Wise Concentration

The funny thing about mindfulness is that
 even though it takes effort and solid intention,
 it’s also deeply relaxing.
 
 I used to think that focusing on my breath was some combination
 of dreary, boring, and hard.
 Now I’d say, it’s none of those things.
 It’s pretty interesting - 
 sometimes the breath is interesting, but equally often, 
 what’s interesting is how wild my mind is. 
 
 And it’s also easy, when I remember to relax.
 Which is really what mindfulness is all about:
 breathing in and waking myself up,
 then breathing out and relaxing.
 
 Sweet practice for any time, 
 but especially for this not-so-easy moment.