There are many techniques.  I like this one:  

See a bubble similar to one you would see blown from a child's soap bubble pipe - complete with the rainbow patch (rainbows are such mystical/magical symbols of bridges, color, connection, communication and complete with a pot of gold (prosperity) at the end) and see it large enough to surround your whole body.  It is a filter of all negativity from within or without.  The free flow of energy is possible, without the negative thoughts of others interfering.  

Grounding is done by seeing yourself like a tree with deep, deep roots into the ground.  You are a part of the earth, even as the color and height reach up to the sky.  See the tree as you as you ground into earth's energies.

A psychic friend of mine sent me a medicine bad. It includes: white sage, red rose petals and buds, ST. Johns wart, Amethyst,Hematite,Aventurnine, Jasper and snowflake obsidian. I am to carry these with me at all times and I sleep with them too. She also put 2 small crystals in the bad also. She did this for me because of several reasons, and I am greatly thankful. I will use your exersise also. Thank you so much for your time and information. I am very thankful. Now if I could just meditate without going to sleep..lol.

Meditation is about your own mind.  Perhaps changing your particular technique would help you stay awake?  

Meditation is not about stopping the mind - it is about quieting the material vibration to reach the spirit vibration.  To do this we 'think upon' a peaceful place in nature to reach our calm, inner peace.  To meet/greet our guide we place a symbol and a seat.  (i.e. a flower in a garden - if that is your place of peace, a rock by the river, a tree, etc.)

If stray thoughts occur, and they will, blow a gentle breeze to see them enter and also exit.

Make all these lessons your own - nature is willing and ready to work with human nature.