We make our breathing the first object of our concentrated mind. We put all our attention on our breath, so that mind and breath become one. After first focusing on the breath, we can then practice focusing on other phenomena. When we use our breathing to bring all the energy of mind consciousness to one point, our confusion stops, and we are able to sustain the energy of our mind on one object. As we continue to practice, the energy of concentration helps us penetrate deeply into the heart of the object of our focus, and we gain insight and understanding.