A Sankalpa is a powerful intention or resolve that is set during meditation or yoga practice or any time you need a deep resolve to help you move through a certain time in life, be it difficult or not as difficult. It is a statement or affirmation that reflects one's deepest desires and intentions, and is believed to have the power to manifest positive change in one's life.

A Sankalpa is important because it helps to focus the mind and channel one's energy towards a specified outcome or desire. By setting a Sankalpa, individuals can align their thoughts, words, and actions with their deepest desires, and create a sense of purpose and direction in their lives.

When I was in yoga teacher training, one of the biggest tools that helped me get through those 8 months was my Sankalpa - yes, it was that transformational for me!

A Sankalpa is personal. It's unique to you and the desire, challenge, or time of life that you are creating one for. I stated my Sankalpa to myself as I was driving to the yoga teacher training, and anytime I felt down, doubtful, not good enough, etc. 

And when we were asked who wanted to go in front of the group for the first time and teach a pose, it was my Sankalpa that lead me to be the first one up there. And I could also feel the support of all the other trainees, as when you take a Yoga Teacher Training, you are all in it together❣️ 

Another important aspect is that the practice of repeating a Sankalpa regularly, can help to reprogram the subconscious mind and overcome negative thought patterns and limiting beliefs - the Sanskrit term for this is Samskaras. By cultivating a positive and empowering Sankalpa, individuals can create a more positive and fulfilling life for themselves.

As Marc Holzman stated in the Yoga Nidra Immersion event we had at Hope Yoga a couple weeks, ago, 

"A Sankalpa is a tool to determine the course of your life. It's you deciding where you want your life to go VS. where it will go based on past impressions (Samskaras).

Namasté,

gina