Yogi: I’m used to being aware of the breath on the cushion. If I intentionally choose or look for the obvious object – breath or the body – the mind tenses up.

Sayadaw: It is better not to choose; just stick to your old object. It is already a habit of the mind to use anapana – so, you don’t have to force the mind to choose.

I have already mentioned that you can use any object, not only the obvious object.

If you use a familiar object, you don’t need to use more energy, you don’t need to force. It is better to watch the object the natural way – without forcing. The mind is more relaxed that way.