7 Steps for Setting Sankalpas
The new year is the perfect time for change. The best change you can make this year is to give up those new years resolutions filled with guilt and negative thoughts. Instead use this time to tune into what you really desire in your life and and then use the power of positive affirmations and intentions in the form of Sankalpa to create the changes you desire.
If you are new to the idea of Sankalpa it might be difficult to make the shift from negative statements to more positive ones so here are 7 simple steps to start you on your way.
1. Begin at the beginning
When contemplating your sankalpa it can be useful to consider the following areas of your life and see what bubbles to the surface. You will naturally be drawn to the things which need your attention.
* Relationships
* Health.
* Material things
* Spirituality
* Job
* Upcoming events
2. Take your time and Look Inside
Give yourself a few days to think about your sankalpa. Sankalpas are more powerful when they resonate deeply within your core so don’t rush it. Take some yoga classes, meditate, take a walk or write in a journal. Focus on what feelings come up when you consider different areas of your life. The feelings are the root of your behaviours and are where your sankalpa should be focused.
3. Keep it positive
If what comes up for you has a negative feel about it or makes you feel guilty, sit with it and explore the feelings it brings. Then turn it around and make it positive! Instead of “I have to stop being so lazy and start exercising” change it something that is nurturing and affirming like “I am worthy of being cared for and I deserve to have a full, exciting life”
4. Make it catchy!
You will be repeating this phrase to yourself over and over for the next while so give it some umph! Make it something pleasing to the ear and the tongue but keep it succinct. You want a simple, strong statement that you can get behind and believe, one that engages your will power. The power of the sankalpa comes from repeating it to yourself with total awareness and conviction. It is helpful to phrase your sankalpa in the future
Try something like “I will become more aware and efficient”, “I will be successful in all that I undertake” or “I will achieve total health”
5. Don’t rush the universe
Rome wasn’t built in a day! While your sankalpa has powerful potential to change your life you cannot expect instant gratification. (yoga is all about learning acceptance and patience after all). Just stick to your resolve and stay with your firm belief and conviction. Say it to yourself at the beginning and end of your yoga practice, use it as your mantra in meditation and pranayama. Say it in the shower, say it when you awake in the morning and right before you slip away into slumber.
6. Give it energy
Use all the tools at your disposal to create energy and give your sankalpas a surge of power. Healthy diet, yoga (especially practices which engage your solar plexus chakra – the seat of will power and determination) meditation, pranayama, yoga nidra, devotional singing, spiritual practice and prayer will all help your sankalpa speed its way into reality.
7. Let it go
Once you have your sankalpa and you’ve given it your attention and energy, simply send it off into the universe and let it go. Letting go of the results doesn’t mean that you aren’t working toward your goals, it simply means that you have accepted that you are doing your part and the rest is up to the universe. Set a goal, make a sincere effort and then trust that you’ll be supported on your path.