Try to relax around the breath. Don’t make the meditation too much of a chore. Think of it as an opportunity to breathe easy. When the mind can rest a bit, then it can look at itself more clearly.

"Try to relax around the breath. Don’t make the meditation too much of a chore. Think of it as an opportunity to breathe easy. Each breath is another opportunity to breathe easy. When the mind can rest a bit, then it can look at itself more clearly. So whatever lessons you’ve learned on how to let the mind rest with the breath and let that sensation of resting spread out: Remember them."

~ Thanissaro Bhikkhu "Getting the Most Out of the Present"

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