Meditation and yoga are two powerful tools that can be used to bring mental clarity, increase concentration and creativity, both in meetings and in different moments of life.
However, when studying both concepts some doubts may arise.
Throughout this article we will focus on analyzing their characteristics, similarities and differences so that you can better understand each concept.
Are yoga and meditation the same?
Many people think that Yoga and meditation are the same because they have some similarities between them, but the reality is that they are quite different tools.
It is quite common to find people who say they are meditating or doing yoga, referring to the same thing. This is because these two practices can be carried out together, achieving extraordinary results. However, before starting to do anything, it is convenient to know the differences and the benefits they can bring us.
The best way to know what is yoga and meditation is to focus on each concept separately:
What is yoga?
Yoga is a word that derives directly from Sanskrit and can be translated into our language as union. Specifically, it refers to the union that exists between the soul (in relation to the individual) with the Spirit (it could be with the universe or with God).
However, it should be noted that yoga is not only a word that describes the state of union, but also refers to the means used to achieve that state of union.
Studying the meaning of yoga is quite complex, but we can arrive at a more or less simple definition: it is an ancient practice (more than 500 years old) and focuses on the synchrony between mind and body. To achieve this, certain postures (known as asanas) and breathing techniques must be adopted. In addition, it affects any level of human life, whether mental, spiritual or physical.
One can better understand what yoga is by knowing the principles on which the discipline is based. Patanjali, an important sage, would be who would establish the 8 principles of yoga, which would be the following:
-Yama: it is related to the rules and ethics to live together in society.
-Niyama: it is associated with the attitudes and disciplines towards one's own person.
-Asanas: the positions adopted in yoga.
-Pranayama: to achieve breath control or life force.
-Pratyahara: is the sense or capacity of abstinence.
-Dharana: is the concentration.
-Dhyana: is the part of meditation with yoga.
-Samadhi: finally, this eighth principle would be spiritual ecstasy.
Let's say that these principles would be the basic steps that would have to be followed to achieve the state of yoga.
What is meditation?
On the other hand, meditation is basically focused on doing nothing. An entity of attention is established (which is usually the breath); thus, the person who meditates will spend some time observing it, avoiding falling prey to any kind of distraction.
As we have already seen in the definition of yoga, meditation was included in the eighth step and is a type of state of consciousness.
In order to achieve it, we must pay attention to what is happening inside us, close our senses and avoid any type of external distraction. This is the only way to advance through the restless state of our mind.
To understand the definition of meditation, we must keep in mind that it is not an act in itself, but a concept used to describe meditative disciplines. In other words: it would refer to achieving calmness without having to perform any physical exercise.
Benefits of Yoga and meditation
Now that you should be clear about the similarities and differences between yoga and meditation, let's look at the benefits of both practices:
1. An effective formula to reduce stress and anxiety 2.
According to expert studies, regular practice of yoga and meditation could help to significantly reduce the state of anxiety and stress, in the same way that could serve a medical therapy to use.
In addition, it is a good alternative to the consumption of anxiolytics, thus avoiding the side effects derived from them.
2. It improves the quality of sleep
A study conducted by the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation concluded that those who practiced yoga and meditated took 10 minutes less to fall asleep.
Not only that, but they also increased the number of hours they slept at night by 1 hour on average.
They also said they were more rested when they woke up.
3. Helps strengthen the body
Doing yoga and meditating before or after exercise can help you to have stronger bones and muscles, including avoiding stiffness.
Yoga prevents the accumulation of lactic acid (which causes stiffness). It also strengthens bone tissue, preventing bone loss and improves joint flexibility.
4. Improves work and academic performance
The techniques followed for meditation and yoga help us to reach a more serene state of mind, reducing nerves and stress under the pressure of studies or work. This means that we will have to make less effort to learn.
For the same reason it helps to improve concentration and creativity in meetings.
Experts say that practicing an hour of yoga and meditation is more effective than staying up all night drinking coffee.
5. Helps relieve chronic pain and posture
As long as the practice is well adapted, yoga and meditation could be very effective in reducing the pain of most chronic pain (such as low back pain, knee pain, fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, neck pain, etc.).
Now you know what yoga and meditation are, their differences and some of the reasons to practice them daily.