Better Than a New Years Resolution–Try Sankalpa Instead
The call of a fresh start is upon us at this time of year when we feel we get a do-over. There is so much potential when we look at a new 365 days that are ours to choose how we spend. Each year many of us vow to have the best year of our lives by changing x, y, and/or z.
But so often resolutions are about punishing ourselves for things we feel we should have done better or been better about. Lose weight, eat better, clean more, start a daily yoga practice, be happier, on and on. We come up with elaborate plans of how to change ourselves based on punishing ourselves for perceived inadequacies.
That punishing frame of mind may be why only 8% of us actually achieve the New Year resolutions we set. Yikes! Let’s try something different.
A Practice from Yoga Brings a Fresh Points of View
Instead of beginning from a place of punishment, start from a place of knowing that you are enough. Here and now, you as you are is wonderful. Your very being possesses intelligence beyond your comprehension. Your body, mind, and spirit are on your side even when they need help coming back into balance.
The idea of working towards change from the foundation of gratitude is woven through yoga practice, and is one piece of yogic advice you don’t even have to roll out a mat to use.
This might feel like a big change. When you’re looking to head into a new year with a different focus, consider one of the following 4 Pillars as a way to focus your intention:
Dharma - Your true purpose in this life. How do you want to be of service? What are you called to do and provide?
Artha - The material resources necessary to fulfill your dharma. Do you need money? How much? What kind of education or experience? Where do you need to live?
Kama - Life’s pleasures. What brings you joy? What fills your cup?
Moksha - Longing to know the eternal. Liberation. Freedom. What are your spiritual goals?
The idea here is to pick which area of your life needs a little extra focus. Which area do you want to make changes in? Taking stock of where you stand now, how is each area doing?
Does one stand out as needing a boost? The area that might need a bit more of a boost than the others is the one to focus on for the formation of your sankalpa.
What is Sankalpa?
It’s your one pointed focus that aligns mind, body and spirit to focus on your chosen resolve.
In yoga, it’s thought of as your heartfelt desire and resolve to do something.
Sankalpa is your personal mantra of the moment. Something that you are deeply committed to achieving in the next 6-18 months, but without the framing of needing to punish yourself to achieve it.
Your sankalpa should be written precisely, in the positive, and as though you have already achieved it.
When writing out your sankalpa, it’s important to use language that aligns with who you are. Try to write it as though it is a statement you are beyond excited to share with the world. For example:
“What joy! I am now at the perfect weight for my body and I feel strong and healthy”
“I can finally relax! My business is effortlessly thriving and provides for all the needs of my family”
“I am truly loved with a partner that is committed, kind, and understands me”
Now you try!
How to Integrate Sankalpa Into Daily Life
Use your sankalpa as you would a mantra: before journaling, repeating in the mirror, with meditation or in your yoga practice, during your morning stretch as you ready for the day.
The trick is to get in a state of gratitude beforehand. Be grateful for everything that has led you to this moment and excited for the coming change because you are ready and capable. Let this mantra penetrate your subconscious and guide your actions towards your stated goal.
Cheers to an amazing 2024!