We come to the mat for physical practice, for the stretch, the strength, and the breath. But what about the practice that extends beyond the asanas? Have you ever wondered how to bring the peace and clarity you find in yoga into your daily life, off the mat? This is where the profound practice of Sankalpa comes in.
Practicing with intention brings a sense of contentment
What is Sankalpa?
Yoga, at its heart, is far more than physical postures. It’s a journey of self-discovery, a path to inner peace, calm,and a connection to something deeper.
Within the yogic tradition, Sankalpa, meaning “intention” or “resolve,” is a powerful tool for cultivating inner transformation, a way to deepen your yoga practice beyond simply the physical body. It helps you to point yourself in the direction of what you truly require and desire, both on and off the yoga mat.
In Sanskrit, “San” means connection to highest truth, and “Kalpa” means vow. In yoga, this translates to a deeply felt intention, a guiding principle that resonates with your core values.
It’s not just a New Year’s resolution focused on external changes; it’s an internal shift, directing your state of being. Through Sankalpa, we move beyond the physical benefits of yoga, diving into the mental and spiritual realms.
For example, instead of “I will become more flexible,” a Sankalpa might be “I easily adapt to changes in my life.”
How do you find your Sankalpa?
Finding your Sankalpa is a journey of self-reflection, guided by your inner wisdom and the deep insights of yoga.
During meditation or at the end of your savasana, in those quiet moments, ask yourself: “What truly matters to me?”, “What qualities do I want to cultivate?”, “Where do I really want my life to be?”.
Consider how you want to embody the essence of yoga – oneness, compassion, mindfulness – in your daily life. Journaling or drawing can be a valuable tool. Ask yourself, “What feelings arise during my practice?” and “How can I extend the sense of peace from my mat to my daily life?”
Listen to your inner guide, that still voice within. Pranayama breathwork can quiet the mind and create space for this intuition. Sankalpa is about being, not just doing, so finding space between thoughts and actions helps it to make itself known. It aligns perfectly with “sthira sukham asanam” from the Yoga Sutras, emphasizing inner stability through the balance of effort and ease.
Yoga Nidra and Sankalpa
A particularly effective practice for discovering and working with your Sankalpa is Yoga Nidra. In this state of conscious deep relaxation, the mind is highly receptive with little effort. Well guided Yoga Nidra can help you explore, form and clarify your deep intuitive wishes by connecting you with your senses, providing skillful visualisation and easing you into that state of being rather than doing.
The layers of the subconscious are more accessible in Yoga Nidra, allowing your Sankalpa, your intention, to deeply take root. Yoga Nidra provides a fertile ground for planting the seeds of your intention, allowing them to blossom in your daily life.
During a Yoga Nidra session, you can gently explore the landscape of your inner self, listening for the whispers of your heart’s true desires.
How do you work with your Sankalpa?
Once you’ve discovered your Sankalpa, the real work begins. Formulate it into a clear, concise, and positive “I am” statement. This aligns with the present-moment focus of yoga and the concept that we are all deeply and immediately connected with everything else in the universe. Anything that we want to be, that we can be, is already a seed within us; our Sankalpa is a powerful way of drawing it out and nurturing it to its full form.
Weave your Sankalpa into your practice. Repeat it at the start of a class or a practice- I usually ask students to call on their Sankalpa at this point. You may also repeat it to yourself during transitions between poses, during breathwork, and during Yoga Nidra. This repetition reinforces your intention, embedding it into your practice and your life.
Visualization is another powerful tool. During meditation or Yoga Nidra, visualize yourself embodying your Sankalpa, using the imagery of your yoga practice. Imagine yourself moving with grace, breathing with ease, and radiating peace, or whatever else your Sankalpa calls for. Extend this visualization beyond the mat, integrating your Sankalpa into your daily life. If your Sankalpa is “I am patient,” practice patience during challenging situations, mirroring the patience required in holding a difficult pose.
The Benefits of Sankalpa
Working with Sankalpa deepens your connection to your inner self and your very personal experience of yoga, enhancing mindfulness and presence both on and off the mat. Sankalpa work fosters inner peace and stability, reflecting the qualities cultivated in your practice. It leads to a more integrated and meaningful yoga journey; a deeper understanding, through practical application, of the ancient practices of yoga and how powerful they still are today.
This workshop is an opportunity to delve into practicing with intention, to work with techniques for finding and formulating your Sankalpa, and to experience guided meditation and Yoga Nidra to explore and reinforce your intention. We’ll blend yogic philosophy with practical exercises, creating a supportive community for shared exploration. You’ll learn how to integrate your Sankalpa into your existing yoga practice, and how to carry that sense of peace and clarity into your everyday life.
Join us to discover your inner compass, to transform your practice, and to live a more intentional life. Let’s explore the transformative power of Sankalpa together, and take yoga beyond the poses, into the heart of our being.
Emmalene will be running a Sankalpa Workshop at the studio on the 12th of April 2-4pm. Open to all abilities.
Book the Sankalpa Workshop Here