Actually, the result is the same.
When you sit quietly and naturally notice your breath coming in and going out, you will sense distracting thoughts. It is inevitable.
Each time you awaken, having noticed you were lost in thought and returning to your breathing, you will become gradually more aware that your thoughts appear and disappear naturally.
At some point you may find yourself asking “Yes, but who or what is thinking these thoughts. When you have answered “I am” many times, you may notice that what you call “I” is no more than one of these thoughts. This is not essentially different from what some people call self inquiry.
It is all a natural unfolding of your awareness. There is nothing special you need to do to achieve this. So,
- Make yourself some quiet time every day. 20 minutes is good to start with.
- Sit in a quiet, comfortable place.
- Notice what happens.
Some people call this meditation. The name is not so important.
If you do this for, say, two years, and then ask again, I will show you the next step.
I wish you success,
Jonathan