We could all use a little less stress and a little more mindfulness.
Sometimes life seems out-of-balance, completely sapping us of our positive energy. Investing time into a consistent yoga or meditation practice can be a great way to clear blockages, release tension and re-energize yourself.
Yoga and meditation are two highly effective practices that use different approaches but share some similarities. Depending on your personal goals, you might want to start with one or the other.
Let’s compare yoga and meditation and how each practice can provide amazing benefits over time, with consistent practice.
While there are similarities, yoga and meditation are different in that:
Both yoga and meditation have a calm, focused approach. In fact, yoga is sometimes considered to be “moving meditation” due to its focus on mindful movement and awareness of breathing.
Yoga is a physical practice, using stretching, balance and posture to improve the body’s energy and release tension.
The yoga tradition goes back and has spread over time to many countries. There are numerous styles of yoga, each with its own focus, techniques and benefits.
Korean yoga is a relatively recent evolution, drawing on traditional practices from India and incorporating uniquely Korean elements along with other modern approaches. This is the yoga style that inspired the creation of Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi.
Meditation is a practice that focuses the mind, training your attention and awareness. It is essentially a mental practice, with no physical requirements other than being comfortable and relaxed in a place where you won’t be disturbed.
Focusing on your breath is one of the fundamental aspects of meditation. Continuously bringing your attention to your breath helps to quiet your thoughts.
When thoughts do arise, acknowledge them and return to the present moment. Resist the urge to follow your thoughts or emotions — this helps cultivate mindfulness. This , improve your emotional well-being, and bring about a sort of spiritual growth.
Yoga and meditation are philosophically similar, as they both attempt to improve your focus on being present in the moment and feeling more connected with yourself. As a result, there is some overlap in the benefits they can eventually bring about.
Promoting physical, mental and emotional well-being is at the heart of meditation and yoga — but they approach it from different angles. A yoga class normally includes more physical movement than meditative stillness, while a meditation class normally includes less movement and more stillness.
The movements in yoga are intended to release physical tension and better connect your mind with your body. Your attention and awareness can influence the feeling of energy in the parts of your body you are focusing on.
The stillness of meditation creates a quiet state of focus and clarity, preparing you to calm your mind. This calmness creates a space for cultivating mindfulness and improving your concentration.
One caveat: It’s worth noting that meditation while still is not the only kind of meditation. Besides “moving meditation” practices such as yoga, Tai Chi and Qigong, many things we do can be meditative, including gardening, creative arts, artisanal practices and other pasttimes.
With continued practice, both yoga and meditation can cultivate mental clarity, emotional balance, and physical relaxation.
Stress reduction is a benefit of both practices because:
Practicing in a calm and supportive environment is a basic requirement of both yoga and meditation. Yoga studios tend to be serene settings, often with gentle music and soothing decor. A good space for meditation can be anywhere that allows you to be comfortable and free from noise and distractions.
Both practices also require that you are present, focused, and connected with your breathing.
Patience is another key ingredient, as yoga and meditation take dedication and continued practice to become truly effective. Over time, you will increasingly feel the physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits.
The sooner you start your practice, the sooner you can feel those amazing benefits. To see if yoga is right for you, find a Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi studio near you and try a class.
The physical aspect of yoga is, of course, the most obvious difference from meditation.
While there are many different styles of yoga, they all involve some form of movement. Some styles of yoga may have you physically exerted by the end of your session.
While there is some overlap in the purposes of yoga and meditation, yoga’s focus on improving physical sets it apart. Meditation, on the other hand, focuses on training the mind but also happens to have physical benefits.
Consider your goals, your schedule, and any concerns about your energy level or physical limitations that may have you choose one practice over the other.
Perhaps it’s difficult to make it to the local studio for one-hour yoga classes, but you have no problem finding a quiet room in your home to spend 20 minutes of stillness.
Maybe the gym gives you sensory overload, and you are seeking a more serene way to improve your physical fitness. Or maybe the gentle movements and inward focus of yoga could add a sense of calm to your regular exercise routine.
You don’t need to choose between yoga and meditation — many people choose to practice both.
Each of these practices brings about many benefits in an energizing and wholesome way other practices or treatments cannot achieve. Whichever you choose, remember to practice intently and have patience — the benefits will increase over time.
Body & Brain yoga classes have a unique style that you might not be familiar with. Korean yoga is not as focused on advanced stretches and poses, but emphasizes the healthy circulation of energy and incorporates elements of mindfulness and meditation. You may find it to be a simpler practice compared to other styles of yoga.
We believe that in yoga, you need to find what’s right for you. We can help you with modifications that will suit your needs and goals. Trying a class is the first step. With a number of different classes that draw on a variety of Eastern practices, you can discover one that’s a good match.
Releasing tension, improving energy circulation, and increasing physical strength are all possible with Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi — come try out a class at a studio near you.