[Gary]

There is a desire to change what is going on in the mind. The desire, when strong enough will spur you into action to try and change the chatter, images, or memories.

While this may seem a good idea, it is really a re-action driven from emotional discomfort. The real solution is not found by reaction. The real solution will require refrain.

Alan Watts makes a wonderful description about the mind being like water. You can not still water by trying to tap down the ripples. The way to still water is to stop disturbing it.

Your attempts to quiet the mind through action will lead to more ripples. This is why it is so aggravating. A more effective means to quiet the mind is to practice various aspects of refrain.

It may seem to take too long but that interpretation is being made by the impatient part of your mind. I would be careful not to let that aspect of the mind drive the solution since it's the source of the problem.