Sankalpa vs Resolution
A sankalpa is the practice of conscious intention setting. It is setting an intention rather than a resolution or an expectation. No guilt is attached to it if you have trouble sticking to your intention. There is less pressure to meet your expectation at all costs. A sankalpa takes a more positive approach rather than focusing on what you are doing wrong.
When expectations rule our lives, we set ourselves up for disappointment and then we judge ourselves harshly. Aim to release expectations about how you think your life should be and approach life from a place of exploration. That doesn’t mean you can’t set goals for yourself, it’s still okay to have a goal, but just leave room for something even greater to spontaneously occur.
Pranayama Mantra: Breathe in – acceptance, Breathe out – expectation. You can use this breath mantra on or off the mat.
Questions to ask yourself:
- Do you have expectations for your- self that don’t really serve your best interests? Are their expectations you put on your-self in relationships, work, and love? Are they realistic?
- What happens when you don’t fulfill your expectations?
- Are there expectations you put on others, and why?
- Are there expectations put upon you by others? If so, how does this make you feel?
Mantras:
- I set my attention to my intention.
- Energy flows where intention goes.
- I live less out of habit and more out of intent.
Sankalpa:
Now think about how you intend to feel this year, what you want to be doing, who you want to do things with and how you can go about this intention. As you think intention not expectation you take some pressure of yourself as you head into the near.
Article by Martine Ford
