How do I get my mind to quieten during meditation?

This is one of the most common challenges people face when it comes to meditation and the reason why is because most people think that the goal of meditation is to have a quiet mind. But it’s not. The goal of meditation is to simply connect with the present moment. The quietness of the mind just naturally happens when this is achieved.

Let me put it another way, thinking 'just let the mind settle’ whilst meditating is actually just adding another competing thought to the mix of thoughts that are already swirling around in your head. It’s like throwing another hot-chip into a flok of seagulls. Instead, let your gaze focus beyond the fluttering birds on the horizon and eventually because there’s nothing left for them to eat, one by one the seagulls will begin to fly away until all that’s left is just you and the sunset.