Thanks intrigued, What stands out to me in your post is the word "try." Best not to try doing anything, other than maybe focusing on your breath without any expectations. Thoughts will come, that's the nature of mind, but just let them be and return to the breath. Don't expect anything to happen, just sit quiet and enjoy the stillness. Just be a human 'being", instead of a human doing.
Good bit of visualisation but think of the tree as being your thoughts. Meditation can give you a way of untying yourself from incessant, repetitive and non-productive thoughts.
RE: I get suspicious of women who have been ...
Oooops, wrong site, thought I was still on amateur housewives looking for fun.