It takes a lot of practice to clear your mind, but if you try too hard, you can't do it. Actually, your mind isn't necessarily perfectly clear. You should put part of your mind on your dan t'ien**, focus on your breathing, relax all your muscles and try to feel warmth in your dan t'ien, or "center." If you find your mind wandering, put it back on your center and focus on the warmth. It may take you a while to feel warmth but you will eventually.
**Dantien is a concept which frequently arises in Asian philosophy, medicine, and martial arts. The dantien is the body's center of gravity, and in theory the storage center for qi, or life force. It is located just below and behind the navel, although some traditions suggest that the body actually has three points of dantien, at the navel, heart, and forehead. Students in courses which deal with traditional Chinese philosophy such as qi gong classes are often introduced to the concept of dantien at an early stage.
They say that you aren't supposed to have a totally blank mind, but you allow thoughts to come and go without holding onto them. Try to focus on your dan t'ien, breathing, and feeling of warmth. Relax your muscles and listen in all directions. Listen behind you. Be aware of all things, but your mind clings to nothing. Rise above your surroundings. Your goal is to use it to cope with tense situations, angry situations, and deal with things calmly. When someone yells at you in anger, center yourself and relax. Deal with the problem and detach from the tension. Your entire life will improve.
Imagine energy coming into your body when you inhale, and when you exhale, imagine it getting warmer in your dan t'ien.
Don't stress about it. Just keep practicing and it will happen. Take life one breath at a time.
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