This guided meditation focuses on cultivating alertness in the mind to counter the hindrance of sloth/torpor, a persistent state of dullness and disengaged attention in the mind.  During the meditation, various suggestions are provided to foster persistent curiosity about the changing sensations in the breathing cycle.  When this process is stabilized, expanding focus to areas of the nose and face nearby can add to the levels of alertness.  This meditation is intended to accompany the Dharma talk focusing on setting aside the hindrances of sloth/torpor and skeptical doubt.