Sankalpa (Sanskrit: संकल्प) means to conceive or reveal a truth resting in one's heart center. 

Your Sankalpa - which is a positive phrase, stated in the present tense - reflects the essence of who you really are, who you were born to be...

As a phrase of positive intent, it could become a guiding light in your life when applied long term. It can also be crafted to address an acute situation of concern, as well.  

Take a moment to consider what is it that your heart desires to experience or express in this lifetime. Cultivate a Sankalpa as an intention or an affirmation of THAT!

Sankalpa is:

•  A simple, precise declaration of what you would like to achieve, experience, or cultivate in your life.  
• An easy-to-remember phrase stated it in the present tense, in as few words as possible.
• It needs to be believable and speak to your inner child.
• Compliment it with a colorful, lighthearted image developed in your mind's eye.
• The phrase, combined with an image in your mind's eye, will support you in releasing the beauty within.

The use of a Sankalpa during Yoga Nidra is critical because it helps focus the mind and body on your desired result.    

You repeat your Sankalpa several times in one practice, and it is suggested that one use the same Sankalpa for a minimum of five sessions of Yoga Nidra to receive optimum effect.

A Sankalpa applied in a Yoga Nidra practice is ideally centered on a personal quality that you would like to enhance in your "being." Some examples might include: patience, good health, success with a specific endeavor, or general prosperity and well being. This quality could include "abundance" on all levels. 

The more exact you can be with the wording, the better. The more succinct the wording, the easier it will be to repeat it, when prompted, during the YN practice.


How to Develop Your Sankalpa

Beginning  with single words, start jotting down concepts or ideas that speak to you (love, fear, joy, sadness, travel, partner, stability, family, etc.) or represent qualities you would like to embody (or something you'd like to change). Consider those things that create a burning longing within you, or bring up sadness, or offer profound joy. Can you identify that feeling, that desire at the core of your being and describe it in just a few words? Sankalpa defines a quality of being - something inside that calls to you. 

Now - begin to create a phrase that describes that in positive way (if you were to transform sadness to something positive, for example, what would that look like? Find words to describe the opposite of sadness.). Then, see if you can formulate a simple sentence around the more compelling words, creating an intention or an affirmation that feels right (ie: I open to love in all moments; I experience joy and prosperity in all I do; Clarity fills my being. etc.).  Make it a statement of fact, rather than a wish (I am whole, healed, and healthy in this and every moment vs. May I be healed.).

Remember - Write your Sankalpa in the present tense, as if you have already achieved it.  For example, if you wish to be more relaxed and peaceful, you might state "I am relaxed, centered and peaceful" or "I experience a deep sense of peacefulness in all situations."  A more global version of this might be "I cultivate health, peace and prosperity in all my actions and endeavors."  Also, the shorter the phrase, the easier it will be to repeat it the same way each time you use it.


Finally... take a moment to envision what it would be like to experience the result.  What would it feel like to be peaceful, for example?  What would it look like? Does your statement speak to your inner child?  Is it colorful?  Believable?  If not, spend a little more time cultivating a brief phrase that describes exactly what you're seeking.  Then, in your mind's eye, develop an image that reflects that. If it helps, you could color, paint, sculpt or draw an image to accompany the phrase you've created and use it as a reminder as you go through your day. The idea is to let your inner desire express itself fully. Let your vision flow!


Benefits of using your Sankalpa

Generally, a Sankalpa helps you focus and therefore maximize the benefits that come from practicing Yoga Nidra. In the beginning of a yoga nidra practice, it provides an anchor/a reminder of why we're practicing.  Later on, as one has dropped into a more relaxed state, it is actually seeded into the brain, supplanting other less beneficial thoughts.  This can support gradual yet profound change in the way we think, act, and process life... 

Coming in for private sessions with Sharon can support you in healing unresolved issues in body/mind/spirit. Practicing this in a group setting is also beneficial, although you don't necessarily receive the individual attention needed for more serious issues. 

Using your Sankalpa during several  Yoga Nidra sessions allows you to build a natural momentum with your intention, moving you further toward your desired result. Using your Sankalpa as an affirmation outside of Yoga Nidra helps you neurologically anchor your new belief. The image associated with your Sankalpa is important, too...

I  invite you to draft a Sankalpa before you arrive for Yoga Nidra class.  Please feel free to seek guidance from me as needed at the beginning of class so that you can easily repeat it during our guided session(s) as prompted, and have fun incorporating it into your life by repeating it throughout the day! 


Please contact me if you have questions. I can be reached by email at [email protected]. 
 
In your service,
  ~Sharon




PS  - here are some Sankalpa ideas, several of which still need to be distilled...
 

·      Thankful for the past, I move forward with confidence and grace.

·      I honor my soul’s path as it opens fully.

·      I awaken my spiritual potential.

·      I experience success in all undertakings.

·      Surrender and acceptance make way for all possibilities.

·      I embody optimal health.

·       Stiffness and disease leave my body as I open to total health.

·       My awareness and concentration improves daily.

·       Every Day and in every way I’m getting better and better.

·       I am whole, healed, and healthy…   or…  My friend (…) is healed, whole and healthy.

·       I open to health and wellbeing in every moment.

·      Creativity blossoms.

·      Clarity fills my being.

·       Through transition I allow my creative side to blossom.

·       My life’s work fulfills me

·        I creatively nurture my productive and prosperous side.

·       I open to love or I open to Love and Light.

·       My true nature is love, which I am in this moment.

·       I am full and complete just as I am.