Sankalpa: a positive statement or a resolve

A Sankalpa is used as a way to set a resolution or a resolve, they can be used at anytime but are most effective when used as part of your yoga nidra practise or any other type of practise which guides you into a very deep state of relaxation.

Where does Sankalpa come from?

Sankalpa originates from ancient Hindu philosophy and is found in the Vedas and Upanishads, some of the earliest yogic texts.

The term is from the Sanskrit roots: kalpa meaning vow, or “the rule to be followed above all other rules.” San, refers to a connection with your highest truth. It is effectively the Sanskrit word for intention.

It is considered an effective way to train the mind during Yoga Nidra practice, helping you to focus on what is your truest and most heartfelt desire.

How to create a Sankalpa (Yoga Nidra)

This is an intention / a positive statement which is stated clearly with a positive intent, something that aligns our actions to realise our highest truth. It can take two forms, firstly this type of Sankalpa is not something that requires us to act or change anything. It is quite literally a positive statement of who you are (now), for example "I am whole or I am at peace".

The second type of Sankalpa can be linked to a certain direction or intention you wish to follow, this type of intention can help you align with where you want to go in life, what do you need to move forward or closer to that goal, this can be a very specific  Sankalpa describing briefly where you need to direct your focus to get closer to your life's goal.

Both types of Sankalpa are heartfelt desire's that we come to naturally without thinking about it too much, something that presents itself with no pressure and we go with that.

Remembering that your sankalpa (your heart felt desire) is already present within you, it is not something that we need to go searching for within the mind, so quietly listen and it will present itself. 

Pay close attention to what can be a desire of the mind or what is a desire of the heart.

Examples of Sankalpa

I am strong

I am safe and grounded

I am peaceful

I am happy

etc...

We can use a Sankalpa in our yoga practise whether that is at the beginning of your asana practise or even to start your day.

However, the quality of our mind impacts the effect of using a Sankalpa, as most of the time when we are stating our Sankalpa it is from a place of lack where ego is present, our mind may be telling us that we are not yet there. Therefore, we must be in a place of peace, contentment and openness to state our Sankalpa and one of the more powerful practises to use a Sankalpa is through the practise of Yoga Nidra. 

Yoga Nidra allows us to access a place within ourselves free of ego and judgement, we can access a pure state of openness and acceptance here, and from here it is the perfect soil to plant a seed.

Keep your eyes on our socials and website to find out when we will be launching our very own Yoga Nidra Practise.

What is your Sankalpa?

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