I am enjoying, and benefitting from, the marvelous guidance in The Mind Illuminated. My question concerns something I have been doing, specifically, using my fingers to keep track while counting up to 10 breaths. I must say, following the suggestion of Culadasa by beginning the breath cycle as the out breath begins has made a nice difference. What I do is, starting with the thumb of my right hand, at the start of each out-breath I extend a digit until 5 breaths are done then go to the left hand, then back to right hand and so on. It is much the same as fingering rosary beads to me.
Using this method for the past week, I’ve noticed a major decrease in forgetting and mind-wandering, so it seems to be serving me well. I started 20 minute meditation periods, I’ve been staying on track very well and will soon be increasing the meditation period. But it is evident to me I have introduced a secondary object of attention (the hands/fingers)and would appreciate the thoughts of experienced meditators here concerning this practice, potential problems, etc. Thank you.
Louis Stevens 8 years, 2 months ago.
