In the Insight meditation tradition, breath awareness is the first technique we practice. Observing our breath creates an anchor for the restless mind. Of course, practicing breath awareness doesn’t guarantee that our minds won’t still spin out. But breath awareness gives us a place to start. But why the breath? Why not a candle? Or a mantra? Or an intention or affirmation? All these things make excellent anchors in other types of meditation. But in mindfulness practice, the intention is...

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