Answer by Suminda Sirinath S. Dharmasena for Beginner: Should I switch to a less advanced samatha practice?

... The issue is that I don't have a true teacher per se, but a collection of resources which offer diverging guidance. ...

Samatha practice it is advisable to have a teacher as quite a few things can go wrong without proper guidance. In case of Vipassana the chances are that few things will go wrong as long as you practice right. In this case you should be careful if you understood and practicing the technique right. Also you should have enough theoretical knowledge to navigate any issues which might popup.

... I began doing 10-minute sessions using the ... app ...

I am not sure if apps can help in meditation other than for ties and occasional chies to keep you mindful. I would be very weary about commercial apps or courses.

... after relaxing and breathing naturally ...

You have calm the bodily fabrications as per the Suttas

See:

• How is the Pali Phase "Sabbakayapatisamvedi Assasissami... passasissamiti sikkhati..." Interpreted as per Different Linage?
• How does one calm one's bodily fabrications?
• page 35, Knowing and Seeing, 4th Edition, by Pa-Auk Tawya Sayadaw

... focusing on the space between oneself and external objects ...

This paragraph sounds like the space Kasina. This type of meditation (Bhavana) is best done under a guidance of a teacher. For more information see: page 66, Knowing and Seeing, 4th Edition, by Ven. Pa-Auk Tawya Sayadaw. One famous Samatha master is Pa-Auk Tawya Sayadaw. Perhaps you can do a retreat at his monastery or under a student teacher.

... more compassionate person ...

Perhaps you can try developing sublime attitudes (loving-kindness or benevolence or friendliness, compassion, empathetic joy, equanimity)

Should I switch gears to another, less advanced samatha practice now, or stay on my current path?

This you have to decide. Best is to get a teacher especially if you want to do Samatha. Try World Buddhist Directory or http://ift.tt/1VJEqPg.

Alternatively, I could test out the other methods for a bit. But which one?

You can also try: http://ift.tt/1tGrLK8, http://ift.tt/1of2482.

from http://ift.tt/1YMUQUt - User Suminda Sirinath S. Dharmasena - Buddhism Stack Exchange (http://ift.tt/1NMLzIc) by Suminda Sirinath S. Dharmasena (http://ift.tt/1ZwZIP2)