My journey to awakening begins by learning to steady my attention. I love that our ancestors referred to the challenges they experienced when attempting this as “monkey mind,” a mind that refuses to remain still. Meditative practices aim at this simple yet elusive goal. But there is something we all do which provides a window to our inner workings: Breathe.
Mindfulness of the breath is taught first in most meditation circles because, as a foundation, it provides an anchor to steady the mind. I love this analogy. One of the most important things I learned as a skipper was to anchor safely. Anchoring a sailboat can be challenging, especially when you factor in ocean currents or while amid other boats. Mastering this skill takes lots of practice and patience. The payoff is peace of mind under less-than-ideal navigating circumstances.
For most of us, mindfulness of breathing begins with finding a posture that supports the process, setting an intention, and trusting that whatever happens is fine. As a Zen student, posture details carry a purpose and meaning that dates back to a centuries-old lineage. This is the path I travel. But less formal and equally valuable instructions are part of other traditions. The point is to find a posture that works for you, settle in the present moment, and start by taking a few deep breaths through your nose. Then, gradually allow whatever form your normal breathing takes.
Remember that the practice is not about controlling our thoughts or breath but about rising and falling with them, like the tides of an ocean, while returning to our anchor. Gradually, your breath will steady, and so will your mind. Whether you do this for three minutes or thirty is not as important as doing it regularly.
After countless times anchoring the 32-footer “Together” safely, I felt ready to take the boat out for the day. Alone, in the vastness of Biscayne Bay, I enjoyed the freedom of using the wind to power my sails with just the right amount of attention to make it both a joy and a practice. Mindfulness of breath has become that to me as well, a sacred time I set aside every day to go back to what is essential as I face the challenges of my life.