Practicing meditation and yoga for stress relief in Kansas City are common. Both practices are known to clear your mind, lower your heartbeat, and improve your breath control. Both terms are used interchangeably but have different meanings. What exactly is the difference between meditation and yoga?

Meditation vs. Yoga

Although you can practice both exercises simultaneously, meditation and yoga are two different types of exercise. Meditation is a subsection of yoga. The practice of meditation uses no aspects of physical exercise or bodily movements. Instead, meditation encourages you to try and focus on a particular energy within the body. When meditating, you can also focus on a particular object, sound, or breathing. When meditating, a person sits in one spot and tries to focus on a single point. Meditation is a great way to recenter your thoughts and help reduce stress.

On the surface, yoga is a form of exercise consisting of different stretches that help improve your bodily health, like flexibility and blood flow. However, yoga has more benefits than the physical ones that are always talked about. The practice of yoga has spiritual roots. Many of the stretches in yoga have symbolic meanings in different cultures. A lot of the stretches are derived from animals, nature, and commonly shared stories. Some poses, like the warrior, indicate strength.

While others, such as the child’s pose, indicate submission and acceptance (Many people use this stretch when preparing for a new chapter of their lives.) These are just two of the many poses practiced during yoga sessions in Kansas City.

What is Meditation Yoga?

Meditation yoga is just how it sounds; it is practicing both meditation and yoga at the same time. You time your breathing with your stretches to help improve both your stretching and breathing patterns. Meditation yoga in Kansas City is not only considered a physical practice but a spiritual one. The exercise of meditational yoga is believed to help you achieve a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you. This is a common method of yoga for stress relief in Kansas City.

Yoga and meditation can be very therapeutic when practiced often and correctly. Therapeutic yoga in Kansas City is intended to help you become the best version of yourself, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. 

The Buddha was once quoted saying, “Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back and choose the path that leads to wisdom.”

Meditation and yoga are great ways to get to know yourself better. Improve your mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health through these practices.

Are You Interested in Learning Meditation Yoga in Kansas City?

Lisa Ash Yoga is one of the leading yoga studios in Kansas City, ran by some of the best professional yoga instructors in Kansas City. We are here to partner with you on your path to optimal health. Visit our website to learn all the health benefits that yoga offers and book an appointment with us today.