Also, I've learned that you have to be non judgemental with yourself when meditating. If you get frustrated because you're not able to clear your mind, you miss the point. If you REALIZE your mind is following thoughts, that's really good. You are observing that your mind is generating thoughts. Just observe with non judgement. Eventually, you'll see that the you that's observing the thoughts is your true self, and the chatter is just what makes life hard. Either memories of the past, or thoughts about the future. It isn't real.