New Years Resolutions? Hello to Sankalpas.

It’s that time of year, a time for letting go of the old and letting in the new.  A time for “New Year’s Resolutions”, but do we really need the added pressure of more failures if we don’t follow through?  Lose weight, move more, save money, no junk food, the list goes on.  This year instead of setting yourself up to feel failures or disappointing yourself with unrealistic expectations, why not consider the yogic way and set a Sankalpa?

A Sankalpa is a Sanskrit term meaning a “heartfelt intention”.  Often used prior to a yoga session or meditating to act as a guiding seed for your practise, offering a transformational focus and purpose.  For example, if you are feeling the external chaos and stress of the day or are out of kilter as you land on your mat, a Sankalpa might be “I am grounded”. It differs to other types of resolutions as it is a commitment to yourself with the premise that you are already where you want to be and who you want to be. It is a positive present tense intention that can have profound effects both on and off the mat.  For example, “peace is available to me” as opposed to “I will not get stressed” “I nourish my body with wholesome foods” instead of “I will stop eating junk food”

A Sankalpa helps create focus and direct your energy with an improved self-awareness and a deeper connection to yourself and the goal or purpose you desire.

Where intention goes – energy flows.

Take time to consider what is important to you this year, and perhaps a Sankalpa could be a way of honouring yourself with a new perspective on a resolution.  Repeat your Sankalpa to yourself regularly, in moments of quiet, in meditation or in yoga postures, allowing the intention to bath your subconscious, because you’re worth it!

HAPPY 2026