Setting a Sankalpa for the coming year will help to sustain your efforts in every area of your life. Clarifying your Sankalpa differs from a New Year’s resolution in several ways. A Sankalpa is founded on a strong underlying desire for knowledge of the divine and a commitment to following a path of service to the world through adherence to one’s dharma. A New Year’s resolution is frequently self-centered. For instance, common New Year’s resolutions may entail losing 10 pounds or getting a raise at work. On the other hand, a Sankalpa is informed by the desire for knowledge of the divine energy that permeates all living beings and a wish to uplift the world by offering service through one’s talents and skills.
The process of clarifying a Sankalpa for the coming year is multi-layered. The first step is to quiet your body and mind long enough for clarity to arise from within your being about the best course of action for the year. Pranayama, or Yogic breathing exercises, are the best tools for quieting the body and mind. Dirga Pranayama, or Three Part Breath, will help to balance your nervous system and quiet your mind. Kapalabhati Pranayama, or Skull Shining Breath, will help blow away all of your extraneous thoughts so that you can more easily access your heart’s deepest desires.
Kapalabhati Pranayama or Skull Shining Breath
To practice Skull Shining Breath, sit in a comfortable cross-legged position on your Yoga mat. If your hips are tight, you may wish to sit on a blanket for extra support. Take a few deep, complete breaths. Skull Shining Breath entails repeated rounds of forcefully expelled air, followed by smooth, passive inhalations.
When you are ready to begin, exhale all the air out of your lungs by pulling in the lower part of your stomach area and then inhaling smoothly and softly. One round of Skull Shining Breath comprises a gentle, full inhale, followed by a forceful exhale. Generally, one set consists of 20 or 30 breaths.
Pacing Yourself
You may wish to work up to 30 rounds at a time by doing several sets of 10 breaths and then resting for a moment or two between sets. As you practice Kapalabhati Pranayama, imagine that you are invigorating your brain with fresh oxygen and clearing away all limiting thoughts and negative beliefs to make room for uplifting thoughts that will support you in implementing your Sankalpa.
As your mind is freed from the constraints of negativity and separation, the true desires of your heart will arise from within. These heartfelt desires will guide and sustain you as you honor your unique Sankalpa in the coming year.
By Faye Martins, Bhavan Kumar, and Sangeetha Saran
A Sankalpa is a powerful tool for self-improvement and personal growth. Derived from the ancient practice of yoga, it is an intention or affirmation that you set for yourself to guide your actions and choices in life. But what exactly does it mean?
At its core, a Sankalpa embodies your deepest desires and values. It serves as a guiding light, helping you align your thoughts, words, and actions with what truly matters to you. It goes beyond goal-setting but taps into your innermost aspirations and motivations.
Setting a Sankalpa is to bring about positive change in your life. By clarifying your intentions through this powerful statement, you create focus and direction toward achieving personal growth. Your Sankalpa is a reminder during challenging times or when faced with difficult decisions – grounding you back to what truly matters.
In essence, a Sankalpa helps cultivate mindfulness by fostering self-awareness and introspection. It encourages consistent reflection on one’s values while motivating one to live more intentionally.
So take some time to reflect on what truly resonates with you at the core level – identify those deep-seated desires that drive you forward – then harness their power by formulating them into a clear and meaningful Sankalpa.
The Importance of Setting a Clear and Powerful Intention
A Sankalpa is crucial for achieving personal growth and transformation by setting a clear and powerful intention. Navigating our lives with purpose and clarity becomes more accessible with a specific, focused intention.
One of the critical reasons why setting a clear intention is important is because it helps us align our thoughts, beliefs, and actions toward a desired outcome. By clearly defining what we want to achieve or experience, we create a roadmap for success. This clarity is a guiding light when faced with challenges or distractions.
Moreover, having a powerful intention amplifies our motivation and determination. It ignites an inner fire that propels us to pursue our goals. When we set an intention that resonates deeply, we tap into an unwavering source of inspiration and drive.
Additionally, setting clear intentions allows us to cultivate self-awareness. It requires introspection and reflection on what truly matters to us. In this process, we gain insights into our values, desires, strengths, and weaknesses – all essential for personal growth.
Steps to Clarify Your Sankalpa
Reflecting on our values and desires is the first step towards clarifying our Sankalpa. Sit quietly, perhaps in meditation or journaling, and connect with what truly matters to you. What are your core beliefs? What do you deeply desire for yourself and others? This reflection will help bring clarity to your intentions.
Next, identify areas of your life that need improvement. Are there any habits or patterns that no longer serve you? Is there a specific goal or change you want to make? By pinpointing these areas, you can create a more focused sankalpa statement.
It’s essential also to consider the impact of your intention on others. How does your Sankalpa align with the well-being of those around you? Will it lead to positive transformation not only for yourself but also for the greater good?
Once you have reflected, identified areas for improvement, and considered its impact on others, it’s time to write down your Sankalpa statement. Be clear, concise, and affirmative in stating your intention. Use present tense language as if it has already happened – this helps program the subconscious mind positively.
Remember that clarifying a Sankalpa is an ongoing process; it may evolve as we grow and change. Stay open-minded and adaptable along this journey of self-discovery.
By following these steps – reflecting on values and desires, identifying areas for improvement, and considering the impact on others – we can clarify the Sankalpa effectively.
A. Reflect on Your Values and Desires
Reflecting on your values and desires is crucial in clarifying your Sankalpa. It requires introspection and deep self-awareness to uncover what truly matters to you. Take time to sit in silence, away from distractions, and connect with yourself.
