Understanding Sankalpa

Around New Year’s we focus on something we want to accomplish or change. These resolutions often fail because we assume we aren’t good enough and that happiness comes from achievement or being someone else or having something else.

In yoga, we instead create a sankalpa. A sankalpa which is a vow that resonates from a place that you already are what you want to be and that you already have all you need to fulfill your life’s purpose, your dharma.

Dharma or your life’s purpose is not defined as your job or career or family position. Instead, that you are living a righteous life following the yamas and niyamas, yoga’s guiding principles. That you are living life to the fullest capacity in alignment with the health of your body and the planet.

I love my teacher Indu Arora’s description of sankalpa. She says, “sankalpa is a promise to wake up, a goal of a lifetime, a vision to manifest, a determination to grow.” To create the life we want and are meant to have, we must draw the mind over and over again to our God given qualities.

How Does it Work?

Above all, the sankalpa awakens our potential, releases emotional conflict, and strengthens the arrival of our purpose. When we are living our purpose, we are doing the yoga. The sankalpa might be a desire, a positive statement, set in the present tense as if it is already happening that reflects your true nature. Stating it like this acknowledges the tremendous energy and truth that arrive with the discovery of your heartfelt wish. One example, “I am perfect, whole and complete.” It reminds you that whatever you need is already within you. Or it may be asking yourself what specific things need to happen to move you forward on your journey. It might describe what you need to do, or where you need to direct your energy to make progress on your larger life goals. “I am fulfilling my life’s purpose” or “I am love.”

In order to plant the seed of truth of our sankalpa we practice yoga nidra. While nidra means “sleep,” it is actually a process of awakening to your true nature. Firstly, the sankalpa is set at the beginning and we focus on it again at the end of a yoga nidra practice. Secondly, by identifying what you want you acknowledge in this subconscious state that it is already within in your perfect, whole self. In yoga nidra, your mind is open enough to let your limitations resolve and the truth of who you are shine forth.

My Most Recent Sankalpas

“My life is abundant in every way.”
“I am light.”
“I am living my dharma.”

Opportunity to set your Sankalpa for 2023

If you are interested in practicing yoga nidra, join me for a New Years Virtual Guided meditation where we revisit our aspirations for the year. Here we will plant the seeds in the fertile soil of the subconscious! 2023 Is going to be a great year! Register here.

You can also purchase this recording by registering and listen to it at your convenience.
Learn more about your teacher here. Or looking to take a Wellness Retreat? Waterfall Yoga Therapy has some on the books for 2023 and you can also book your own custom intimate retreats with your small group.