Sankalpa

We use a sankalpa in meditation or relaxation. Mostly we use it in the Yoga Nidra relaxation practice at the end of the class.

Contents

  • What is a Sankalpa?
  • Why would I use a Sankalpa?
  • How do you come up with a Sankalpa?
  • Examples

What is a Sankalpa?

Sankalpa is a Sanskrit word that has many interpretations, but at its core, it refers to a heartfelt intention or resolution that is formed in the mind and repeated regularly.

In the practice of yoga and meditation, a sankalpa is often used as a tool for cultivating positive change in one’s life. It can be thought of as a goal or a purpose that is aligned with one’s deepest values and aspirations.

Why would I use a Sankalpa?

Overall, the practice of sankalpa can be a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation.

There are several reasons why you might use a Sankalpa. Here are some common ones :-

  1. To cultivate self-awareness: The process of creating a Sankalpa involves reflecting n what is truly important to you, which can help you gain deeper insights into your values, beliefs, and aspirations. This increased self-awareness can help you make more conscious choices and live a more fulfilling life.

  2. To set goals and intentions: A Sankalpa is a powerful tool for setting goals and intentions that are aligned with your deepest values. By repeating your Sankalpa regularly, you can help to manifest your intentions in your life and make progress towards your goals.

  3. To cultivate positive qualities: By choosing a Sankalpa that focuses on a positive quality such as peace, love, or compassion, you can cultivate that quality within yourself. Over time, this can help to transform your thoughts, emotions, and actions, leading to a more positive and fulfilling life.

  4. To reduce stress and anxiety: The process of repeating a Sankalpa during a period of deep relaxation or meditation can help to calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety. By focusing on a positive intention, you can shift your attention away from negative thoughts and emotions, leading to a greater sense of peace and calm.

Overall, the practice of Sankalpa can be a powerful tool for personal growth, self-awareness, and stress reduction. By choosing a Sankalpa that resonates with you and repeating it regularly, you can cultivate positive qualities, set goals and intentions, and live a more fulfilling life.

How do you come up with a Sankalpa?

The process of creating a sankalpa involves reflecting on what is truly important to you, and then formulating a statement that captures that intention in a positive and present tense. For example, a sankalpa could be “I am peaceful and centered,” or “I am strong and resilient.”

Creating your own Sankalpa can be a deeply personal and introspective process. Here are some steps you can follow to create your own Sankalpa:

Reflect on your values: Take some time to reflect on what is truly important to you. What are your deepest values and beliefs? What do you want to stand for in your life?

Identify your aspirations: Think about what you want to achieve or experience in your life. What are your goals and dreams? What would you like to manifest in your life?

Formulate your Sankalpa: Using the insights you gained from steps 1 and 2, formulate a statement that captures your intention in a positive and present tense. Your Sankalpa should be a statement that resonates with you and inspires you to take action towards your goals. For example, “I am peaceful and centered,” or “I am strong and resilient.”

Repeat your Sankalpa regularly: Once you have formulated your Sankalpa, repeat it regularly during a period of deep relaxation or meditation. This repetition helps to strengthen the connection between your conscious and subconscious mind, and can help to manifest your intention in your life.

Remember, your Sankalpa should be a statement that resonates with you and inspires you to take action towards your goals. It can be a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation, so take the time to create a Sankalpa that truly reflects your deepest values and aspirations.

Examples

Here are some examples of a sankalpa. Please do remember it’s more important to follow the process above to find our own sankakpa. However you could make use of one of these to make it easier to introduce yourself to the use of a Sankalpa.

“I am confident and assertive”
“I am open to new experiences and opportunities.”
“I am grateful for all the blessings in my life.”
“I am strong and capable of achieving my goals.”
“I am at peace with myself and those around me.”
“I am committed to taking care of my mind, body, and spirit.”
“I am patient and compassionate with myself and others.”
“I trust in the journey of life and embrace its challenges.”
“I am worthy of love, happiness, and success.”
“I am confident in my abilities and trust in my intuition.”
“I am present in the moment and grateful for its gifts.”

 

Namste, Russell (Yoga Bija)
(c) 2023