@Barbaraj---as I mentioned to
@lotusbuds, the chair yoga is an online class I signed up for through the Daily Om. I have not been very faithful about consistently doing things I sign up for online---am so unstructured and random now that I am retired, that it's hard for me to get into routines. I know I am not ready to jump into a full blown yoga class---did them when I was young, and there's a lot more to yoga than it appears on the surface.
I stink at independent meditation too, but realize that when I am in my garden, sitting on my front porch, or walking on a trail, there are times when my mind is clear and I am just living in the moment, breathing, and not thinking of anything. I think perhaps I struggle with the common definition/method of meditation, but I definitely see the value in breathing, centering, affirming, and all of the related tools/components. I used to use a lot of these with my students to help them relax and focus---but never got into the "totally clearing the mind" part.
If I try to wake up and meditate, my mind is all over the place and I can't shut it down. I've tried some guided meditation in the past to help me sleep---mixed results, but usually I'd eventually fall asleep, definitely faster than on my own.
I am in an exploratory stage right now, brainstorming all the things I might like to do in my next chapter, to get in better shape and maintain good overall health---the new hip is inspiring!