<p>If it helps you to be in the <em>moment</em>, then by all means do it.</p>

<p>Remember that breathing is just our anchor to the <em>moment</em>, to the <em>now</em>.</p>

<p>Let go of everything else. You can even let go of this idea. As long as the breath brings you to the present moment, it is doing its job.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-11-26T14:32:49.683Z
2018-11-26T14:32:49.683Z
Bwrites
<p>It is not necessary to think: "<em>I am</em>". The mind should know the action of the breath being long or being short. Also, there is really no need to "<em>focus</em>". When the mind is quiet &amp; silent, the mind will know the breathing. Be as silent, still, upright, awake &amp; alert as possible. </p>

<p>Note: At the highest level of practise, the Buddha taught to reflect: </p>

<blockquote>
  <p><em>Monks, whatever form, past, future or present, internal or external, coarse or fine, low or lofty, far or near, all that form must be
  regarded with proper wisdom, according to reality, thus: 'This is not
  mine, <strong>this I am not</strong>, this is not my self.'</em></p>
  
  <p><a href="https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn22/sn22.059.mend.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><em>SN 22.59</em></a></p>
</blockquote>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-11-25T05:21:09.523Z
2018-11-25T06:35:39.023Z
2018-11-25T06:35:39.023Z
Dhamma Dhatu
<p>Per the teachings of the Anapanasati Sutta, should one literally think about what they are doing, or focus on the breath itself? </p>

<p>Meaning, should I think "I am breathing in long," or should I focus on the action of my breath being long?</p>

<anapanasati>
Should one literally think "I am breathing in long, I am breathing out long."
# Should one literally think "I am breathing in long, I am breathing out long."

(Asked by: username_0 on 2018-11-25)

Per the teachings of the Anapanasati Sutta, should one literally think about what they are doing, or focus on the breath itself?

Meaning, should I think "I am breathing in long," or should I focus on the action of my breath being long?

**Tags:** anapanasati


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## 2 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2018-11-25. Score: 5

It is not necessary to think: "*I am*". The mind should know the action of the breath being long or being short. Also, there is really no need to "*focus*". When the mind is quiet & silent, the mind will know the breathing. Be as silent, still, upright, awake & alert as possible.

Note: At the highest level of practise, the Buddha taught to reflect:

> *Monks, whatever form, past, future or present, internal or external, coarse or fine, low or lofty, far or near, all that form must be
> regarded with proper wisdom, according to reality, thus: 'This is not
> mine, **this I am not**, this is not my self.'*
>
> [*SN 22.59*](https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn22/sn22.059.mend.html)


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### Answer by username_1 on 2018-11-26. Score: 0

If it helps you to be in the *moment*, then by all means do it.

Remember that breathing is just our anchor to the *moment*, to the *now*.

Let go of everything else. You can even let go of this idea. As long as the breath brings you to the present moment, it is doing its job.


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