Yoga and meditation are two practices that have a lot of similarities — but also some very distinct differences. Those who are looking for natural ways to reduce their stress and improve their lifestyle may find themselves deciding between a yoga or meditation practice. It’s important to explore both concepts before deciding on a practice that is right for you.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient discipline that is believed to be about 5,000 years old. It has long been practiced as part of the Hindu faith, and consists of a variety of different types that help people achieve physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. The most common practices of yoga require individuals to breathe deeply as different poses are achieved. Yoga can be used as a form of physical exercise, but it also is used as a way to calm the mind and center the body.
What is Meditation?
Meditation is also an ancient practice, and it was developed by Buddhist monks as a way of transforming the mind. The goal of any meditation session is to increase mindfulness and awareness. Meditation generally requires an individual to sit still with their legs folded and their arms centered near the heart. The eyes should be closed and the individual meditating should be focusing on their breathing as they allow their mind to escape the stress of daily life. Meditation is commonly used as a way of relieving stress and of staying present during challenging times.
The Differences Between Yoga and Meditation
- Meditation is considered to be a solely mental practice, while yoga is a more physical practice. When practicing meditation, an individual will be sitting in a still position that is comfortable for most people. The point of meditation is to increase the individual’s presence of mind and to focus on mindfulness through deep breathing techniques. On the contrary, yoga practice requires an individual to stretch into different poses — some of which can be quite challenging — and then to breathe through the duration of the pose. This provides a physical outlet as well as an opportunity for mindfulness, making yoga more similar to physical exercise than meditation.
- Meditation is often a simpler practice for beginners, while yoga can range from simple to complex depending on the type of practice. Since meditation focuses more on the art of being still in a single position, it’s often an easier practice for someone to begin. It’s particularly beneficial for someone who is looking for a practice that will focus simply on stress relief rather than physical exercise. Yoga, however, provides a greater variety of opportunity for someone who is new to the practice. An inexperienced yogi can find many simple poses and breathing techniques to use as they learn the discipline, while a more experienced individual may challenge themselves with more intricate poses.
The Similarities Between Yoga and Meditation
- Both meditation and yoga can be used to alleviate stress. One of the most common similarities between yoga and meditation is that the practices are designed to minimize stress and the physical side effects associated with it. This is often what draws people to the practice of yoga and meditation. Both practices can be used, and in some cases combined, in order to decrease the amount of physical and emotional stress that a person experiences on a daily basis.
- Both meditation and yoga can be done in a personal setting or in a guided facility. Those who are looking to learn the practice of yoga or meditation will find that they can do so in a place that feels right for them. Yoga practice can be done in a quiet residential space, and there are many digital resources available to help guide an individual. In addition, an interested person can take a yoga class that caters specifically to their skill level. Meditation also can be practiced and improved in the home, but it also can be taught by a guide in a fitness center or training facility.
The good news is, both yoga and meditation are practices that anyone can begin at any point in their lives. You are never too young or too old to begin using these holistic techniques to help alleviate stress, increase mindfulness and minimize the physical pain associated with many chronic conditions. It’s important to work with a guide who can help you establish a practice that meets your unique physical and emotional needs. In many cases, people try out both yoga and meditation before deciding which discipline is the right option for them.