The vast majority of people have an ongoing conversation with themselves, an inner voice, that plays an important role in their daily lives. But between 5-10 per cent of the population do not have the same experience of an inner voice, and they find it more difficult to perform certain verbal memory...
It has its uses, helpful for remembering a short sequence of numbers for instance, or practicing a specific dialogue line that is going to be important, like for a job interview or something where you want a solid and confident delivery. But generally speaking I prefer it quiet, makes it infinitely easier to pay attention to my surroundings.
Meditation is basically the practice of learning how to turn it off at will. Can take awhile, it doesn't always seem to like being quiet. It also turns off other times though, like when you're suddenly startled for instance.
Instructor: "what I want you to do is stop thinking"
Me, internally: okay, done
Instructor: "I know that may be the hardest thing to ask, but I want you to quiet your mind"
Me, internally: yep, already did it
Instructor: "once you learn how to stop the constant parade of thoughts in your head and just listen to the world around you, you will find great peace"
I don't have words in my head but i still have thoughts that keep me awake. I've been practicing turning off my thoughts to sleep better. I focus hard on relaxing each body part for 3 breaths starting with a foot.