Optimally observing the breath and the body first. Trying to observe thoughts without that solid foundation, tends to get us caught up in our thoughts.
And yeah, we do have to be aware when our thinking hijacks are attention. But the focus of attention should first of all be on the breath and the breathing before it shifts to any sort of deeper observation of thoughts and feelings.
And that’s generally good advice whether you’re on the cushion or not. Thoughts and feelings can easily carry us away. Our body and our breathing is always in the present.
Optimally observing the breath and the body first. Trying to observe thoughts without that solid foundation, tends to get us caught up in our thoughts.
And yeah, we do have to be aware when our thinking hijacks are attention. But the focus of attention should first of all be on the breath and the breathing before it shifts to any sort of deeper observation of thoughts and feelings.
And that’s generally good advice whether you’re on the cushion or not. Thoughts and feelings can easily carry us away. Our body and our breathing is always in the present.