What is a Sankalpa?
A unique aspect of Yoga Nidra that sets it apart from other stress relief and relaxation training methods is the Sankalpa. This Sanskrit word is often translated as “a resolve” or “resolution” or “intention”. Brenda Feuerstein, co-founder of Traditional Yoga Studies (and my mentor) explains that “kalpa means ‘vow,’ or ‘the rule to be followed above all other rules. San (or sam) refers to a connection with the highest truth.
Sankalpa, then, is a vow and commitment we make to support our highest truth
I typically avoid Sanskrit words in my teaching, however, I prefer to use the word Sankalpa because the English equivalent just feels empty. Resolve or intention does not fully capture the meaning and intent of this concept. It doesn’t explain the power that your Sankalpa generates for you.
A Sankalpa empowers your yoga Nidra practice. It changes a simple relaxation technique into a transformative process.
Make Positive Changes with your Sankalpa
How many times have you promised yourself that you will make a positive change in your life? Perhaps it was to make lifestyle improvements such as lowering your stress levels or improving your nutrition and exercise habits.
Our day-to-day frame of consciousness (Beta brain waves) makes it difficult to make and maintain these good intentions. They crash into our long-term conditioning, habits, and social pressures (which exist in our subconscious). Through no fault of your own, your mind is simply not very receptive to making these changes.
During Yoga Nidra, we experience a range of different types of brain wave levels: alpha, theta, beta and delta frequencies. The delta level reached at the end of practice is very receptive to suggestions and change.
In that delta state, you can implant your Sankalpa in your subconscious mind. This technique allows significant and transformative change to take root and grow.
Types of Sankalpas
Choose something personally meaningful. You can have one to bring about short-term results (“ Get me through this stressful day”) but having a Sankalpa that really feels right and solidifies your deepest desires will generate both short-and long-term results.
Next, reflect on the opposite qualities that would be a remedy to the symptoms of stress or habit you wish to remove. For example, if you experience fear as a symptom, being brave or courageous are potential Samkalpa to consider. Look for trends next. Do one or two qualities stand out? Is there a common thread that ties most everything together? Could there be something that simply seems right?
Keep in mind that making intellectual goals rarely yields results; find a balance between thinking it through and letting it come to you intuitively. There is time set aside during the practice to consider your Sankalpa. Let it evolve during this time.
Be consistent. Changing your resolution too often or having too many breeds confusion, which diminishes its effectiveness. Even though you may see results early on, give your Sankalpa a chance to fully manifest and make a difference in your life in multiple ways.
Remember your Sankalpa when you are wake up or go to sleep. This is a potent time to reinforce the qualities being created in your subconscious.
Questions to Ask Yourself
As Kelly McGonigal recommends in this yoga International Article…
To discover your heartfelt desire, reflect on the following four questions. Before you dive into self-inquiry, spend a few minutes in quiet meditation. Let the mind settle and become spacious. Cultivate an attitude of listening, and welcome whatever feeling, images, and thoughts might arise in response to these questions.
So with an attitude of listening, answer these questions as you tune into your ultimate Sankalpa…
What is something I really want in my life?
- How do you think achieving it will make you feel?
- What is the most important goal in my life right now?
- Have you been working towards something? What desire is behind that goals?
Devoting energy and resources to what?
- At this stage in your life, what direction do you find yourself being pulled toward?
- What stands out as the biggest opportunity or responsibility in your life?
What is my biggest dream for myself and my life?
- Do you want your Sankalpa to relate to a big dream or vision for your life?
- Is there a deeper longing that feels a bit risky to the conditioned mind, and makes you feel vulnerable, open, and tender?
Translate this desire into a specific intention by asking yourself the following questions:
- What action(s) can I commit to that is consistent with this heartfelt desire?
- What needs to happen in the next 6 to 18 months to move me forward on my path? What is the first step in this direction?
If you need any help creating your Sankalpa, contact me
