Setting New Intentions in a New Year

You are already complete and whole.

In yoga we often speak of the Sanskrit word sankalpa or setting an intention. Sometimes this setting of an intention can be confused with endless goals or resolutions when in reality they are quite different. While resolutions often begin with the premise that you are not enough or that something needs to change or "get better," a sankalpa reminds us that we already have everything we need in this moment, that we are already whole, and that we are already enough.

Oftentimes (speaking for myself) we can become disconnected from this and forget our deeper purpose or dharma. This yogic tradition asks us to remember who we are and tune inward to our heart's deepest desire. A sankalpa invites us to explore the essence of what is beneath the goal. It can be a statement or a reminder to come back to your true, divine nature or a letting go of all that may be in the way of realizing this.

Here’s a short meditation to connect inward to your own sankalpa.

Practice: Take a moment to find a comfortable seat. Close your eyes to shift the gaze to the internal space. Allow yourself a few moments to settle. Tune in to the natural rhythm of your breath—the rise of the inhale, the fall and letting go of the exhale. When you start to feel a deeper sense of quiet, listen inward and ask your inner teacher or inner wisdom: What is my sankalpa or deepest heartfelt desire? Notice what arises and take a few moments to listen. You will know it is true when you feel a sense of freedom and ease in your body and heart. Make a solemn vow to yourself and state your intention in the present tense. Write this down and come back to your sankalpa over and over again as a guiding principle.