How is meditation different to relaxation?

Mainly – the intention is the difference. With relaxation, your intention is to become relaxed and you can become relaxed doing a range of activities (i.e. watching TV, playing sport, laying on the beach etc). With mindfulness meditation, the intention is to simply place your non-judgmental awareness to the present moment. You can choose to focus your awareness on your thoughts, body sensations, emotions or whatever activity you may be doing in this moment. This may bring feelings of relaxation, however it is not the intention of the practice.

Click here to read some other frequently asked questions on mindfulness!