After experimenting with various meditation techniques for years, I reached a point where I would become irritated if someone suggested closing my eyes, straightening my back and taking a deep breath.
Now there's a vast and bewildering array of meditation techniques to achieve that state, but generally what they all aim to develop are the qualities of self awareness, of focus and compassion ...
The key idea behind mindfulness is to become more present and aware of your thoughts and feelings, rather than being controlled by them. For example, Andy Puddicombe says that instead of thinking ...