In the book "Manjava Skete" published last year by Cistercian Publications, the translater says in the introduction that the Ukranian Orthodox monks at the skete prayed the Jesus Prayer without all the breathing instructions. The monks wanted to have a traditional monastic life, but somehow the instructions on breathing (which go back centuries) just didn't transfer culturally to their time.
I, too, feel the same way. I use my Prayer Rope every day, but totally disregard anything about special breathing. I just try to stay focused on Our Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God. Yes, I am an American of Eastern European background and those breathing instructions are from another time and place. (I'm glad I've read about them and know about them, but I can't relate to them.)
ANd to use a phrase from another thread, "I am not a 'liturgical packrat,' in fact, I keep trying to simplify my prayer life and everything I do.
Oh, and the other question: I think of Our Lord as a Presence with me, as in always being in His Presence. Sometimes I make a point to think of Him as He's depicted with a beard and I like to think of Him in a white robe. But that's just because I'm so human and those human images help me. (I still have a long way to go in my spiritual life -- but I'm on the road and that's what counts.)
