The Sanskrit word sankalpa refers to making a serious intention or vow, in which you resolve to take a specific action and/or to ensure that something will come to pass. When a sankalpa is made in clarity, humility and enthusiasm, it can be very powerful. It provides you with the vision, energy and momentum to realize your goals. But how do you know if the resolve you are making is aligned with your highest good?
You may believe that a million dollars, a new house or car, or a new lover, will bring you happiness. You feel resolved that you will manifest it. But if these are not an expression of your deepest joy, your true soul purpose, the universe may not support them coming to pass—no matter how hard you try. The universe is compassionate, and compassion comes in many forms—one of which is by not giving you what you want, but providing you with what you need.
You may choose to direct a sankalpa towards your spiritual growth, such as to meditate every day, get rid of extra possessions, release a painful tendency or simply do more acts of kindness. This can be an excellent idea. Yet, even then, you must be wise about the intention you set forward and understand whether the particular practice you are doing is the right one for you and whether you are prepared to follow through on it. It is always prudent to be guided by a realized spiritual master.
Whatever your sankalpa may be, the following exercise will help ensure that your motivation is grounded in your highest good.
EXERCISE
Find a quiet place where you can be alone. Sit quietly. Close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths. Go deeper within and become present with what is. See if you can move beyond the habitual thoughts you have about yourself and what you want.
If you resolve to make money, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is there a part of me that believes I don’t deserve abundance?
- Do I feel indignant or resentful that I don’t have more finances?
- Am I willing to focus on the ways in which my life is already rich?
By feeling abundant and grateful now, you draw wealth into your life. Your resolve for abundance must be built upon abundance.
Now, breathe in the reality, that you rest in infinite abundance. Feel your life flower, from the inside out, in all the richness you need. You are fully supported now.
Allow this reality to flood your every cells. Feel it in your bones. Feel it in your breath. There is no need to force this. Simply feel it to be absolutely true.
As you rest in this feel, feel the joy of the abundance. Feel the ease. Feel the fulfillment. Feel connected.
Now thank the universe for its grace with sincerity. Then let it go with confidence and knowing.
You can do this exercise for any aspect of your life, be it experiencing more love, finding a new job, losing weight, or quitting smoking, or developing spiritually. You need to first challenge any limiting beliefs as to why you think you cannot do this, then rest in the fullness of the reality that it is already so.
Use your body as a guide. A resolve that comes from wanting will feel partial, disconnected and tense. A sankalpa that serves your highest good will feel rooted, vital and expansive. Feeling relaxed and energized by it, you will sense it through your whole body/being.
Setting the sankalpa is just the beginning. Now, live by it. Do this practice as often as you can, feeling the joy in its possibility. Rest in its reality. Act in alignment with it. In doing so, you get out of the way. Your resolve will unfold more beautifully than you could imagine.
Parvati is an award-winning musician (“I Am Light”, “Electro Yog”, “Yoga In The Nightclub”), yogini (YEM: Yoga as Energy Medicine), author (“The Grace Mindset”, “Aonani of Avalon”, “The Three Supreme Secrets for Lasting Happiness”) and founder of the not-for-profit Parvati.org. All her work is dedicated to protecting all life on Earth by establishing the Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary (MAPS). More info: parvati.tv; parvati.org.