We’re trying to develop a sense of pleasure here with the breath. What’s needed right now for a sense of well-being, sitting here, right here?

"We’re trying to develop a sense of pleasure here [with the breath], so the next step is: When you’re aware of the flow of energy, ask yourself: “Does it feel good?” Feeling good is a very subjective thing: There are times when you want to be energized, times when you want to be relaxed — in other words, to bring things into balance. So ask yourself: “What kind of breathing would be right for right now?” What’s the condition of your body right now? If you’re tired, try to breathe in a way that’s energizing. If you’re tense, try to breathe in a way that’s more relaxing. Or you can systematically experiment with different kinds of breathing: long vs. short, heavy vs. light, slow vs. fast, deep vs. shallow. See where along the continuum between those extremes the breath feels just right for you, right now.

Ajaan Lee borrowed an image from the Buddha: He said, “You’re like a cook, fixing the breath for yourself to partake of.” So notice: What breath food do you want? What do you like right now? What’s needed right now for a sense of well-being, sitting here, right here?"

~ Thanissaro Bhikkhu "Concentration & Insight"

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