Yogi: I notice fluctuating tension in the heart area when I meditate.

Sayadaw: That’s fine. Just be aware of it when the tension is there.

Many of my anchor objects were in the heart area as well. I like that area because it’s connected to our emotions, it’s connected to the way we feel and to the way we think. So, it gives a more complete picture of how the heart-mind works. You see the cause-and-effect of things because you see it all.

You can use that as an anchor and just notice whatever else is happening in the mind.

In my practice at home, I continuously check to see if I’m relaxed or whether tension was starting. Because I watched tension a lot, I began to understand what helped me to relax and what made me tense. I learned what activities were skilful and what were not skilful for the heart.