Breathwork and meditation are closely related practices that often complement each other, my breathwork ‘grandfather’ describes Breathwork as “Meditating without meditation”!
Meditation actually comes from the Latin word meditatio, which is derived from the verb meditari meaning “to think, contemplate, devise, ponder”. it was originally practiced as a form of focus, imagine choosing a leaf and spending a considerable amount of time just contemplating that leaf.
Somewhere in history Meditation has translated to ‘clearing the mind’ which I think is impossible and unnecessary .. but that’s maybe a full article for another day rather than just a Q&A. For now here are some more popular thoughts:
- Shared focus: Both practices involve focused attention, often using the breath as an anchor.
- Mindfulness: Both encourage present-moment awareness and observation of thoughts and sensations.
- Relaxation: Both can induce a relaxation response in the body.
- Stress reduction: Both are effective tools for managing stress and anxiety.
- Mind-body connection: Both practices strengthen the connection between mental and physical states.
- Complementary techniques: Many meditation practices incorporate specific breathing techniques.
- Preparation: Breathwork is often used as a preliminary practice to settle the mind before meditation.
- Altered states: Both can lead to altered states of consciousness, though breathwork can be more active.
- Spiritual aspects: Both have roots in spiritual traditions, though they can be practiced secularly.
- Accessibility: Both can be practiced without special equipment, making them widely accessible.
While meditation often involves a more passive observation of the breath, breathwork actively manipulates breathing patterns. Many practitioners find that combining both practices enhances their overall benefits and provides a more comprehensive approach to mental and physical well-being.