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Yoga Journal 3/29/18

In my practice space, yoga is very much used as a form of meditation, if meditation is defined as a mental state of clarity and focus. One obvious way that meditation is practiced is through the breathing techniques that the teacher encourages us to use, ujjayi breathing. Because ujjayi breathing involves tightening the back of the throat, it requires extreme focus. This breathing technique, because it requires so much focus, encourages meditation. The teacher also explains meditation by telling the class to not let their minds wander, to be attentive to their breathing, and to clear their minds of any thoughts or worries. Another way that meditation is practiced is through closing the eyes, which the teacher is always reminding us to do. Although she does not actually say "meditation", meditation is definitely encouraged through her suggestions.

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