Next you just relax and hold really still and concentrate on your breathing. You don't have to make a big deal about it. It's not like you're thinking about breathing, but you're not not thinking about it either. It's kind of like when you're sitting on the beach and watching the waves lapping up on the sand or some little kids you don't know playing in the distance. You're just noticing everything that's going on, both inside you and outside you, including your breathing and the kids and the waves and the sand. And that's basically it.
The passage describes a practice of mindfulness, emphasizing the importance of relaxation and stillness. It encourages not overthinking but rather being aware of both internal and external experiences, much like observing the natural surroundings at the beach. The tranquility of the setting serves as a backdrop for focusing on one's breath without the need for intense concentration.
This approach suggests that mindfulness is about simply noticing what is happening in the moment—recognizing thoughts, sensations, and the environment without judgment. It highlights a gentle, unobtrusive form of awareness that allows for serenity and presence in everyday life.