Correct Version of Meditation I wonder if I have been practising wrongly all this time. I notice two patterns in my meditation:

(1) Usually, I meditate, but discursive thought still comments on objects, perceptions, other thoughts. I usually focus on the breathing with a commentary, i.e. "I'm breathing," "I should focus on this," "I should focus on that," "My mind is clearer," "My mind is confused," etc. 

(2) However, today, I focused on the breathing with very little commentary, just perceiving the sensations at the nose. The rare thought which arose was: "Nothing is happening," "Everything's quiet." My mind was nevertheless alert, and I didn't feel lethargy. 

Is this second instance what one should aim for in meditation? 

I know one shouldn't control the thoughts, or judge experience, but since both methods mentioned are easy for me, I am curious. I would've thought the second leads to boredom, but rather I find a non-discursive alertness. I also feel that in that moment nothing happens. Thoughts?

Thank you.
(1) Usually, I meditate, but discursive thought still comments on objects, perceptions, other thoughts. I usually focus on the breathing
  with a commentary, i.e. "I'm breathing," "I should focus on this," "I
  should focus on that," "My mind is clearer," "My mind is confused,"
  etc.


This is OK for initial developing of meditative awareness or when the mind is exceptionally busy. 

This is a way to slow down the discursive mind by replacing uncontrolled thoughts with controlled thoughts, as taught as the 4th method in MN 20. 


  (2) However, today, I focused on the breathing with very little commentary, just perceiving the sensations at the nose. The rare
  thought which arose was: "Nothing is happening," "Everything's quiet."
  My mind was nevertheless alert, and I didn't feel lethargy. Is this second instance what one should aim for in meditation?


Yes; this second instance is what one should aim for in meditation. The less thoughts the better. 


  I know one shouldn't control the thoughts, or judge experience


When possible, the Pali suttas teach to control thoughts &amp; to judge &amp; replace any unbeneficial discursive thoughts with beneficial thoughts, as taught in MN 19 &amp; MN 20. 


  I would've thought the second leads to boredom, but rather I find a non-discursive alertness.


The 2nd method leads to calm &amp; (if the non-verbal emotional hindrances can be calmed) to the joy of concentration. 


  I also feel that in that moment nothing happens. Thoughts?


To believe nothing happens is the hindrance of doubt rather than the spiritual power of faith/trust. 

A person wishing to fully practise the Buddhist path should have faith in the teachings.

Before the mind can naturally energize &amp; develop buoyancy &amp; joy, it must settle down, which can appear stagnant for a time.