How to check your breath meditation: "Is This the Breath?"

 It's exciting that I've found a way to check my breath meditation that works for me, and that I think works for you. But, I had a lot of failed attempts.

What Works

It's simple. I just keep asking, "Is this the breath?" And I limit myself to two answers. "This is the breath." or "This is not the breath." And I keep repeating this.

What doesn't work

I've tried many things, and they don't work, at least not consistently. Unfortunately, the things that don't work don't fail 100% of the time. They work sometimes. And, in a measurement tool, a ruler that works sometimes is not a good ruler. Here are some things that I've found don't work.

Three short videos on breathing games

These are good videos for new meditators or experienced meditators about how to play and work with the breath.

1. (3mins) Breath Games 1: DIDO, double in-double out, with detailed instructions
2. (10mins) Breath Game 2: FFF, five finger fist breath meditation. Good for little kids
3. (13mins) Breath Games 3: Somatics, somaticizing the breath, ways to connect with the breath w hand gestures

I have found that making my breath comfortable and enjoyable have helped me maintain concentration on the breath. It's fine to play with the breath to help maintain focus. Props to Thanissaro Bhkkhu's work, which I have benefited greatly from and build on.