Meditation is a tool. It may help combat stress, fosters physical health, aids with chronic pain, may make you sleep better, feel happier, be more peaceful, as well as be in the here and now. But on a deeper level, meditation is a door into the unknown. It may help us get a feel of the mystery of who we are.
Once you begin meditating, you'll notice how disobedient the mind is. I recall being rather shocked by this! I observed that my brain was all over the place. Profound thoughts about my past times or future jostled with routine thoughts about what groceries I had to purchase. Sometime later I'd come to and notice that I had spent a quarter-hour running a painful memory again and again. It was like sitting down in a crazy movie house!
So, if you’re beginning with meditation, please don’t beat yourself up about your raging mind. It's a natural condition. In time you'll discover how to work openheartedly with the onslaught of thoughts and you'll find some clarity and peace.