Difference Between Mindfulness and Yoga

Both yoga and mindfulness meditation aim to quiet the mind by developing a sense of focused attention to what is happening in the present moment, without being biased or judgmental. Both the practices teach you to pay attention to your bodily sensations by being present in the moment. Despite the similarities, both are very different.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a form of meditation that purposely brings your attention in the present moment by noticing when your mind wanders off. It is a mental training practice that makes you aware of where you are and what you are doing, without interpretation or judgment. This technique aims to cultivate a sense of awareness, develop a sense of attention to what is occurring in the current moment, without being judgmental. Mindfulness is the key ingredient of most meditation techniques that goes far beyond the format aspect of sitting down with the eyes closed. It simply means to be present in the moment, undistracted. It is about observing without criticism; being compassionate with yourself. It implies resting your mind in its natural state of awareness, free of any negative thoughts, bias or judgment.

What is Yoga?

Yoga is the art and science of healthy living. Yoga is a spiritual science that has been practiced for thousands of years. Yoga originates from the Vedic spirituality, the goal of which is liberation from all forms of materialistic limitations. A spiritual path is meant to bring your consciousness up to a higher level of awareness. The Sanskrit root of the word yoga is yuj, which means to bind, link, or unite with the object of your meditation. Nowadays, people often practice yoga merely to maintain their physical fitness, or for their mental and overall well-being. But yoga is much more than that; there’s a higher aspect of yoga, which for some has been forgotten.  Yoga has several benefits, such as it strengthens concentration and determination. The assortment of asanas or postures also provides stronger health and helps prevent various diseases caused by irregular lifestyle.

Difference between Mindfulness and Yoga

Technique 

– Mindfulness is a form of meditation that makes you aware of where you are and what you are doing, without interpretation or judgment. It is about observation without criticism and being compassionate with yourself. It simply means to be present in the moment, undistracted. Yoga, on the other hand, is the art and science of healthy living that incorporates more aspects such as physical postures and breathing exercises than just meditation.

Significance 

– While both mindfulness and yoga place emphasis on the breath and present moment, they are also very different. Yoga is about harnessing the mind by being fully present in every action in every moment. Yoga poses help to connect body, mind and spirit to help you be present with those aspects of yourselves. Mindfulness is the key ingredient of most meditation techniques that implies resting the mind in its natural state of awareness, free of any bias or judgment. Mindfulness means being in the moment, experiencing life as it unfolds, rather than being lost in thought. 

Benefits

 – The assortment of asanas or postures provides stronger health and helps prevent various diseases caused by irregular lifestyle. Yoga helps you sleep better, builds muscle strength, increases flexibility, increases blood flow, ease stress and anxiety levels, and so on. Mindfulness aims to cultivate a sense of awareness, develop a sense of attention to what is occurring in the current moment, without being judgmental. It helps reduce chronic pain, alleviate gastrointestinal difficulties, improve working memory, increase focus, maintain emotional balance, and improve mental clarity.

Mindfulness vs. Yoga: Comparison Chart

Summary

Yoga is a type of meditation that helps us connect with the embodied mind, same as mindfulness meditation. So, both the practices can support one another and enhance one another. Yoga incorporates more aspects such as physical postures and breathing exercises than meditation. The main focus of mindfulness meditation is mind-body awareness as opposed to the physical postures, while yoga poses help to connect body, mind and spirit. Yoga is considered more holistic as it promotes not only mental stability but also physical and spiritual stability. Yoga also strengthens the heart and keeps the veins healthy.

What is the difference between mindful and mindfulness?

Mindfulness means being in the current moment and experiencing life as it unfolds before you, free of bias or judgment. Mindful means observing your thoughts and feelings from a distance without judgment or attachment.

What are the 4 mindfulness techniques?

1. Live in the moment, without interpretation or judgment.
2. Focus on your breathing.
3. Observe your thoughts, feelings and emotions.
4. Free your mind of any negative thoughts or bias.

What are 4 benefits of mindfulness?

1. Mindfulness meditation helps relieve stress, anxiety and depression.
2. Affects the ability to focus attention.
3. Reduces rumination.
4. Improves mental and physical health.

Is yoga considered mindfulness?

Mindfulness is an important aspect of the physical practice of yoga. Both mindfulness and yoga practices can support one another and enhance one another. So, in a sense, yoga can be considered as a practice of mindfulness and vice-versa.

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