Start by asking yourself questions like: What do I value most in life? What brings me joy and fulfillment? What are my passions and dreams? As you delve into these inquiries, pay attention to the emotions that arise within you. Your values can be seen through the things that evoke strong positive emotions within you.
Next, explore your desires. What do you want for yourself in different areas of your life – relationships, career, health, personal growth? Be honest about what truly resonates with your heart’s desires rather than societal expectations or external pressures.
Remember that this reflection process is not meant to be rushed or forced. Allow the answers to surface naturally as you create space for exploration without judgment or limitations.
By reflecting on your values and desires, you gain clarity on what truly matters to you at a core level. This understanding becomes the foundation for crafting a powerful Sankalpa statement that aligns with who you are and where you aspire to go.
B. Identify Areas of Your Life That Need Improvement
When clarifying your Sankalpa, a crucial step is identifying the areas of your life that need improvement. This reflective process allows you to pinpoint aspects not aligned with your values or desires, paving the way for growth and transformation.
Start by profoundly diving into various dimensions of your life – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Reflect on how satisfied you feel in each area and identify any patterns or recurring challenges you face. Are there specific relationships that need nurturing? Is there a particular skill you want to develop further? Are there habits or behaviors holding you back?
How to Practice
Take time to sit in stillness and listen to what arises within. Trust your intuition as it guides you toward areas requiring attention. Remember, this is not about critiquing yourself but acknowledging opportunities for self-improvement.
As you delve deeper into self-reflection, be honest about what truly matters. What do you value most in life? What aspirations do you have? It becomes more powerful and meaningful by aligning your Sankalpa with these core values and desires.
Don’t rush this process; take as much time as needed to identify areas that resonate deeply within yourself. Consider seeking guidance from a mentor or therapist if necessary – their expertise can provide valuable insights during this exploration phase.
Remember always: this journey is unique to each individual, so treat it as an opportunity for personal growth without judgment or comparison.
C. Consider the Impact on Others
When clarifying your Sankalpa, it’s essential to consider your intention’s impact on others around you. Your actions and choices can affect yourself and those in your immediate circle and even ripple into the wider world.
Take a moment to reflect on how aligning with your Sankalpa might impact your relationships. Will it bring harmony or create tension? Will it support and uplift others or inadvertently cause harm? It’s important to find a balance between honoring our desires and considering the well-being of those we interact with daily.
Furthermore, extending this consideration beyond our relationships is crucial. How might living in alignment with our intention positively influence society? By setting an intention rooted in compassion, kindness, or any other positive value, we can create a more harmonious and supportive environment for everyone.
Remember that while your Sankalpa is deeply personal, its effects extend beyond you. Take this opportunity to cultivate awareness of how to make choices that benefit yourself and others. In doing so, you are clarifying your path and creating a better world for all beings.
D. Write Down Your Sankalpa Statement
Now that you have reflected on your values, desires, and areas of improvement, it’s time to put it all together and write down your Sankalpa statement. This powerful declaration of intention will guide you on your journey toward transformation.
When crafting your Sankalpa statement, be clear and concise. Use positive language and avoid any negative or self-limiting words. Focus on what you want to achieve rather than what you want to move away from.
Your Sankalpa statement should also be personal and meaningful to you. It should align with your deepest desires and aspirations. As you write it down, feel the energy behind each word and let it resonate within you.
Once written, keep your Sankalpa statement somewhere visible – maybe on a sticky note by your bedside or as a screensaver on your phone – so you can see it regularly and remind yourself of its intention.
Remember that writing down your Sankalpa is just the first step. The true power lies in embodying its essence throughout every aspect of your life – in thought, word, and action. Let this statement guide you as you navigate challenges and make choices aligned with your identity.
Tips for Staying Committed to Your Sankalpa
The first step is setting a clear and powerful intention through your Sankalpa. To manifest your desires and bring about positive change in your life, staying committed to your Sankalpa on an ongoing basis is essential. Here are some tips to help you maintain focus and dedication:
1. Repeat Your Sankalpa Daily:
Make it a habit to repeat your statement regularly, preferably daily. This will reinforce the intention in your subconscious mind and keep you aligned with your goals.
2. Visualize Your Desired Outcome:
Take a few moments each day to visualize yourself living out your Sankalpa. Feel the emotions associated with achieving that goal and imagine all the details of what it looks, sounds, and feels like.
3. Create Reminders:
Place visual reminders of your Sankalpa around you – sticky notes on mirrors or computer screens, wallpapers on your phone or desktop, or even wearing symbolic jewelry that can constantly remind you what you’re working toward.
4. Practice Mindfulness:
Cultivate awareness daily by staying present in the moment. When faced with challenges or distractions that may derail you from your intention, take a mindful breath and refocus on why this goal is essential to you.
5. Seek Support:
Share your Sankalpa journey with trusted friends or family members who can provide encouragement and accountability. Consider joining communities or groups focused on personal growth where you can find support from like-minded individuals.
6. Track Progress:
Keep a journal dedicated solely to tracking progress towards manifesting your intention through small daily steps to achieve it.
7. Be Patient and Flexible:
Remember that change takes time; be patient with yourself if progress seems slow, and be open-minded enough to adapt if necessary.
By following these tips consistently, Clarifying Your Sankalpa will become a powerful tool for transforming your life and manifesting your deepest goals.
By: Virginia Iversen, M.Ed
