The kind of effort energy that is often brought to ‘trying to meditate’ lacks balance. Guidance is given to establish a steady upright posture with the external frame of the body. Energy is sensed at chakra centers to support its free flow through the body.
What keeps our heart from expressing pure lovingkindness? Understanding "tanna" or clinging, that gives rise to attachment & aversion, is the obstacle.
Contracting around either the comfortable or uncomfortable aspects of life will inevitably cause conflict. The resolution of that conflict is the Buddha's teaching.
On this Path, there is release, and there is also awakening into something vaster. Wherever suffering occurs, that’s the place of release. Apply yourself to the restricted places, and effortlessly, the revelation arises.