This is what, in theory, could have the potential to be the easiest meditation technique ever. Get comfortable and slowly count to ten in your mind without thinking of anything else. If your mind does stray, start back at 1. Repeat until you reach 10. When you make it through 10, you're there, man.

I came across this method in college. Classmates did a research project in which they studied with local Buddhists and learned this meditation ritual. They practiced every day for a week. When they reported back to the class, one student said she reached 10 and found it enlightening, another student said she only made it to 8, but felt she had made progress and was better for it. A third student said he only made it to 3 because every time he tried, he started wondering if his roommate was home, stealing his mac & cheese.

Five years worth of attempts, and I just recently made it to 4. I just can't do it! Arggh!