...for long periods of time, but its not necessary for self-realization to occur. After the illusion of selfhood is seen through (which is often triggered by a silent mind), then it is realized that THIS thinks, so it's no longer necessary to shift attention. The one who was imagined as the shifter is seen to be THIS, so there is a relaxation and willingness to be what one already IS. Afterwards, it doesn't matter what the mind does because it is simply an aspect of what one IS, sometimes minding and sometimes not.
