If you’ve been thinking about trying mindfulness, you may be wondering what the difference between mindfulness and meditation is.
A meditation class. A mindfulness app. One-to-one coaching. There are more options than ever, which is wonderful, but it can also make it harder to know where to begin.
People ask me this question regularly, so I wanted to answer it properly to help you understand what each one actually offers, so you can choose what’s right for where you are right now.
What’s the Difference Between Mindfulness and Meditation?
This is where a lot of confusion comes in, because the two words are often used interchangeably.
Meditation is a practice. There are many different forms of meditation, each developed for different purposes. Some focus on concentration, compassion, insight, relaxation or spiritual development. Mindfulness meditation is one form of meditation, and it is a practical way of training attention and awareness by noticing what is happening in the present moment and gently bringing the mind back when it wanders.
Mindfulness, however, is something we bring into everyday life. It is the ability to be more aware of our thoughts, emotions, body and surroundings, so that we are less automatically pulled into habitual reactions and have more choice in how we respond.
In mindfulness coaching, meditation is one of the tools we use to develop this awareness. Together we explore how your mind behaves under pressure, the stories it creates, the habits it falls into, and how to bring that awareness into the moments that matter most: a difficult meeting, a sleepless night, or a conversation that never seems to go the way you hoped.
The aim is not simply to meditate, but to understand yourself more deeply, so that instead of being carried away by old patterns or automatic reactions, you begin to notice what is happening and discover that you have more choice than you realised.
What Is a Meditation Class?
A meditation class gives you the opportunity to learn and practise meditation with the guidance of an experienced teacher. The emphasis is on learning and practising meditation itself.
The teacher may introduce a theme for the class. They will guide you through the practice, explain what you are doing and answer questions. But the class is not shaped around one individual. It is designed for the whole group.
Many people enjoy the sense of community that comes from practising alongside others, and attending a regular class can be a great way to build a consistent meditation practice.
What Is One-to-One Mindfulness Coaching?
One-to-one mindfulness coaching is a personalised process. Rather than following a programme designed for a group, we work together on what is actually happening in your life: the patterns of thinking, feeling and responding that are getting in the way of how you want to live.
As a certified mindfulness coach, working in London and online, I do not teach a fixed curriculum. Each session is shaped around you, your challenges, your questions, your pace.
We use mindfulness practices like meditation, breathwork and awareness exercises, but we also talk about what has been difficult, what you have noticed, what is shifting and what is not.
That conversation is as much a part of the work as the practice itself.
Which One Is Right for You?
There is no single answer, and the two approaches are not mutually exclusive. Many people do both: they attend a meditation class to build a regular practice and use coaching to bring that practice into everyday life.
That said, here are some questions that might help you work out where to start.
A meditation class might be the right starting point if you…
- Want to learn the basics of meditation in a structured, supportive setting
- Enjoy learning alongside others and find group energy motivating
- Are looking for a regular, affordable practice to build into your week
- Are curious about meditation and mindfulness but not yet sure where to start
One-to-one mindfulness coaching might be the better fit if you…
- Have tried meditation or mindfulness before but found it hard to maintain or apply
- Are dealing with something specific, such as stress, burnout, anxiety or overthinking, and want personalised support
- Want to understand your own patterns of thinking and responding, not just learn a technique
- Have a busy life and need an approach that fits around it, rather than following a fixed programme
- Have questions you’ve never quite had the space to ask
Many of the people I work with come to coaching after they have already discovered mindfulness through a class or an app. They have experienced moments where mindfulness has helped but struggled to bring it into everyday life when work gets busy, stress builds or emotions run high. That is often where coaching bridges the gap.
If you would like to understand more about what actually happens in a one-to-one session, I have written about this in detail in my blog on What Happens in a One-to-One Mindfulness Coaching Session?
A Note on Meditation Apps
Apps like Headspace and Calm occupy a third category: self-directed, accessible and convenient. They are a useful introduction and a good way to build a basic habit. But they are not responsive to you. They cannot notice that your restlessness in the session is connected to something specific happening at work, or ask the question that opens something up.
If an app has been your introduction to mindfulness or meditation and you are wondering what is next, that is often the point where people decide they would like a little more personalised support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do both a meditation class and mindfulness coaching at the same time?
Yes, and many people do. They complement each other well: the class gives you regular practice, and coaching gives you the space to understand and deepen it.
Is mindfulness coaching more expensive than a meditation class?
One-to-one coaching is typically a higher investment than a group class, because the time and focus are entirely yours. Many people find that the personalised nature of it means they make faster, more lasting progress, but it is worth thinking about what you need and what will actually work for your life.
I’ve never meditated before. Is coaching still suitable?
Completely. Many of the people I work with have never practised mindfulness before. No experience is needed, just a willingness to be curious and open.
Is it worth trying a meditation class before starting coaching?
Not necessarily. Some people come to coaching having never meditated at all, and that is absolutely fine. Others come after years of practice. Where you are starting from matters far less than where you want to get to.
Is one-to-one mindfulness coaching available online?
Yes. I offer sessions both in person in Marylebone, central London, and online via video call. Many clients find online sessions just as effective, with the added convenience of not having to travel.
Ready to Explore What’s Right for You?
Whether you are new to mindfulness or already have a meditation practice, the most important thing is finding an approach that fits your life and your goals.
If you are curious about mindfulness coaching in London and online, and would like to find out more, please book your complimentary consultation call here. Together we can work out what you need and whether coaching feels like the right next step.
