Obstacle focusing on the breath

[dalink]

Hi.

They say that one shouldn't make an effort to breath, but to let it arise spontaneously. My current obstacle is that when I intend to observe the breath as a happening, as a spontaneous event I experience it as if I'm holding my breath til my body suddenly forces itself to breath. It doesn't feel right..

Is this a plateau that will go away or what's going on here?

 

Thanks in advance.

[Dinsdale]

Try just noticing the breath, instead of trying to "observe" it. Also be clear about what you're actually noticing, which are the bodily sensations of breathing. It could be the movement of chest/abdomen, it could be the sensation of air passing through the nostrils, it could even be the sound of breathing. 

Make sure you're physically relaxed, while remaining alert. 

If you're still struggling, then try another mediation object. There are many possibilities. 

Edited October 26, 2019 by Dinsdale