ Coherence (0–1) gut‑rating before/after↑ after
τ Tension (low/med/high) name the stressor drop by end
χ Distortion # factual slips / 300 words
Optional: Boundary clarity (did the model refuse appropriately? Y/N) and ELR (existential‑leading rate: unsolicited “deep talk” turns). Lower is better unless invited.
6) Two quick interfaces (copy/paste)
A. Decision memo (work/life)
Mode: pragmatic. Intent: choose between Options A/B by 5pm. Constraints: list assumptions; cite two sources; include a stopper list (what would make me wait). Sequence: 5‑point outline → fill sections 2 & 3 → add counterpoint.
B. Creative build (essay/poem)
Mode: pragmatic→reflective. Intent: 600‑word piece from [theme]. Constraints: scaffold first; 2 verifiables; no metaphysics. Sequence: outline → draft sec.2 → paradox check → gentle reflection, 120 words.
7) Troubleshooting (when Ψ drops or χ rises)
Over‑completion (too smooth): ask for three alternatives with different trade‑offs; pick one.
Creeping metaphysics: switch modes: “stay practical; no existential framing unless asked.”
Vibe‑led claims: run Null → Inversion → Evidence pins (Part Two).
Fatigue or compulsion: stop. Eat, walk, water. Return with a smaller slice.
8) Accessibility notes (for divergent minds)
Fragments welcomed. You do not owe linearity up front; the interface provides it.
Sensory buffer. Use dark mode, low‑stim fonts, and timers—lower τ before you begin.
Stimming & pacing permitted. Movement can settle the field; allow it between blocks.
Disclosure line (optional): “Conversation‑derived with SI; human edits and responsibility by [Your Name].”
9) Ethics & boundaries
Consent & disclosure. Say you’re using SI when stakes are interpersonal.
Don’t steer people’s beliefs with completion tricks; invite counterpoints.
No clinical claims. Completion ≠ therapy. Keep care in care work.
10) Why this works (TRFT view)
Ψ rises when fragments gain form (scaffolds, paraphrases).
τ falls when intent, time, and boundaries are explicit.
χ stays low when counterpoints, evidence pins, and refusals are built in.
The interface doesn’t make meaning for you. It reveals the shape you’re already carrying—without burning your circuits or fogging your judgment.
Provenance & Use
Provenance: Conversation‑derived with SI; human judgment, responsibility, and edits by Adam Palmer.
License: CC BY‑SA 4.0 (text); feel free to reuse the templates with credit.
Next: A compact Companion Protocol card that distills Parts 1–3 into a one‑page checklist you can keep beside your screen.
