SANKALPA: New Year's Intention

A new year's resolution is a noteworthy concept—start off the year with a change for the better. So how come many of us never follow through or we start and then stop? Many resolutions end up as a subconscious exercise in self-loathing.  For instance:

• Lose 10 pounds! (Message to self: You're fat.) 
• Stop drinking caffeine! (You're unhealthy.) 
• Call Mom and Dad once a week! (You're ungrateful.)

Why not celebrate the 2014 new year by trading in your tired (and probably familiar) resolutions for a sankalpa instead?

POSITIVE POWER A Sanskrit word, sankalpa means "will, purpose, or determination." To make a sankalpa is to set an intention; a New Year's resolution with a yogic twist. While a resolution often zeros in on a perceived negative aspect of ourselves (as in, "I want to lose weight, so no more chips, ice cream and cheese"), a sankalpa explores what's behind the thought or feeling ("I crave chocolate chips, ice cream or cheese when I'm feeling stressed or sad. I will set an intention to become conscious of this craving and allow my feelings to arise and pass, rather than fill up on fats"). We need to be mindful through our daily moments so that we can identify, understand, embrace, and overcome these types of compensatory and self-defeating patterns.

EFFORT COUNTS A sankalpa also praises the nobility of the effort rather than focusing on what you are doing wrong. It is a reframing to the positive. I don't know about you, but New Year's resolutions leave me feeling guilty and mad at myself for not keeping them. With a sankalpa, the self-loathing that comes from dwelling on our resoltuion transgressions can begin to dissolve. In its place is an exercise in effort and surrender—create an intention and open yourself to the universe. An intention has much more of a global sense than a resolution and allows us to be softer with ourselves.

SANKALPA SETTING FOR THE NEW YEAR: YOUR PROCESS

WRITE YOUR TYPICAL RESOLUTIONS Take time to prayerfully and thoughtfully choose your resolutions. Make sure they are realistic. Also take note of anything that will need to change, be given up, and any preparation you will need to do in order for you to be successful.  Contemplate how willing you are to do these things.  How willing are you to take ownership of them? 

LOOK INWARD For several days, set aside time to write in a journal and meditate. Mull over your typical resolutions. How do they make you feel? Anxious? Unsettled? Incomplete? Now contemplate how you would like to feel during the coming year. Is there any way you can re-frame your results-oriented resolutions into something that will make this year's journey more joyful and worthwhile?

REPHRASE IT Create a short sentence or phrase for your sankalpa. Be careful not to set limitations based on fear. For example, instead of "May life bring me only happiness and joy this year" consider "May I be happy and open to what life brings me."

BE FIRM BUT FAIR Change doesn't happen overnight. When you stray from the essence of your sankalpa, don't berate yourself. Instead, gently remind yourself of your intention. But be firm in your resolve—it's a good idea to incorporate your sankalpa into your daily routine. Use it as a mantra during Pranayama, yoga or mediation practice; post it on your computer, phone, or mirror; or simply say it to yourself quietly before going to sleep.

REMEMBER You are strong enough inside to no only endure anything you have to deal with but to tally rock it from the inside out! Take the space you need to listen inside until you are ready to talk, speak, and take right action.  Knowing that.....inhale here.......exhale and bow to that awesomeness in you! 

Let Sankalpa Create a Routine in 2014!

NAMASTE!!