Another reason we're able to successfully place our mind on the breath is that we have confidence in the reasons why we're meditating.  We do it with enthusiasm because we know it will bring us peace.  We see the futility of outside concerns, fantasies, thoughts, and emotions.  We're willing to give them up at least for the period of our meditation because we see the benefits of doing so.  Placement has become a reasonable thing to do.

- Turning The Mind Into An Ally by Sakyong Mipham
p. 118