Shamatha is the meditative result of one-pointedness, openness, stability with both of these, plus the discovery of innate tranquility. Shamatha is a Sanskrit word that translates to peaceful or tranquil abiding; and it is the foundation of meditation.
Together with the previous steps of The Practice, Step 4, Soften, Open, and Receive is designed to bring a practitioner one step closer to being able to abide as an inner tranquil presence as well as in that state. 
- Smile and settle prepared the ground.
- Tip of the Nose initiated attention. It also began to bring the practitioner in from the daily outer focus to an interior awareness. These are aspects of pratyahara.
- Flow begins the training of pranayama: an orientation to the breath, its texture, path, and rhythm.
- Now Soft, Open, and Receive says, “Feel what’s happening. Open to the riches of your meditation practice. Experience the peaceful awakened presence that is possible.”
Downloadable: Entry: Open