It’s been a rough patch lately and with starting school and work. I have no days off between classes and my job and it’s taking a toll. BUT I wrote this essay for class on how to tune in and felt the need to share, even though I’m sleep deprived and it’s 11p.m. — here you are :
Simple Ways to Tune Inward
Yoga and meditation are some of the oldest and most reliable practices used to help us tune inward and connect to our highest self. Maybe you’ve heard of the term ‘mindfulness’ and have wondered how you could be practicing more of it? There are benefits to both because the two share a lot of similarities, but you may feel more comfortable practicing one over the other due to their distinct differences. Either way, creating a ritual with either activity will promote mental clarity, a connection to self, and sense of well-being. If you’re looking for a guide to either I’d be happy to help assist you in that journey, whether it be led by myself or a fellow practitioner.
Yoga and meditation have both been practiced for centuries. Each practice asks us to stay present in the moment while we tune our attention to the breath. We use the breath as a tool in each activity to help guide and fuel the practice. Breathwork is a magical and integral part of getting in touch with yourself. When the mind begins to wander, the breath is used to recenter us back to the present moment. Both arts can be traced back to Hinduism and Buddhist cultures and are held in very high regard. In modern day each practice has evolved but the main concepts remain the same. They are centered around the self and focus on what you feel in that specific moment.
Yoga is considered a moving meditation because it adds the element of aligning your body to the specific posture. In yoga, we use the breath to help aid relaxation into each asana (posture). While in meditation you are able to just be— that is the focus. Yoga brings to light the art of multitasking. Through breathwork we are then able to enhance our movement and sync them into “perfect alignment.” Meditating promotes stillness so that you may tune into the present and decompress. When we practice yoga we are giving the body a place to release stagnant energy which sometimes involves the usage of props. Props are objects used in yoga practice to encourage a deeper stretch. Though few, the differences in the two significantly separate each activity from the other.
Yoga and meditation both promote a connection to your best self. They each enhance our focus and bring peace into everyday life. Although, one you can do anywhere, anytime and the other requires a set space and sometimes props. Similar in many forms but the key aspect to separate the two is movement. Both are acts of mindfulness and encourage a healthy relationship to ourselves but there is always personal preference to take into consideration. No matter what you choose, either is a great way to tune inward.
When you begin the journey of self discovery there is no step-by-step guide on where or how to start. You hear phrases or terms that may resonate but it’s hard to research and stay on top of everything. I propose these two practices as a gateway to guide your journey. There is no right or wrong way to do either, as long as your goal is connection to self, you’ll achieve that.
You are Exactly Where You Need To Be 