Deep in the cluster of the young deer herd is a dark deer. This Dear Friends is the protective layers of the mind/being. We can always go deeper.
How we do so depends on time, intention, previous experience, goals and so on …
If for example, speaking from experience, we practice the supposedly relaxing alternate nostril breathing in yoga and it makes us tense … Desist.
If we wish to avoid religion. Do so. Atheists can contemplate.
If Christian we can find practice that moves us inward in retreats, texts such as 'The Cloud of Unknowing' and exploring the great mystics
https://andrewjtaggart.com/2021/05/18/the-cloud-of-unknowing-a-summary-for-mystics/
Going inward is finding the resources that gel and inspire the still small 'voice'. Noise we find anywhere and everywhere …
https://stillsmallvoicetarot.com/card/the-hanged-man/
A non existent practice creates non existent results. Same with most things.
The observing from outside. The duality is the first realisation. We are not our thoughts. Our thought are us. They create the sense of self.
The thoughts come from a variety of directions or arisings. The function of meditation is to initially slow this continual barrage of undisciplined mind and senses. To be aware of the nature of this very real situation and how it controls us, not the other way around.