Rather than burdening our over-worked minds with yet another job ' meditation ' staying with the breath is a way to strip away our mental burdens and give the mind a solid, safe place to stand amidst our chaotic lives.

The point of the path is to take the choices the mind makes and direct them in one direction - there is a purpose to meditation.

A lot of our preconceived notions come out of ignorance, so it’s important to clear away as many unnecessary expectations as possible when you meditate. Just stay with the breath as it comes in and out. That’s all you have to know.

The skills you learn in meditation don't fall off your lap when you get off the cushion. You learn to be steadier, more precise and sensitive, and you can take those skills to use in the rest of your life -- where they show their true worth.