Breathwork vs. traditional meditation: what’s different?

While both can lead us to a quieter mind, their techniques and experiences offer distinct journeys.

Finding inner peace in today’s fast-moving world can feel elusive. Many of us look for ways to manage stress, center ourselves, or simply find a moment of calm. Two popular paths are breathwork and traditional meditation. While both can lead us to a quieter mind, their techniques and experiences offer distinct journeys.

Understanding breathwork

Breathwork focuses on conscious control of the breath. In these practices, I intentionally change the rhythm, depth, or pattern of breathing, using techniques like deep belly breathing or intentional breath holds. These methods can create rapid physiological changes—sometimes an energy boost, or a deep sense of release.

You might be interested in: Why we hold our breath — and what it says about our trauma

Unlike the silent stillness often expected in traditional meditation, breathwork frequently includes active guidance, vocal prompts, or even movement. This dynamic element can help me process emotions or break through mental barriers quickly, making breathwork a powerful tool for those who find sitting in silence challenging.

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Exploring traditional meditation

Traditional meditation usually centers on finding stillness and detachment from thoughts through techniques like mindful observation, silent repetition of a mantra, or simply sitting in awareness. The aim is to cultivate a peaceful mind and foster non-judgmental presence.

In my own practice, meditation asks for patience. It can be subtle and slow to reveal its gifts, encouraging a gentle acceptance of whatever arises. There is often less focus on directing the breath; instead, the breath comes and goes naturally, with attention floating gently back whenever the mind wanders.

You can also read: The science of stillness: what happens to the brain during SOMA breathwork

Choosing what resonates

Ultimately, the key difference lies in their approaches: breathwork is active and transformative, while traditional meditation is receptive and observational. I’ve found that some days call for the enlivening rush of breathwork, and others for the quiet embrace of meditation. Both practices offer space for healing and growth—what matters most is tuning in and choosing what resonates for you.

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