Yoga and meditation have always been closely linked, and there has been a recent surge in interest in mindfulness practices, with many yoga classes incorporating meditation and mindfulness techniques.
Before we dive in to how both of these elements can help with overall wellbeing, let’s begin with defining the meanings of mindfulness and meditation, as there can be some confusion around how they are different and similar.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a mental state characterised by paying attention to the present moment, on purpose, and without judgment. It involves bringing your awareness to your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment, without getting caught up in judgments, worries, or distractions. Mindfulness is often cultivated through meditation practices, such as mindfulness meditation, but can also be practiced informally throughout the day, by simply paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.
The benefits of mindfulness practice are numerous, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, improving focus and concentration, enhancing emotional regulation, and promoting a greater sense of well-being and overall quality of life. Mindfulness has been incorporated into many areas of life, including healthcare, education, and workplace settings, as a way to promote wellness and improve performance.
So what is meditation?
Meditation is a practice that involves training the mind to focus and achieve a state of mental clarity, emotional calmness, and relaxation. There are many different types of meditation, but most involve finding a quiet place to sit comfortably, focusing on a particular object or thought, and bringing your attention back to that object or thought whenever your mind begins to wander.
Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years in various cultures and spiritual traditions, but it has become increasingly popular in recent years as a secular practice for promoting mental and physical well-being. Research has shown that regular meditation practice can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, improve focus and attention, increase self-awareness and emotional regulation, and even lower blood pressure and improve immune function.
Some common types of meditation include mindfulness meditation, loving-kindness meditation, and Transcendental Meditation (TM), among many others. Each type of meditation has its own unique approach and techniques, but they all share a focus on quieting the mind and achieving a state of relaxation and inner peace.
How does yoga incorporate mindfulness and meditation?
Yoga incorporates mindfulness and meditation by encouraging practitioners to focus on their breath, body sensations, and present moment awareness during the practice. In fact, yoga poses or “asanas” are often considered a form of moving meditation, where practitioners use their breath and body movements to bring their attention to the present moment and cultivate mindfulness.
During a yoga practice, instructors may guide practitioners through a sequence of poses while encouraging them to stay present with their breath and body sensations. This can help students to become more aware of their physical sensations and mental state, and to cultivate a greater sense of mindfulness.
Additionally, many yoga classes may include a dedicated meditation practice at the beginning or end of the class, where practitioners sit quietly and focus on their breath, a mantra, or a specific point of focus. This can help to deepen the meditative state and bring a greater sense of relaxation and inner peace.
The combination of physical movement, breathwork, and meditation practices in yoga can be a powerful tool for cultivating mindfulness, reducing stress, and promoting overall well-being.
How can you expect to feel after a yoga class?
The way you feel after the practice can vary depending on the type of yoga class you attended, your level of experience, and your individual physical and mental state. However, here are some common experiences that many people report feeling after a yoga class:
Relaxed: Yoga classes often include various relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualisation, which can help to calm the mind and reduce stress.
Energised: Depending on the type of yoga class, you may also feel more energised and invigorated after the practice. Many poses involve stretching and strengthening the muscles, which can help to increase blood flow and boost energy levels.
Connected: Yoga can also help to cultivate a greater sense of connection with your body and mind. Through mindful movement and breathing, you may feel more aware of your physical sensations, thoughts, and emotions.
Grounded: Many yoga classes also focus on grounding and centring the mind and body, which can leave you feeling more grounded and balanced after the practice.
Improved flexibility and mobility: Regular yoga practice can help to improve flexibility and mobility, which can leave you feeling more open and relaxed in your body.
Yoga for overall wellbeing
As we can see, the benefits of yoga which include meditation or mindfulness elements are numerous, and can have a positive impact on both physical and mental wellbeing. If you are interested in exploring how it can help you in daily life, search online for yoga in Mornington or your local area. Consider joining a group class, or opt for private yoga sessions if you feel you might benefit from one to one tuition.
