"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Phillipians 3:14)
Upward is so wonderfull when I can see through the clutter of the inward,if you get my drift.
Spiritually speaking, which lacks time or space, the direction of 'inward and upward' was to draw close to the Lord.
I was fasting overnight for bloodwork this morning and woke before midnight our time with some turbulent thoughts but at midnight central, a great peace and joy came over my soul. I was in a contemplative union when I posted that.
Open Mind, Open Heart is a wonderful book by Thomas Keating on Centering Prayer. The visualization he uses is a stream of thought with the thoughts represented by debris and boats. So, I get your drift :)