The clear, straight-forward, and simplistic thought of a child is a great attribute. More often than not, a little one's mind is unbiased and strong-held, which can be put to use in almost every aspect of society today.
Occasionally, however, when the child-like state of thought emerges, beneficial attributes are not the only ones that appear. Sometimes, in difficult, frustrating, and saddening situations, we can let blind anger burst forth with no reasoning or subduing. Yes, in those situations, a clear mind is very beneficial, but with a clear mind anger and emotion are also unhindered.
In his psychological book I'm O.K. -- You're O.K.**, Thomas A. Harris defines what he calls the P.A.C. This stands for three distinguished elements in each person's make-up: the Parent, the Child, and the Adult. "There are many things that can happen to us today which recreate the situation of childhood...the situation where we are faced with impossible alternatives," he says. "When a person is in the grip of feelings...when his anger dominates his reason, we say his Child is in command."
Harris writes that the Child in all of us mainly represents spontaneous emotion. I believe there is more than just emotion when the Child breaks through. A child is not absent of reason, he just thinks and acts in simple step-by-steps. This state of mind presents clarity and simplicity to a busy lifestyle. However, with this simple-mindedness, emotions and rash decisions must also be hindered and controlled. If this thought is mastered, great accomplishments could be in store.
Naivete is Bliss.
**Harris, Thomas A., M.D. I'm OK -- You're OK: A Practical Guide to Transactional Analysis. New York City, New York. Harper & Row, Publishers. 1969.
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