Focusing Basic

A Practice

Notice your breathing sensations. (e.g. coolness or warmth in your nose or expanding and contracting sensations in your abdomen)

Note: The practice is similar to starting a fire with a magnifying glass by focusing sunlight in one place continuously. The practice is neither thinking about breath nor quieting the mind nor breathing deep nor trying to feel good.

Practice Guideline

  • Posture: Sit tall and balanced so that your body becomes relaxed and pleasant on its own.
  • Breath: Let your body breathe naturally without controlling your breath.
  • Review: writing down or sharing your practice experience with others. (e.g. how you practiced and a result.)

Common Mistakes

Practice incorrectly. Thinking about breath rather than being aware of it. Trying to stop thoughts or to block all sounds. No daily practice. Unaware of obstacles, unrealistic expectations. Forcing breath. Imagining. Trying to feel good. Incorrect posture. Having no mentor or guiding teacher. Making no progress …

Q&A

How do I know I am doing right?

Check to see if you experience one or more of the followings: breath becomes deep/long on its own, body becomes relaxed, and mind becomes peaceful, free & pleasant.

How soon will it happen?

It takes just one breath.

How do I know whether I am aware of my breath or thinking about it?

If you are knowing the physical sensations of your breath that is constantly changing from moment to moment in the present, you are aware of your breath. If you are remembering your breath or imagining a breath, you are thinking about the breath.

Terms

  • Self Guiding Technique: mentally guide your practice with phrases. Examples: “breathing in. breathing out.”
  • Labeling Technique: mentally say your experience with a word or phrases. Examples: “I know I am breathing in. I know I am breathing out.”
  • Counting Technique: count your breath with your fingers.
  • Note: Counting, Self Guiding and Labeling techniques are like training wheels in children’s bicycles and can be useful for beginners. You will eventually no longer need them as you make progress.
  • Mindfulness refers to the mental capacity of being aware. It is best to experience for oneself.
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