You can test different perceptions of the breath to see which ones are most conducive to settling down right now. You want to keep a picture in mind that’s going to be helpful in getting the mind to settle down and then learn to stick with it.

"As we’re settling down, you want to keep the perception of the breath going. You can test different perceptions of the breath to see which ones are most conducive to settling down right now: the breath as flowing through the whole body; the breath as little lines going through the body, coming in and out of the pores — whatever perception allows you to settle in with the breath with a sense of ease. And you notice that the perception you apply to the body will have an impact on how you experience the body. It’s not just a matter of trying to get the most accurate picture in your mind of what the breath is already really doing. You want to keep a picture in mind that’s going to be helpful in getting the mind to settle down and then learn to stick with it."

~ Thanissaro Bhikkhu "The Thread of Mindfulness" (Meditations8)

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