Yoga Nidra, or yogic sleep, is often recognized for its deep relaxation benefits, yet at its core, it is a powerful practice for personal growth and transformation. One of the key elements that make this practice transformative is the Sankalpa—a personal, heartfelt intention or resolve. In Sanskrit, "Sankalpa" translates roughly to "intention" or "resolve," but it goes far beyond a simple goal. It’s a deep, conscious affirmation that speaks to the most meaningful aspects of your life, guiding you towards becoming the best version of yourself.
In this article, we’ll delve into the significance of our Sankalpa, our heartfelt intention, how it functions within Yoga Nidra, and how it supports profound change by aligning our conscious intentions with our subconscious mind.
Understanding Sankalpa: What Is It?
Sankalpa is a practice that predates Yoga Nidra and has its roots in ancient yogic philosophy. Unlike the New Year’s resolutions or goals that people typically set, a Sankalpa is not about pushing oneself toward an external outcome. Instead, it’s about honoring what is already true within us, acknowledging our deepest desires, and committing to that truth. It is less of an ambition and more of an alignment with our authentic self.
A Sankalpa is typically stated in a short, positive, present-tense phrase, such as:
"I am at peace with myself."
"I am healthy and whole."
"I am compassionate and kind."
These intentions are timeless and affirm your connection to personal values, acting as an anchor that guides you back to your center, no matter what life throws your way.
The Power of Sankalpa in Yoga Nidra
Most of our conscious behaviour and actions are governed by our subconscious, most of the decisions you make are driven by the subconscious mind's analysis of past experiences- good or bad. Throughout your life, you may notice that some of your reactions, behaviours or habits are really hard to change- that is because thy are rooted in the subconscious mind, and even being aware and conscious of said-habits doesn't make them any harder to change.
During a Yoga Nidra session, the Sankalpa is repeated at specific points to reach the subconscious mind more deeply, and that's where habits and patterns can be changed. Since Yoga Nidra brings practitioners to a state between wakefulness and sleep, the mind is open to suggestion, similar to a hypnagogic state. In this deeply relaxed yet aware state, the Sankalpa is like a seed planted in fertile ground, where it can bypass the conscious mind’s filters and directly connect with the subconscious. Consistent and regular Yoga Nidra practices using the same Sankalpa can truly change the roots of our habits, and as a result, make a change and transform our conscious behaviour.
How Sankalpa Works in Yoga Nidra
Connection to the Subconscious Mind: In this deeply dream or relaxed state, your subconscious mind is more receptive to positive affirmations. The Sankalpa you set takes root, influencing your thoughts, habits, and actions over time without resistance from the conscious mind.
Integration of Desire and Belief: Often, our goals are thwarted by self-doubt or limiting beliefs. The Sankalpa serves as a bridge between desire and belief. By repeating your Sankalpa in a relaxed state, you reinforce it to a point where you begin to believe in it fully, allowing your actions to align with this new belief naturally.
Building Resilience and Focus: Having a Sankalpa is like having a compass. Even during life’s challenges, the Sankalpa can serve as a mental anchor, guiding you back to your purpose and helping you remain resilient. In this way, it helps build focus and mental clarity.
Creating Your Sankalpa: Steps to Identify Your True Intention
Identifying a Sankalpa may seem challenging, but by tuning into yourself, you can discover intentions that resonate deeply. Here are steps to help you uncover your Sankalpa:
Step 1: Reflect on Your Deepest Desires and Values:
Begin by considering what brings you a sense of purpose, joy, and meaning. Think about the qualities you wish to cultivate, not what you feel pressured to achieve. Write down these desires and review them to find themes.
Step 2: Phrase Your Sankalpa in the Present Tense
To be effective, a Sankalpa should be stated as if it is already happening. This positive, present-tense phrasing makes the intention feel immediate and real. Use affirmations like "I am" or "I feel" to solidify this reality.
Step 3: Ensure Your Sankalpa Is Clear, Concise and Powerful
The Sankalpa should be a short, simple statement that resonates with you. It should feel impactful but not overwhelming. A single sentence that you can easily recall and repeat is ideal.
Step 4: Test It with Your Heart
Repeat your Sankalpa to yourself, closing your eyes and allowing it to sink in. If it feels right, you may experience a sense of calm, resonance, or excitement. Trust that this is the right Sankalpa for you.
Practicing Sankalpa in Yoga Nidra
In a typical Yoga Nidra practice, you’ll have the opportunity to repeat your Sankalpa twice —once at the beginning and once at the end. This timing is intentional, creating bookends that hold the entire practice within your intention.
Setting the Intention at the Beginning: As the Yoga Nidra session begins and you start to relax, bring your Sankalpa to mind. Repeat it silently, allowing it to fill your awareness. This sets the stage for the practice and aligns your purpose with the relaxation that follows.
Reinforcing the Intention at the End: After the body and mind have been brought to a deeply relaxed state, you repeat your Sankalpa. Here, your mind is even more receptive, making this repetition more potent. It is at this point that the intention is most likely to sink into the subconscious, strengthening its impact.
How Sankalpa Leads to Transformation
The practice of Sankalpa isn’t about overnight success or rapid change. Instead, it’s a gentle but consistent path to transformation. Here’s how it helps create lasting change:
Cultivating Inner Alignment
When you repeat a Sankalpa regularly, it becomes part of who you are. It influences your mindset, outlook, and even your behavior, creating harmony between what you want and what you believe.
Enhancing Self-Awareness
As you progress with your Sankalpa, you develop a deeper awareness of your thoughts and actions. You may notice negative patterns that no longer serve you and naturally shift toward choices that align with your intention.
Empowering Positive Change
Over time, the Sankalpa works as a self-fulfilling prophecy. By reinforcing a positive affirmation about yourself, you begin to act in ways that support and manifest this intention.
Building Confidence
Setting an intention and regularly repeating it helps you believe in your ability to change. This belief fosters self-confidence, reinforcing the idea that you are capable of aligning your life with your most cherished values.
Integrating Sankalpa Beyond Yoga Nidra
Though Sankalpa is most often used within Yoga Nidra, you can integrate it into daily life. Here’s how to make it part of your routine:
Morning Meditation: Begin each day by repeating your Sankalpa upon waking.
Midday Check-In: Take a moment to remember your Sankalpa during a busy day to help center your mind.
Evening Reflection: Reflect on your Sankalpa before sleep, helping reinforce it as part of your nightly routine.
Join us for Rest & Reset to experience the blissful rest of Yoga Nidra in person.
If you’ve been curious about the powerful effects of Yoga Nidra and the practice of setting a Sankalpa (a heartfelt intention), these next two Rest & Reset Sunday events are a perfect opportunity to experience it all in person! These 90-minute sessions are designed to help you release what no longer serves you and embrace a fresh start through guided journaling, Hatha yoga, and a deeply restful Yoga Nidra practice. With only two more events before I go on maternity leave, now is an ideal time to join us and immerse yourself in the magic of Yoga Nidra, letting the practice of Sankalpa guide you toward a more aligned and intentional life. Don’t miss this chance to connect, rejuvenate, and discover the transformative power of conscious rest..
Sankalpa in Yoga Nidra is more than an intention; it is a path to transformation, guiding you to your truest self. By engaging with your Sankalpa regularly, you create a powerful connection between your conscious goals and subconscious beliefs, allowing for lasting, meaningful change. Whether you're new to Yoga Nidra or looking to deepen your practice, embracing your Sankalpa can be the key to personal growth and inner harmony.
Comments