TODD ANSWERS: It is much better to practice watching your breath because your breath is always with you. You don’t have to try to freeze, because your brain will always be receiving information (light, sound, etc…). But what you can practice is stilling your focus.

Focus on one thing very intently, whether it’s your breath, a mantra, or a flower. And just practice extended concentration. Once we can still our minds, we will experience stillness. Not the other way around. This is the path to deep peace — a mind that is calm, not easily distracted, and able to just be in the here and now.