Meditation are ancient practices largely focused on training the mind to be more focused on present moment experience and can be practiced on its own or as part of your yoga practice (recommended to be completed at the end of an asana practice as the body is much more prepared to be in stillness after movement). The regular practice of meditation has the powerful potential to alleviate stress and anxiety, increase feelings of wellbeing and broaden our capacity to weather the challenges of everyday life. Breathwork or pranayama are practices cultivate and refine our ability to intentionally move the breath in a particular pattern, and depending on the type of practice, will have a particular desired outcome, for example, long, slow deep breathing as in Nadi shodana is down-regulating and will encourage the nervous system to move into the restorative state of rest & digest, signalling safety to the body. In contrast, a more active practice that cultivates quick, forceful breaths such as in Kapalbhati, intends to activate and up-regulate the nervous system to increase energy and brightness.
