Meditation and Yoga

If you’ve ever confused one for the other, it is because they are interrelated. Meditation and yoga go hand in hand, working together to connect our small self to our much higher soul self. We must first be aware of our bodies in order to forget about it and go deeper into meditation.

When we practice yoga and meditation, we raise our consciousness. This is because yoga helps us to bring the body to a state of calm by dissipating the restless energy we carry around. When this happens, we are prepared to become completely immersed in deep concentration for better meditation.

Put simply, yoga and meditation can be likened to sisters – each different in her own unique way, but at the same time, both are rooted in spirituality and their benefits on both the mind and the body.

Differences Between Yoga and Meditation:

Despite their interrelated nature, there are some differences between yoga and mindfulness meditation. One major difference between the two is the physical aspect (asana) of yoga. It is basically a form of mindfulness that encourages the connection with present moment experience as the individual moves from one pose to the next or during extended poses.

Additionally, yoga’s physical element can help the individual work through pain, muscle tension, and stiffness. For individuals who may be unable to practice the usual sitting meditation techniques due to intense psychological and physical challenges, their pathway to less misery can be found through a physical asana practice that may integrate mindfulness techniques.

The poses range from sun salutations, arm balances to calming, and relaxing poses. These poses are usually practiced at the beginning of a class to stimulate the nerves. To activate the parasympathetic response for more calm and peace, poses such as the supported or forward bends. In the end, the physical practice with an emphasis on mindfulness and movement becomes the path through emotional and physical tension as the body is prepared for a meditation session.

That said, yoga poses are not only rejuvenating for the body, also stimulating for the brain.

One of the most beneficial effects of meditation, it is famous for its ability to help stressed-out individuals cope better. When you meditate regularly, you reduce the stress response in the brain throughout the day.

Our body’s natural inflammatory responses become better trained to react in a calmer and more relaxed manner. This, therefore, means that the more you meditate, the more peaceful and more relaxed you become, and the better you become at handling stress. And in turn, elevated blood pressure is reduced, and it lessens your risk of developing cardiovascular issues.

Lets not forget another major benefit of meditation is the improved mental focus and a general feeling of better emotional wellbeing from the deep relaxation. A brief but intense meditation session will have you feeling more positive giving you an emotional boost.

As we live in a world of anxiety and depression disorders, Mindful meditation, when practiced regularly, can reduce negative and critical thoughts, which has been linked to harmful or dysfunctional beliefs. It is know to increase concentration, learning ability and memory.

For further information on these practices please contact Julie direct.