When you're at ease with the breath, when you feel comfortable with yourbreath, you've got a good foundation where you can take your stance.

"The breath is always here. When you’re at ease with your breath, when you feel comfortable with your breath, you’ve got a good foundation. That’s where you can take your stance. Then when you respond to things, you’re coming from a solid position. Your response is more precise, more on target. So try to practice keep coming back to the breath, back to the breath because this is a foundation you’ve got to build."

~ Thanissaro Bhikkhu "Taking a Stance" (Meditations3)