How is Mindfulness Different From Relaxation?

Many people find that practicing mindfulness meditation makes them feel more relaxed. Some even say that it’s the only time they feel relaxed. Some have even noted that, with regular and sustained mindfulness practice, they are feeling more relaxed than they ever have.

So is mindfulness meditation the same as relaxation techniques? Although there are some similarities and overlaps, they are not the same thing.

Both mindfulness meditation and relaxation exercises can lead to increased calm and relaxation. But the intention and direction behind each approach are different.

With relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, biofeedback, and breathing exercises, the goal is to become more relaxed. In other words, the goal of the exercise is to change our experience from a state of tension to a state of relaxation.

With mindfulness, however, the goal is not relaxation. The goal is not to change our experience.

With mindfulness, the goal is simply to pay attention. That’s it. We don’t have to worry about whether we are relaxed or not. We simply notice what we feel, notice we are thinking, let our thoughts go, and bring our attention back to the present moment. When we do this practice with consistency and persistence, we sometimes end up feeling more relaxed.

So, in mindfulness practice, relaxed is OK, tense is OK.

Busy mind is OK, quiet mind is OK.

Positive thoughts are OK, negative thoughts are OK.

Good feelings are OK, difficult feelings are OK.

We observe our experience as it is, let it pass by, and return to the breath that we are taking right here right now.