We all understand the concept of sankalp as that of making up one’s mind about something; about a definite intention or a firm resolve. The concept of Sankalpa in yoga is about harnessing the power of the mind; using one’s will power to make things happen at several levels: in the world around us as well as inside within the body. This firm resolve is meant to unify the complex human mind-body system. Let us see how Sankalpa can be a powerful tool for focusing mental energies to bring about real change.
Sankalpa is a life affirmation
Sankalp or a positive resolve is one among the many ways in which yoga helps point out a better way of life for all of us. It is about resolving to overcome problems, physical infirmities, weaknesses and shortcomings that could be impeding progress or happiness. Simply put, Sankalpa helps increase the will power of a person. By helping to focus mental energies, it helps us tap into our psychic energies in a way that helps the mind and body work together in tandem. In the regular course, much of our focus and inner energies are fragmented and dissipated by all the demands placed on us by the world and people around us.
Sankalp can help us refocus the pran (life force) by removing doubt, confusion and conflict. It is about more than just making a resolution in the sense that some of us decide to make certain life changes via our New Year Resolutions. Here the change is aimed at emotional, spiritual, physical and mental change.
How to harness the power of Sankalpa
Your sankalpa has to be a vow of sorts; a cornerstone philosophy on which our belief systems rest. It is this sankalpa that can and must guide the choices that we make in life. So one could say that there are two types of sankalpa:
- Sankalpa is an affirmation or statement that you make repeatedly to yourself; something that comes to your aid whenever required. This is not unlike the much more modern psychological concept of autosuggestion; where what you tell yourself becomes what you are. When you tell yourself that you will not permit yourself to become angry or agitated, when you repeat to yourself that you will not let certain stressors in your environment get to you; you will actually see these affirmations coming to your aid.
- Sankalpa is also the resolution that you make to achieve a specific goal: working towards quitting a bad habit such as smoking, or even professional or economic goals that you may have set for yourself. It is this very resolve that will help you tide over difficulties and obstacles
To harness the power of Sankalpa, first you need to ask yourself exactly what you want and identify your goals. Do you want to earn more? Do you want to be at peace? Do you need greater acceptance? What is it that your heart desires? Identify your deeper desire; not just its manifestation. If you’re looking to lose weight that may be you looking to be able to love yourself better, or looking for the freedom to do certain things that may be beyond your scope right now. If you’re looking to give up smoking, this may be the first step in taking greater care of your body; to achieve better health overall.
Your sankalpa or affirmative statement should premise itself on “I am” not “I want” or “I will be”. By looking at your goals as a future accomplishment, you’re reinforcing their lack right now. Instead of making your affirmation about fixing something that is wrong, make it about ongoing positive outcomes. Rather than telling yourself “I will/want to lose weight”, tell yourself “I have compassion for my body and that is why I eat right and stay active”. Rather than saying “I will quit smoking” tell yourself “my body is the temple where pollution is not permitted”.
For more ways to connect body, mind & soul, contact Sashi at 99675 31905, or drop in for a free trial yoga class at the Temperance Studio in Bandra west, Mumbai.