Edwin Leo

“I’ve been meditating by counting my breaths for some months now, with the understanding that this is a good ‘beginner’ practice to build my powers of concentration before more ‘serious’ forms of meditation.

I have been, and still am, enjoying it.

I like having a clear object that lets me know when I have lost focus.

I have reached a point where, more often than not, I can get through my 20 minute meditation session without losing count.

I still have thoughts but rarely are they strong enough to drag me away from the counting.

Here is my question:

Is now a good time to progress to a more advanced form of meditation, like simply observing the breath without counting?

Or am I wrong to think of counting the breath as a ‘training exercise’ in the first place – is counting breaths, in and of itself, sufficient to deliver deep spiritual insights and clarity?

Thank you!”

Now is a good time to progress.

Counting breaths and observing breathing is relaxing.

If you would like to see real results from meditation allow your thoughts to flow.

Observe your thoughts neutrally, like they are someone else’s thoughts.

Allow the unimportant thoughts to flow away.

Focus on the important thoughts, address them and resolve them.