What is a Sankalpa?

“Sankalpa” is the root intention for practice, teaching, and life. Sankalpa means “wish,” “volition,” or “intention” and is derived from sam (together, completely, perfectly) and klrp (to be in order, come into existence).
This is the practice of joining mind, heart, and body to create a juicy resolve that is in alignment with our deepest core. It is the most heartfelt desire within that takes form as one’s own dharma (divine life purpose) and as the soulful expression of Self. This practice requires listening within, focusing the mind, and being a channel of creative energy as it flows through us. Sankalpa is a calling to the highest remembrance of Self and the solid ground from which we fly.
Sankalpa provides the necessary foundation for the practice of yoga and for the embodiment of the practices in one’s life. When there is true sankalpa, the divine energies of creative impulse, knowledge, and skillful action naturally awaken to align our most heartfelt desire into the world. A seed must first root to blossom, just as the human soul must root to fly. Sankalpa is the internal vow we make to support our highest purpose in life and the creative unfolding of our soul’s journey to serve the greater whole.

If you’re attending one of our Restorative Yoga/Gong Bath practices; as well as your props you’ll need to bring your Sankalpa with you to be used in your Yoga Nidra.

INTENTION

Make a wish or resolve, briefly and in a positive way. The mind nurtures the Sankalpa at a deep level like a seed that is planted.

• 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.

Drafting your Sankalpa. Ask your self these questions:

• What do I want to “feel more of “ in my life. What circumstances could bring forth more of that feeling?
• What do I want to achieve or become?
• In what direction do I want to grow at this point in my life?
• What would that growth feel or look like to me?

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 to one day to have healing for my headaches”  , stating “I am free of headaches.”

State your sankalpa in words you would actually say. Avoid getting overly poetic or dramatic. Simple, short, direct, believable.

Don’t over think it. If after a few sessions, it does not resonate for you- rewrite it or create a short term Sankalpa that will lead your towards your original.  Your soul knows what it wants. Trust yourself.