“Visualizing the practice in terms of a coming back to the
presence of a good friend helps to avoid mistaking
sati [mindfulness] for a forceful type of hyper-attentiveness that
requires strained effort in order to be maintained. Instead, being
in her presence carries the flavours of an open receptivity and a
soft alertness to whatever is taking place.”
Bhikkhu Analayo, “Satipatthana Meditation”