Yoga and meditation seem to go hand in hand. Many people who practice one also ends up practicing the other.

Both are mindful practices. They help to calm your mind and center you. They can help with anxiety, depression and daily stresses. Both provide a multitude of benefits to the mind and body. If both yoga & meditation can help with these, then what's the difference?

Yoga and meditation are both based on the breath and the present moment. Where the big difference comes in is that yoga involves movement linking the breath and the present moment whereas meditation is typically thought of practicing breath and stillness. Both, though, have similar effects in your mind, emotional & physical well being.

You can do moving meditations, though. During a morning walk and even during your yoga practice will work. As you become adjusted to moving meditation you may find yourself drawn to a meditation practice with little to no movement.

Yoga practice can include:

• Yoga poses

• Breathing or pranayama

• Linking movement and breath

• Mindfulness and turning your focus inward

• Builds strength by muscle engagement

• Increases flexibility

• Build mental strength

• Sense of accomplishment when you master a new pose

• Calmness, clarity and peace

• Being present in the moment

Meditation can include:

• Seated or laying

• Breathing or pranayama

• Stillness

• Eyes closed or a soft gaze

• Build mental strength

• Sense of accomplishment after being still

• Calmness, clarity and peace

• Being present in the moment

The more often you practice yoga and/or meditation the more connected you become with yourself. This leads to being more mindful, connected & grounded in the moment. Which will then trickle into the rest of your life - with your family, friends, work & all the stress & craziness in your life.

Both can be challenging in their on way. Holding a pose or mastering a new one in yoga. The stillness and quiet of meditation when there's always noise going on around us. Both, though, help you with calmness, clarity and peace by being present in the moment.

May you always be true in your intentions, true to your heart's desires and speak loving truth to those around you.  Love ya! Jennifer