set and resolve Sankalpa
Instead of starting the year with all things you are not, take this time to initiate something new, for example, The yogic version of a New Year's resolution is called Sankalpa, meaning 'resolution', ''affirmation” or 'purpose'. While entering and closing the practices at the IPATH Yoga & Wellness Center, we explore (resolution), considered the “seed” of growth in the area of life that is calling for attention.
What is the difference between a New Year's resolution and a Sankalpa?
A New Year's resolution is a tradition, most common in the Western World, in which a person resolves to continue good practices, change an undesired trait or behavior, accomplish a personal goal, or otherwise improve their life at the start of a new year. There are religious aspects such as; The Romans began each year by making promises to the god Janus, for whom the month of January is named. And participation aspects… A study conducted by the American Medical Association
found 46% of participants who made common New Year's resolutions (e.g. weight loss, exercise programs, quitting smoking) were likely to succeed, over ten times as among those deciding to make life changes at other times of the year.
Neuroscience and mindfulness research has proven that the subconscious mind does not know the difference between what is true or not true, it just follows the orders of the conscious mind.-so why not “fill” it with affirmations that might begin with “I am…”
If you’d like to lean in, here are a few ideas that could put you on
a path of New Beginning,
Be aware of the difference between Wants and Needs.
Wants are associated with things that are pleasant and are born
from our conditioning or from our base impulses.
Needs are desires that are related to the intrinsic desires of the soul to fulfill its higher purpose. To the degree that you can access your soul and allow it to guide you, the less compelled you are to act on desires born from fear, old patterns, low self-esteem, and past hurts.
State your Sankalpa in the active, present tense. It’s important that your Sankalpa statement reflects that you achieved your resolve- not that you hope to someday. Example: Instead of “ I hope one day to heal for my headaches”, state “I am free of headaches.” Instead of “I hope to heal “ (quit smoking, find love, find work, etc) we would use the Sankalpa
“ I am whole, healed, and healthy” (I have everything I need- time, love, finances, etc.).
A Sankalpa is a short phrase or sentence, clearly and concisely expressed, using the same wording each time,(mantra) to bring about a positive change in one's life.
State your Sankalpa in words you would actually say. Avoid getting overly poetic or dramatic. Keep things simple, short, and believable. Overthinking your Sankalpa isn’t advisable if you can help it. If after a few sessions, it does not resonate for you- rethink it or create a short-term Sankalpa that will lead you. Your soul knows what it wants. Trust, and be yourself.
We don’t hold Sankalpa as a future possibility but instead plant the seed in a present tense statement as an existing reality. Other examples might be:
I am energetic.
I am the embodiment of inner peace.
I receive and accept help when I need it.
I am successful in all that I undertake.
I am financially free.
I am loving and loved.
I am open to insight.
Peace is my true nature.
Love is my true nature.
The Sankalpa is an individual personal intention. It changes with life’s circumstances. We typically work with one Sankalpa at a time for several months. When you first practice it, you may just want to work with the simple resolve of “I am at peace and open to the light.” You are also invited to use a Sankalpa mudra (a hand gesture ) which is used either during meditation, contemplation, or even a yoga posture to enhance the effect of a Sankalpa or intention. Creating a Sankalpa encourages you to look behind the mask of attaining some illusionary 'You'. and starts from the premise that you already are who you need to be to fulfill your life’s dharma. All you need to do is focus your mind, connect to your most heartfelt desires, and channel the divine energy within. “You are your deepest desire.“
By: