0BSERVOR,

It is from my experience that it is not possible to quiet the mind by trying to control the flow of  thoughts. Because by trying to control thoughts, it shows that you are having the attitude that they shouldn't be there. This is giving energy to the thought process, you will end up fighting with your thoughts -by forcefully trying to get rid of them. This will only make them stronger and give the process more juice.

It is better to accept that they are there without bringing in a judgement about whether they should or shouldn't be there. Quiet witnessing and watching, without getting involved with them, will allow them to diminish on their own accord. Feeling or thinking that they shouldn't be there, is getting involved with them. Simply watch as if from a distance. And they will slowly slowly become slower in their procession, and less and less in their coming.

If you remember what the redneck did in his laundry room, the only thing the redneck needed to do after he was done throwing out his crap was to sit down and quietly watch his mind. Throwing out the crap - this would be a way to let out the steam that has collected within from living in this emotionally repressive society. Do it for fifteen minutes - throw a tantrum, then sit quietly, watching whatever is going on in the mind. This will be of great help in this regard. I have done this myself and it works. Just find a space where nobody will be around to hear or see what your are doing. This is called cathartic therapy. Follow it with silent watching. You will be amazed how much it helps to sit silently. Don't be so much bothered by what others will say about this in this forum.  Most here do not have a clue in this regard.

Regards, turiya