Many rain mindfulness who practice yoga often say that they experience a sense of peace during and after their sessions on the mat. This is largely due to the fact that yoga teaches you to focus on your breath and body, thus allowing your mind to quiet down. In addition, yoga postures have been shown to be effective stress relievers when the poses are held for several breaths.

However, is yoga a form of meditation? Well, the answer is both yes and no. While some forms of yoga can be meditative, it is important to note that yoga is much more than just stretches and exercises. In its true essence, yoga is a way of life that aims to unite the mind, body and spirit in one harmonious practice.

The Intersection of Body and Mind: Exploring Yoga and Meditation

To achieve this goal, yogic practices include physically demanding and invigorating poses as well as relaxing and soothing ones. During the more activating poses, your body engages and activates the sympathetic nervous system, also known as the “fight or flight” response. However, when you take a soothing pose, such as corpse pose, the parasympathetic nervous system is triggered, placing your body and mind into a calm and restful state.

In order to make yoga a moving meditation, you will need to pay close attention to your breathing and connect with your body. For instance, try to use the Ujjayi breath technique when you are on your mat. Ujjayi is a type of breath that involves inhaling and exhaling through your nose while creating a slight friction on the back of your throat.