[twiffatticy]

Focus on Breathing seems to be a common element to most basic instructions on meditation. Why? Should all I be trying to do is focus 100% on my breathing? What will this accomplish? Will I "feel" anything or any sensations? And does enlightenment simply "happen" one day after years of random practicing?

Hi Balgore

If you can focus 100% on your breathing then please do so.

Why?

1. The mind can find calmness & the body can find relaxation.
2. The mind can increase its clarity & sharpness.

You will certainly feel sensations. In fact, your mind will learn to get in touch with its emotions within the physical body (but on a deep & non-thinking level). You will also naturally learn to calm or dissolve any stressful emotions or sensations.

Focusing 100% on breathing is the formal path to enlightenment. If the mind can become clear & stable, then insight or wisdom can arise.

If we choose this method, then we must place our trust 100% in the method.

- Posture seems to be another big element. Why is it so strict? Can one not meditate slouched over, or laying down? I find, in the few attempts I have made at meditation and focus on breathing so far, is that when I get to a certain point where my breathing really starts to slow down, I naturally slouch over to a more relaxed position. Should I fight this urge and force a straight back? Does 'flexing' your back musscles to sit straight up not break concentration? It is difficult to maintain and sharpen awareness when lying down. It is OK to slouch, as long as your mind remains in touch with the breathing. If this is done, the breathing will generally lengthen and your posture will naturally straighten by itself.

I have decided to commit to trying to meditate at least for 15 minutes every day. What should I be trying to accomplish as my first goals? How long will they take me to accomplish (should I be expecting results soon? in years?)? And please be as specific as possible when answering this questioning. Saying something simple like "focus on clearing your mind" or "just focus on breathing", perhaps will leave me confused as to what my 'goal' in doing it is, what im accomplishing, or what I should be expecting to feel or experience. 15 minutes is not a long time so just focusing on breathing is a suitable goal. Why just focus on breathing? So you can develop a mind that is not distracted and so you can develop & feel calmness & peace of mind.

15 minutes is enough time for the mind to feel some tranquility & refreshment.

You can try some counting exercises (via mental noting), such is counting '1' on the in-breath and '1' on the out-breath; then '2' on the next in-breath and '2' on the next out-breath; up to ten.

You can also place your hands gently on some sensitive places, such as one hand on your belly & the other on your chest, to help you mind get in touch with the sensation & movement of the in & out breath.

In short, the goal of meditation is to develop mindfulness (non-distraction), tranquility (inner peaceful feelings) & insight.

Kind regards

Element