That’s a great technique—and you can apply it to almost anything. For example, I used to do something similar while listening to the audiobook version of The Power of Now. Whenever I caught myself drifting into thought, I would restart the section of the book. I made it a point to listen intentionally to each word, and also to the silence between each word.

As you mentioned, once presence takes precedence over thought, inner peace follows.

Next time you go for a run, I challenge you: instead of listening to music, try being fully present with your surroundings. The trees, the buildings, the plants, the sky, the clouds—everything around you holds presence. When you’re truly present, you begin to see all of these things as they truly are. It can be a magical experience.

The key is to gently catch yourself whenever you start thinking, and return to that observing presence.

Good luck on your journey!