How To Set A Sankalpa And What Is It?
Happy New Year 2022!!
We hope 2022 brings you happiness. health and prosperity.
What is a Sankalpa?
The Sanskrit word Sankalpa means: “Will, purpose, or determination.” A Sankalpa is a yoga resolve or resolution; or an intention. Essentially it’s like a yogic New Year’s Resolution. It is often lovely to do one, or a series of Sankalpas at the beginning of your asana practice. It is often repeated a few times to yourself in your mind. It sets your intentions for the day and for your yoga practice.
Just keep it clear and concise and use the same wording each time. If repeated, it can bring about a positive change in your life.
The Sankalpa becomes a statement you can call upon to remind you of what you want to achieve, what appeals to you and to guide your choices. A Sankalpa is a heartfelt intention reflecting our highest ideals.
How Do I Choose a Sankalpa?
A Sankalpa or resolve is usually phrased in the terms, “I am”, rather than, “I will.”
Most New Year’s Resolutions are phrased, “I will.” Such as: “I will go the the gym.” Or, “I will be a kind and better person.” We set goals. They almost always fail because the phrase, “I will”, seems to indicate something that will be done in the future. It can easily be put off, till tomorrow. They also often fail as they start from an assumption that what you are currently doing is not good enough.
The Yoga resolution or Sankalpa offers a good alternative to the New Year’s Resolution. All you need to do is express what you are doing or the state you are in, or want to be in, and set a positive intention and send out that positive message out into the Universe.
If you want to become less agitated and anxious, rather than saying, “I want to be less anxious,” your intention and Sankalpa could be, “I am calm and at peace”. Or if you feel you are eating and drinking the wrong stuff, your intention could be, “I am healthy and strong.” Other examples include: “I am a kind and giving person.” “I am healthy and happy”. “I am strong and courageous.”
If you are having trouble thinking of one, just sit. Be quiet and have a think about what you would like to be like, or how you would like to feel. Maybe it will come to you. If you would like to join me for Sankalpa yoga then please let me know and I will send you a free link to the class. Thank you and I hope to see you soon.
Faye x
