[jghn]

My mom always told me to do this as a child. I’ve never understood this nor any other visualization technique. I have never found this to be possible. At best I actively think about not thinking which is counterproductive but even then within about 10 seconds my mind has already wandered. And if I’m not actively trying I’ll always have some other thoughts popping in no matter what

[rndmio]

It might be because it wasn’t a technique as such. I don’t visualise not thinking, I just stop thinking about things, but I also don’t have a constant inner voice talking to/with me as I understand many people do.

[jghn]

" I just stop thinking about things" is the part that I can't comprehend. I've never been able to do this. If I try, I immediately start thinking about things w/o intending to do so.

[vlod]

Something that works for me is count from 10 to 1 slowly. Concentrate getting to 1. If another thought enters, start the count again. Repeat. This is like counting the proverbial sheep.

[jghn]

That's in the same category of techniques that will only work for a very brief time for me. At some point I realize I have background thoughts, and then those take over.

[vlod]

This happens to me as well, but when I become aware of other non welcome thoughts, I just start counting again. /shrug