Maitreya

Most people spend a lot of time lost in repetitive old thought patterns that are unconscious and unhelpful. The mind has a far greater creative capacity than you know. Stepping outside of your small ego-world helps put your life into context.
Contemplation means creative, positive thinking; it expands horizons and prepares your mind for the jump into non-conceptual consciousness, or no-mind. When you have developed your natural capacity to think consciously and positively, it is easier to persuade the mind to be silent and present during meditation. Give contemplation a try.