Don’t listen to enthusiasts who tell you to stop your thoughts. That’s nonsense—and a failure to explain things in plain language. As Descartes said, “I think, therefore I am.” Yet there are some remarkable people who have never read Descartes, but still condemn him, and stubbornly try to stop thinking.
The technique is actually right in front of you:
Look at the photograph. What do you see? What emotions does it stir? What memories does it bring back? Feel the air and its scent; breathe deeply. Can you sense it? Feel the surroundings. You might even reach out and touch the objects around you.
That’s it. You’ve already reached the desired level of immersion. You can now come out of that state.
Everything doesn’t have to be as clear as a television picture. You may see only fragments of images. What matters is to feel; images also emerge through sensation.
Don’t try to force yourself. Just let everything happen naturally and with understanding. Understanding gives you awareness, and awareness gives depth to the immersion.
It’s best to come out of the state by tensing your muscles—for example, clench your fists tightly and then release them.