When you've made the breath a safe, comfortable place to stay, you’re really safe, safe not only from the world outside but also from your own crazy emotions. Hold on to the breath as your lifeline.

"So think of the breath as your safe place, as your safe haven. And work on making it a comfortable place to stay, because it is yours.

The thoughts that come through your mind: You’ve picked up language from this culture, all different kinds of culture sometimes. Even the words going through your mind are words you’ve borrowed from other people.

But your sensation of the breath: That’s yours. So allow that to be comfortable. That way you have a good bulwark against all the forces of the world and the forces of your own emotions. At the same time, you learn how to step back from it. You’re not entirely involved in an emotion. That weakens it so that it doesn’t take over.

This is what the Buddha means by finding refuge. We develop his qualities inside our own mind. He was a person of mindfulness and alertness, so try to be mindful to keep the breath in mind and be alert to stay with the breath. And just as he found a refuge inside himself, you’ll be able to find a refuge inside you.

That’s when you’re really safe, safe not only from the world outside but also from your own crazy emotions. Hold on to the breath as your lifeline."

~ Thanissaro Bhikkhu "Tornados of Drama"

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