[Nurfzerne]

hi L.T.

it sounds like you were listening to a teacher of the 'Mahasi' method, such as Bhikkhu Yuttadhammo

noting 'rising' and 'falling' is a preliminary practise, just like counting, but more subtle

the ultimate aim is to simply observe or be with the 'rising' and 'falling' of the in breathing & out breathing

so it seems like you have advanced well through these stages:

1. counting

2. noting rising & falling

3. observing rising & falling

as you discovered for yourself, the practise of the most subtle method provided the best outcome

the earlier stages are like 'training wheels' on a bicycle. the mind can return to using the earlier stages if it is overly distracted

but if not, then the goal is to practise mere observation & quiet attentiveness


kind regards

element