How can I get myself to take my mind off things when I want to meditate?!

How can I get myself to take my mind off things when I want to meditate?

I want to meditate to relax my mind and relieve stress, but I have the hardest time focusing! Once the room goes quiet and I close my eyes, I'm able to clear my mind for like a few seconds and then I start to think about work, family, finances, etc. I can't keep my mind from wandering no matter how hard I try! Any suggestions or am I just hopeless?

I have been a meditation teacher for over 5 years, and I think it helps to remember that this is a "practice" It took me 7 months of regular meditation classes in acupuncture school before I was able to quiet my mind at will.

The best teachers always reminded me to "just let a stray thought go". It's important to not berate yourself during this early stage of learning by telling yourself you suck at meditation and you'll never be able to focus. Rather, simply acknowledge the thought and let it go.

Also, it is best to have guided meditations, like a qi gong tape, at first. If you just try to sit there and go "Ooooommmm" at first, you'll likely be bored and fail.