Think of the breath as existing in the context of the body as a whole. There’s a potential for breath everywhere. See if you can allow yourself to imagine that potential.

"Here in the West, we don’t talk about breath going through the body, whereas in Asia they do. But it’s a possible sensation that you can activate. So as you breathe in, try to breathe in a way that’s comfortable. Don’t squeeze the breath in. Don’t breathe in so long that it becomes uncomfortable. Instead, try to figure out what way you can keep the body relaxed and breathe in longer than you might normally do.

As for breathing out, you don’t have to do anything. The breath will go out on its own, until it reaches a point where you feel you need a new breath. Well, let it come in. Think of the breath as existing in the context of the body as a whole: everything from the tips of the fingers on up the arms, the tips of the toes on up the legs, up the torso, and into the head. There’s a potential for breath everywhere. See if you can allow yourself to imagine that potential."

~ Thanissaro Bhikkhu "Mindful of Your Potentials"

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