I tried anapana meditation today and I feel like I improved since the last time I practiced it. Whenever I felt any sign of drowsiness, I opened my eyes and continued meditating. Whenever my face tensed up, I made sure to relax it immediately. I also stopped forcing myself to be with the breath. Instead, whenever my mind wandered, I just returned it to the breath.
The three meditation techniques I practice now are Recollection of the Buddha, Compassion Meditation, and Anapanasati. I think Recollection of the Buddha and Compassion Meditation are foundational to the Bodhisatta path. I find that being inspired by the Buddha’s qualities and having compassion for living beings are essential to fulfill the perfections.
I also read Abidhamma texts and reflect on ultimate reality which weakens my notion of self and pride.