When I say keep your awareness on the search area, I don't mean to stare at it with a sharp focus. You are not supposed to be using any of your five senses, especailly your eyes. So use a soft focus and that's mainly for the rod. Remember anytime you are using a conscious effort, you are blocking out the subtle energies. All this is difficult, almost overwhelming, to perform when you have so many things to remember. It just takes time to get to where you do it without thinking. As for the breathing, you should be able to notice you feel more relaxed, even feeling wonderful. They say you need to be happy, joyful when you meditate.
The key to breathing is to do it smoothly, like pedaling a bicycle. Slowly count to five on the inhale as you expand your belly, slowly count to five on the exhale as you contract your belly. Immediatly go into the next breath without pause. When you catch your mind wandering, just get it back to the task. It all sounds so simple but it takes a few weeks of practice.
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