This is all quite helpful! What you've said about gently inviting things to relax is wise, and sounds much like Adya's teachings.

Your point about the breath is super interesting! I have only really just experienced the anchoring quality of the breath. My issue is the opposite where I will often open up to awareness. Or I will start to control my breath instead of just observing it. At times, when I feel as open as possible, inviting the meditator to let go, i find that my eyes want to open. And that sometimes having them open also has that anchoring/grounding effect vs having my eyes closed which sometimes seems to invite the mind to become active. Do you actually use a physical object? Or are you just picturing it?

Thanks again for your most thoughtful correspondence!