Dear Defcon83,
I've never tried any of the technical avenues to meditation because I've used one that works well for me--when I use it.
Years ago, I read a book by Cheri Huber, an American Zen Buddist nun, called "How To Get From Where You Are to Where You Want To Be." In it, she described discovering a simple form of meditation that, for her, was so calming, it rid her of many, many negative patterns. I recommend the book (you can get it from Amazon and lots of other places), and you might try the simple exercise she recommends. I have, and it works every time so long as I keep it up for at least five minutes, preferably more. The following is what I do. It's probably something of a modification of her method which, I think, may be simpler still. (It really has been a while since I read the book. 
)
Sit or lie down and get comfortable. (You can do this anywhere, even if you're driving--Huber tells an amazing story about her own experience with that--although I'd recommend trying it first in a quiet, safe and stationary place.) Breath in through your nose very gently. Don't try to breath in hard or for a really long breath, just notice yourself inhaling. Mentally count "one". Exhale, also gently, not forcing it at all. Inhale and exhale like this again and again, mentally counting each inhalation, until you get to "ten", then start over at "one". When thoughts cross your mind, notice each one as if it were a bird flying across the sky, like, "Oh, hmm, there it goes", and let them fly away.
I told you it was simple. Key for me is to keep it up. A 10-minute session makes me feel both calm and energized.
Good luck!
