So you start by focusing on where the breath feels good coming in, feels good going out. Everybody wants to be happy. So you wish them happiness. And then from that sense of harmonious well-being, you focus on the breath.

"So you start by focusing on where the breath feels good coming in, feels good going out. If you can’t get a good sense of ease with the breath, start with thoughts of goodwill [mettā]. Wish goodwill for yourself, goodwill for other beings. That’s a comfortable thought because it’s not fighting with the wishes of any being anywhere. Everybody wants to be happy. So you wish them happiness. And then from that sense of harmonious well-being, you focus on the breath."

~ Thanissaro Bhikkhu "Investing Your Happiness" (Meditations3)

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