The key is to abide in quiet mind, not to be bored with peace, but rather to go deeper into it. This boundless inner peace is pure being, without thoughts or feelings. It is a very pleasant experience. Quiet mind is unattached to thoughts and impulses to act on them. Thus, quiet mind is experienced as liberation.
Silence is a powerful force in spiritual growth.
Some meditation practices focus attention on the breath. Focusing on the breath brings an intimate awareness of both natural and unnatural action. The breath is naturally spontaneous, but as soon as the human mind focuses on it, the breath tends to become unnatural and distorted by the thoughts, emotions, and expectations of the mind. Much can be learned from watching the effect of thoughts and feelings on the breath. Rather than focusing on affirmations, Eastern views of spiritual development stress negations.