As we welcome a new year, tradition suggests setting a New Year's Resolution. Often, we make an "I will" statement of self-improvement that drives us to dig deep into our willpower and, usually, our wallets to be a better version of ourselves. This declaration is to fix whatever we find lacking in ourselves (or what someone else finds lacking in us).

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Statistically, about 43% of people abandon their New Year's Resolutions before the end of January, and around 90% abandon their resolutions well before the end of the year. With these odds, it's understandable to question why we continue clinging to these unrealistic, often shame-based traditions.

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Perhaps this new year, rather than setting a short-lived resolution, you can try the yogic tradition of practicing a Sankalpa. There are many similar translations of this Sanskrit word, but I like author and yoga teacher Gabrielle Harris's version:

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San: the truth/that which is true for me.

Kalpa: commitment or vow, a vision for your life.

Sankalpa: a statement arising from contemplation and meditation that you vow to carry with you until you recognize its truth.

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A Sankalpa practice starts from the yogic belief that you are whole, and you are who you need to be to live your heart's desire and life's purpose. Sankalpa differs from the traditional New Year's resolution by honoring your unique and authentic self and cultivating growth instead of trying to release negative patterns or behaviors. Sankalpa is living life less out of habit and more out of intention. As we age, living life habitually can, well, become a habit. As we grow into midlife and beyond, we want to continue embracing joy and purpose.

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As we enter the new year, take some time to reflect on what truly resonates with your heart. Perhaps your Sankalpa is to reconnect with your authentic self, recognizing your inherent worth and the joy you deserve. You might focus on personal growth, seeking to develop healthier habits that enhance your overall wellness. Alternatively, your intention could involve creating more space in your life—reassessing where you allocate your time and energy and letting go of commitments that no longer align with your interests or wellbeing.

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Embrace this opportunity to align your intentions with your true desires.

Try setting a Sankalpa using the steps below. Start by reminding yourself that you are whole. Align your mind, energy, and habits with your deepest desires or higher purpose. Allow yourself months, a year, or more to support your journey.

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Setting your Sankalpa

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Pause and Listen - Set up a comfortable, quiet space where you can take the time you need to sit with your thoughts. Have pen and paper to journal, write single words, or draw pictures that come to mind. Remember, this practice is about you. What is your Sankalpa? Why is it important to you? What steps are needed to bring your intention to fruition?

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Positive and Present - Once you have your Sankalpa, start shaping your thoughts into a concise, positive statement using the present tense. Keeping your Sankalpa simple and concise will help you remember it. A Sankalpa isn't a wish or a prayer. It is a vow that you state and practice in the present moment. Your intentions, your heartfelt desire, should be stated in the present tense. For example, instead of saying, "I want to lose weight," your Sankalpa might be, "I choose nourishing foods and activities that support my body's health and overall wellbeing." 

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Remember and Affirm - Write your Sankalpa down and place it somewhere where you see it regularly. As a gentle reminder, you can also write your intention on sticky notes and place them anywhere you can see them throughout your day.

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Integrate and Practice - Make conscious choices that support your Sankalpa, even in small ways. Tools that you can use to help you are:

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Mindfulness: Find time at the beginning of each day to repeat your Sankalpa to yourself; repeating your Sankalpa out loud can be more impactful and help you reinforce the vow you made to yourself.

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Meditation: If you meditate, visualize, or repeat your Sankalpa. If you don't meditate, now is a great time to start. Even 5 minutes daily can benefit your mental, emotional, and physical health.

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Journaling: Journaling has many benefits for our mental health. Dedicating time to journaling can help you process what is helping or hindering you toward your Sankalpa.

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Resources: Find resources that will help you fulfill your Sankalpa. If your intention is to connect more with others, search for local groups, clubs, and classes to connect with people who share your interests.

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Instead of viewing your Sankalpa as a goal, embrace it as a journey, a vow to yourself that you are mindfully and graciously moving towards. Let the experience enrich your life. I invite you to share your journey – I would love to hear from you!

 

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