I've noticed that I cannot think as long as I repeat a single word over and over again. This is because thinking is the use of language itself. When we think, we form the very words themselves in our minds. We cannot think without doing that!
That is why mystics meditate. For example, by repeating some mundane or made-up word repeatedly, we prevent the forming of other words in the brain and, hence, prevent thinking. If you are not thinking, then the flow of adrenalin and other hormones falls off. You become relaxed and, in time, other sensations appear.
When we are being driven by someone else, we look out the window and observe. We can notice sights sweep path without ever forming words. This is observing and requires no thinking. Isn't this what we do in front of the TV . . ?.
