So you tried to mediate but you found yourself fidgeting, your mind was wandering around, and your body didn't feel comfortable no matter what position you were in. No matter how long a person has been practicing meditation, they experience this. This is not a failure to grasp meditation, it's perfectly normal. But, there are some things you can do to wind yourself down, prior to meditating and even at the beginning of your session. The first one involves some stretching movements, please consult your physician before trying any fitness activity.
"To be aware of your body, is the beginning of self-love" -Thich Nhat Hanh
Gentle stretches- If it is comfortable for you to do so, sit lotus style and put your left hand on your right knee and put your right arm over your head, then lean to the left slowly until you feel resistance and repeat by switching over and leaning to the right as well. Next, put your hands in a praying position in front of you, palms flat together and push, then release, five times. Go slow. Now, put both legs straight out in front of you, (feel free to bend your knees if this is more comfortable), and lean forward until you feel resistance, hold for a minute, then straighten back up. Next, return to a lotus position and place your hands in your lap. Move your head forward and look down, then lean your head to the left and right with your ears towards your shoulders. Finally, look up and hold for a moment. To conclude, wiggle your fingers and toes before returning to your meditation position.
Count- Close your eyes and count as you breathe. It's that simple. Counting our breaths or just counting as we try to calm ourselves, helps slow our heart rate and places us in the moment of mindfulness.
Reflecting on a place- Is there a place that inspires you, invokes a pleasant feeling or brings peace? Take yourself there in your mind. Close your eyes and picture this place & bond with it through sensory imagery. What does it look like, how does it smell, what is the weather like, can you feel a breeze, can you touch the ground or sand, what sounds do you hear; let it envelope you in serenity.
Body check- Start with your feet and check in with parts of your body all the way to your head. You'll feel a tingling in each part as you focus (weird how the body works, right?). If there is discomfort, imagine that pain lifting and floating away. As you pay attention to your body, allow each part to release the tension you may be holding and relax before you move to the next place.
Take your time with each of these to see which one may work. Maybe you will find your own method for easing into your meditation session. Just remember to be kind to yourself as you go on your mindfulness journey.