Is it okay/still effective to stretch in place of meditation as long as I’m focusing my thoughts and breathing?

I think it is still effective, as part of meditating is staying in the present, focusing on the movements of your body can bring you down into what's happening at the moment and focus your point and view by also concentrate on your breathing.

I'd say, yes. Since I started my meditation journey I have redefined meditation. To me, meditation is simply being present, aware, and focused. You may not even focus on your breathing you just need to choose one thing to focus on and when your mind wanders, refocus. I now consider most of what I do, from cleaning to writing to sitting in silence to reading, as meditation. That is why I believe your idea to stretch during meditation is completely sound. In fact, you make focusing more challenging which, if you are successful, would improve your ability to focus in an environment of distraction.

Ofcourse, any type of focus on you is perfectly fine. Wether it be stretching and focussing on your breathing and thoughts, but also how your body responds, your muscles you're using while doing so or it be meditation where you focus on your mind and the thoughts going through your mind.
It depends on what works for you the best. But it doesn't matter what you choose. Try it out, if it doesn't work, try something else out. At least it is not better than the other. It's what works for you!

Xoxo

Stretch rather than meditating, i think No, kasi ung stretch ko nmn ang purpose ay pra magising ako sa umaga.. to start the engine wika nga nila, kaya magkaiba pra sakin ang stretch and meditation

Yes, i want to explore more with this aap but even daily routine more than 4 doesn't work without money (i am fan of design and motivational thoughts of this aap) so sad to leave from here.
If there is any option only for daily Routine more than 4 than please help me😑

Of course it is, stretching and exercising even just for 10 mins is healthy. As long as you focus on your breathing and think good thoughts you'll be fine c:

yes of course it’s still effective. what’s important is that you’re able to focus on yourself and nothing else, just to take a moment with your person.

Of course it is, as long as it feels right for you. Stretching helps with keeping your body oxygenated. Everything counts.

Of course it's still effective. As long as you feel refreshed and at the same time put your thoughts together you are gonna be okey. Remember to do whatever you feel is right for you!

I tend to stretch my neck and shoulders from time to time while meditating. I don't lose focus, but I believe that it could distract from the higher more mental and spiritual reality that we're trying to reach if we focus on our physical body too much. I've just started meditation and this is my way of thinking for now, but it might change in the future. hope this helps!

This is yoga. Perhaps they're not only stretching movements, but they aim to let the mind control the emotions, not dominate them, but guide you to handle them, and this is achieved through the practice of discipline, abstinence and exercise. That's why in some of these exercises you count your breaths and not the time, controlling the exhaustion generated by keeping a pose for a period of time. This practice brings the positive effects of making the mind stronger and more peaceful at the same time. And who doesn't like a peaceful place to live? At the end, it is our mind what shapes our world and reality, and not the other way around.

It depends. Stretching is great, especially if you do that before going to sleep. It will do you good. However, meditation gives you other benefits, which cannot be achieved if you are moving.

I think both should be used to receive the most benefit…

Both practises will compliment each other. Stretching is more physical, but can benefit from the skills we learn through meditation. The control we develop of our breathing from regular meditation can give energy to the areas of the body that require stretching as we inhale and then help release whilst exhaling.

The same development of mental focus from meditation can help us concentrate and direct our attention to the muscles and help us release them mindfully, being more aware of the quality of the stretch and avoid the risk of injury.

Then on the other hand… if we have tight muscles it can serve as a distraction when trying to meditate.

Yes, mind and body are interrelated because when body is feeling uneasy it would result in Disturbed thoughts and focus. So, stretch and make meditation sitting position comfortable and continue with journey within.

Yes, it's completely fine. Whatever activity you do, it must make your mind and body calm, so that you can attain the peace of mind to go through the day.

Im not completely sure, but yes i think it probably does. Ofcourse its not going to be and have the exact "answer" but its still going to do something. And you know, something is still bettrr than nothing.