Here we are approaching the end of 2019 and the end of a decade!
There is always a lot of talk about New Year’s resolutions at this time of year. In yoga we have something similar to a resolution- it’s called a Sankalpa. I actually really like Wikipedia’s definition of a Sankalpa
Sankalpa (Sanskrit: सङ्कल्प) means an intention formed by the heart and mind -- a solemn vow, determination, or will. In practical terms a Sankalpa means a one-pointed resolve to focus both psychologically and philosophically on a specific goal. A sankalpa is a tool meant to refine the will, and to focus and harmonize mind and body.
In hindsight, I started creating a Sankalpa years before I even had an idea of what it was. In 2008, I was managing a fitness centre and I attended a weekend workshop with a big name fitness competitor. She asked us to bring a piece of paper and a picture frame to the workshop. She had us write out a fitness goal we wanted to set for the year, suggested we draw a picture to enhance the goal, put it in the frame and place it somewhere we could see it everyday. I loved it so much, it has become a ritual for me to do every year since.
For the first couple of years, my goals were pretty general. It was probably around the time that I started working solely as a yoga instructor, that I found the meaning of this yearly resolution or Sankalpa becoming deeper and more meaningful to me. I still have every one I have created and they are still in the same frame I bought all of those years ago. As I went deeper into my study of yoga, I realized that this is the practice of creating my yearly Sankalpa. It gives me a focus for my year, I live my days filled with this intention.
My 2019 Sankalpa was “In 2019 I am feeding my Soul” I have definitely fulfilled this Sankalpa. At the start of this year, I took part in Radiant Body Kundalini Yoga with Kia Miller. Kundalini Yoga has deepened my spiritual practice immensely. One requirement for this training was to meditate every day for 90 days. I finished those 90 days in June and I am still going strong today. My meditation practice and my love and appreciation for Kundalini yoga, have fed my soul in countless ways! In August, I left a job I loved, in order to purse a dream I didn’t even know I had- opening my own yoga studio. This had me stepping far out of comfort zone. That process challenged me so much, I had no choice but to change. Now that the doors of the studio are open, I realize just how much I grew as a person during this amazing, crazy time.
I haven’t chosen my Sankalpa for 2020 yet. I usually have a couple of ideas rolling around in my head. On January 1st, I will write down the one that feels right, draw a little picture to go with my choice and hang it on the wall, where I will see it and read it, multiple times a day.
I can speak from experience, if you want to set a positive vibe to your 2020 and the new decade, I highly recommend this practice!
Happy New Year!
Sandra