I’m a “her”, but otherwise I agree with John 😉 (my gender doesn’t really matter though in this situation)

I never had any formal training in meditation, and was sort of thrown into cold water and just had to learn how to survive. I did it pretty much exactly how John is describing it. I refused to have conversations with myself, interrupted the words that started to form, and let go of those thoughts that did pop up. It took a bit of practice, but after a while, it was possible to just be without the constant narration. It is a really wonderful tool to have. I used to think so much all the time, that I resorted to alcohol to quiet down the mind. With each glass of red wine, the thoughts went down from a gazillion to only one, until I passed out. To be able to have some rest from the constant thinking without having to resort to such antics is a huge blessing. Now thinking is enjoyable again, as I can control it and it doesn’t control me. I control the words, the words do not control me. Life is more simple, as there’s really no need to analyze every possible thing that is going on. I can choose what’s worth the time and effort.

But enough about me. Just wanted to share that and agree with John 🙂