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@shibao I have always found breath meditation simplest. Sit comfortably (traditionally on a cushion, but tbh I don't really think it matters). Close your eyes. Focus on your breath. When your mind starts to wander (as it invariably does), note the thought arising, gently let it go, and return to focusing on your breath. Keep doing that for the duration of your session.
@shibao If you get bored, or anxious, or suddenly remember there is something you absolutely must do, note that those are merely thoughts arising. Let them gently go and return to focusing on your breath.
If you're convinced that you are doing it wrong, or that this is useless, or that you're stupid and never understand these things, note that these too are merely thoughts arising. Allow for the possibility that they aren't true, gently let them go, and return to focusing on your breath.
If you find that your thoughts just won't stop swirling and you can't stop thinking, relax. This is a fundamental part of the human condition, and a big part of mediation is about realizing that. Gently let those thoughts go, and return to focusing on the breath.
@shibao
If you get to the end of your session and find that you've been daydreaming, or thinking about work, or running through weekend plans, and you've forgotten all about focusing on your breath, take it as a lesson. Thoughts are powerful, your mind's natural tendency is to think. Note this and resolve to "do better" next time.
Practice every day. I spend 15 minutes meditating. Even 10 minutes can be a good starting point. More serious practitioners spend 30 or 45 minutes daily. Don't try to start there. Like any exercise, it takes time to work. The most important thing is to make a habit of practicing daily.
@shibao If you find your body hurts when meditating, recognize that while this too is technically a thought, it's usually a very important one about the health of your body. It's also a very difficult one to gently let go. Find a more comfortable posture. Sit in a chair or even lie on the floor, then return to the breath.
(But if you find yourself squirming and shifting position a lot, recognize that this is a subtle trick your brain uses to think about something, in this case your body, or posture, or that you're doing it wrong, or whatever else. Find a posture you can be comfortable in, and try to sit still while you gently focus on your breath.)
Meditation takes time to show effects. Don't expect instant results. Don't expect much of anything. Just keep practicing every day, Keep focusing on your breath. Keep watching thoughts arise. Keep gently letting them go. It's simple but difficult.
Just keep breathing.