By definition, you cannot gain "insight" from conscious thoughts… unless you're using them to get at sub- or unconscious material. INsight means you're searching INward, not just paying attention to "what's immediately there." The purpose of insight is to better understand the CONTENT of you conscious, via the unconscious.

Final note… it can be difficult to really dig into your unconscious without the help of another person (even if it's a friend you really trust).

Good question.
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Yes, insight can't be found consciously. You might notice that your conscious mind is dominated by ego and chatters incessantly going in circles.

By posing a question to a higher part of yourself and then letting go the answer does come.

Wayne Dyer is great. Another great teacher is Eckhart Tolle. I highly recommend his book, "A New Earth".
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