Thread: Control thoughts, or let them drift?

I've attempted two WILDs in the last two days and have failed both for what I perceive to be the same reason.

It seems that when my mind is drifting to sleep, part of that process involves thinking very deeply about some thought or memory that happens to come to me. The thoughts go deeper until I barely realize anymore where I am. This seems an essential part of the process of falling asleep.

Do I have this wrong?

As a result, I've found it impossible, while falling asleep, to remain aware of where I am and the fact that I’m trying to stay aware. So I have a dilemma. If I try to force myself not to think about the random thoughts which come to me, to only think about staying aware and WILDing, I don't get into any deep thoughts and therefore don't fall asleep. If, instead, I let my thoughts drift, I can't at the same time remain aware that I'm dreaming. I've tried repeating something to myself, like 'dreaming,' but that stops as soon as I get too deeply into a thought.

Which of the two methods should I be using? Should I try to control my thoughts, not think about anything else but my intention to remain aware, and somehow fall asleep that way, or should I let my thoughts drift while somehow remaining aware?

Thanks for reading. Any advice is appreciated.