Never meditated before...
 

I'm finding it difficult to shut my mind off. It wanders so much and so fast it's like herding kittens. Is it prudent to meditate to music, or silence? Any personal suggestions?

Hi shadowspeak, there's no need to try to shut your mind off. Nor do I recommend meditating to music.

Why not try this Buddhist meditation series at YouTube(also found under 'meditation' in our Study Links).

with kind wishes,

A-D

Sure, some softish music can help us become intimate with the receptive listening aware mind.

Then we can progress to meditation upon silence. Meditation upon silence is especially useful.

Some monks teach meditation upon silence as the primary meditation technique.

But if strong thoughts persist to overwhelm the mind, there are methods (skilful means) that can be used to address those thoughts.

Kind regards

Element http://www.discussworldissues.com/fo...ilies/grin.gif

The important thing is to not go with your mind, always come back to your breathing. If your mind goes away one thousand times, bring the attention to your breathing one thousand and one times... Meditation is a practice of patience. You will do it.

May you find peace and true happiness.

Yes, also, a discipline of mind. A look at the mental entanglements transmuted into silence of mind... http://www.discussworldissues.com/fo...ilies/wink.gif

Just breathe normally and watch what your mind does. Become familiar with its behavior. Return to attention on your breathing if you find yourself far afield, but don't try to force your mind to be quiet. That will happen on its own over time as you gradually break the habit of clinging to thoughts and following them around. If you feel any kind of stress, review what you're doing. If you try to impose your will on the mind, it will rebel and meditation will become a chore.

Have you read 'Change Your Mind' by Paramananda? If not, I recommend it. It has lots of good advice about meditating, different types of meditation, as well as practical advice such as posture, different sitting techniques etc. I think it is a good book to start with if you have not meditated before, it is very 'beginner' friendly!
I like to 'set the scene' for meditating, personally. By that, I mean that I meditate when I know i'm not going to be disturbed, have the phone and computer off, light candles and turn off the lights. I need my room to be tidy too!! I find less clutter to be very conducive. I like to read a bit about meditation and the benefits beforehand too. It helps me to reaffirm what I already actually know, for some reason!
My mind wanders too. Try not to get frustrated with yourself, it's ok for your mind to wander. Whenever you catch your mind wandering, gently bring your attention back to the breath, as FBM says.
Good luck, and be patient with yourself.
Dandelion :)