In theravada buddhism, this is called applying the faculty of wise attention. We have zero control over our thoughts, but we have control over the object of our attention (and it improves with practice).
When unpleasant thoughts arise, the (canonical Buddhist) strategy is to move your attention to something (anything!) else.
Using mantra (prayer) or force of will ("I close my attention to this thought") are both applications of the technique.
Oh this is the worst thing that could happen to any parent, but the writing was beautiful and so moving. Thank you for sharing. I am feeling such a great sympathetic grief but also great awe at how palpable the love and care is in this writing.
Wow. I've never been able to articulate this experience, but it is something I find very jarring. It's jarring for me to see people behave outside of their usual persona. A favorite teacher of mine once had his young son in class for some reason. The class was normal except for when the son started playing with something he shouldn't have. The teacher snapped at the son with such anger and fear.
I had never seen the teacher behave this way and it was deeply upsetting at the time.
A different region of the brain is active while singing vs speaking. There are also physical difference between singing and speaking that prevent stuttering, such as: controlled breath, memorized lyrics, and longer phonation.
When unpleasant thoughts arise, the (canonical Buddhist) strategy is to move your attention to something (anything!) else.
Using mantra (prayer) or force of will ("I close my attention to this thought") are both applications of the technique.