How Can I Relax My Mind Enough To Meditate?

[Dottyy]

I've been doing some yoga lately, but I have a problem with putting my thoughts on hold so that I can meditate.

[janbee]

Just try counting the number of stupid things said by David Cameron over the last 4+ years... that'll soon make you drowsy... and purring !!

[Old_Geezer]

Practice practice practice ?
Using a mantra rather than going for completely empty mind should help.
And don't mentally beat yourself up if your mind does wander, acknowledge the thought and then simply return to the stillness once more.

[woofgang]

have you tried mindfulness?
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/Pages/mindfulness.aspx

[jno]

think about a white square on a white wall?

OG's advice sounds good

[atalanta]

Slow your breathing and concentrate on it. Pick a number around 107. Count up from 1 to 107, and down from 107 to 1, at the same time. For each long, slow breath, add one number as a word, subtract one number as a picture. It takes a bit of getting used to, but it does stop extraneous thoughts.

[David H]

You're doing it backwards. Apart from a few specific direct methods then quieting the mind is a result of meditation, not a method. Find a method that suits you (there are plenty you can find for nothing), and the main thing is to do it regularly. Then when the thoughts come all you do is watch them and don't engage with them, so they gradually may either slow down or just carry on in the distance. The mind will naturally generate thoughts but while meditating your attention can turn to what is happening there when it does so will override what your mind is doing by itself.