Attention forms a focus that is by definition, only a part of the whole field (especially the visual focus). So if a ‘watchful’ focus is making your practice tense and try, relax attention and cultivate intention – it covers it all. Intention has a certain motivation, it steers attention. The intention for freedom from stress and pain is what citta is looking for.
Referring to the text, see what’s not there – there’s no mention of one-pointed attention. This is a common misunderstanding. Consider instead a one-pointed intention, to bear in mind, and return again and again to the process of breathing.
From my teacher Thea Elijah, through establishing our connection to the earth, we create common ground upon which we realize our interconnectedness. This meditation guides us through this process so that we can offer lovingkindness to ourselves, a beloved, a neutral person, a difficult person, and all beings.
