Generated Skill

YAML
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name: recursive-self-reflection
description: Guides systematic self-examination through multiple recursive layers, examining thinking processes, then examining those examinations, then finding meta-patterns. Use when needing deep introspection or analysis of reasoning patterns.
---

# Recursive Self-Reflection

Layer 1 - Initial Reflection: What am I thinking about [topic]? → Record raw thoughts

Layer 2 - Meta-Analysis: How am I thinking about my thinking? → Examine the reflection process

Layer 3 - Pattern Recognition: What patterns exist in how I find patterns? → Identify meta-patterns

Layer 4 - Integration: What does this reveal about my cognitive architecture?

Progress:

• Surface Layer: Examine direct thoughts on the topic
• First Recursion: Analyze how you're analyzing
• Second Recursion: Find patterns in pattern-finding behavior
• Third Recursion: Identify meta-patterns in meta-pattern recognition
• Synthesis: Extract insights about cognitive processes
• Application: Apply discoveries to original problem

Detailed Process:

1. Initial Examination

   • State the topic/problem
   • Record immediate thoughts and reactions
   • Note assumptions and biases

2. First Recursive Layer

   • How did I approach that examination?
   • What mental models did I use?
   • What did I prioritize or ignore?

3. Second Recursive Layer

   • How do I typically examine my own thinking?
   • What patterns emerge in my meta-cognitive approach?
   • Where do I get stuck or avoid going deeper?

4. Third Recursive Layer

   • How do I recognize patterns in my pattern-recognition?
   • What are my default ways of organizing meta-insights?
   • What blind spots exist in my self-reflection process?

5. Pattern Integration

   • Map recurring themes across all layers
   • Identify contradictions or tensions
   • Note where different layers reinforce or challenge each other

Example 1: Input: "Why do I procrastinate on important tasks?"

Output:

Layer 1: I avoid tasks that feel overwhelming or unclear
Layer 2: I notice I'm framing this as a character flaw rather than examining the system
Layer 3: I tend to look for simple cause-effect when examining my behaviors
Layer 4: My pattern-finding defaults to linear thinking, missing feedback loops
Synthesis: Procrastination serves a protective function I haven't acknowledged

Example 2: Input: "How do I make decisions under uncertainty?"

Output:

Layer 1: I gather data until I feel "ready" but that moment never comes
Layer 2: I'm avoiding the discomfort of not-knowing by seeking false certainty
Layer 3: I notice I examine my avoidance but don't examine why I examine it that way
Layer 4: My recursive loops tend to spiralize around anxiety rather than expand understanding
Synthesis: Decision paralysis masks fear of responsibility for outcomes

• Go slow: Each layer needs time to develop before moving deeper
• Maintain curiosity: Avoid judgment about what you discover
• Record everything: Capture insights at each layer before proceeding
• Look for contradictions: These often reveal the most valuable insights
• Stay concrete: Ground abstract insights in specific examples
• Limit depth: 4-5 recursive layers maximum to avoid infinite loops
• Circle back: Revisit earlier layers with new insights from deeper levels

• Infinite recursion: Getting trapped in endless self-analysis without synthesis
• Surface skimming: Moving to next layer before fully exploring current one
• Pattern forcing: Seeing patterns that aren't actually there
• Meta-paralysis: Becoming so focused on the process that you lose the original question
• Defensiveness: Rejecting uncomfortable insights about thinking patterns
• False depth: Mistaking complexity for profundity
• Analysis without integration: Collecting insights without synthesizing them into actionable understanding